Lecture on Harold Bloom and His Philosophies on Reading

Introduction

• Harold Bloom: Renowned American literary critic.
  • Positions: Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale, Berg Professor of English at NYU.
  • Author of over 20 books.
• Recent Book: How to Read and Why
  • Focuses on reading as a personal pleasure and self-discovery.

Core Ideas from the Book

• Importance of Reading:
  • Critical for clear thinking and memory.
  • Reading quality works is crucial for maintaining democracy.
  • Reading as a means of self-discovery and pleasure.

Bloom's Motivations

• Extend influence beyond the classroom.
• Emphasizes reading classics for self-improvement.
• Concerns over mediocrity in literature.
  • Critical of popular but poorly written works (e.g., "Harry Potter").

Challenges in Modern Reading

• Debasement of Popular Taste:
  • Influence of screens (TV, movies, internet) on reducing quality reading time.
• Impact on Education:
  • Even top students have read less.

Arguments for Classical Literature

• Selecting Quality Works:
  • Encourages reading profound, lasting literature.
  • Examples: Shakespeare, Dante, Dickens, Jane Austen.
• Memorization:
  • Advocates for memorizing poetry to internalize its impact.
  • Example Poem: "Tom o' Bedlam" (possible Shakespearean authorship).

Bloom's Criticism of Modern Trends

• Harry Potter Phenomenon:
  • Sees it as a trend with no lasting value.
• Internet's Role:
  • Concerned it prevents young people from developing deep reading habits.

Literary Genius

• Upcoming Book: Genius
  • Defense of individual genius and its recognition.
• Concern about universities overlooking genius in favor of historical contexts.

Final Thoughts

• Emphasizes the finite nature of life and the importance of valuable reading.
• Bloom's deep appreciation for poetry and its lasting impact on personal growth.
• Recognition of great American literature, e.g., Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian".
  • Compares its significance to "Moby Dick".

Bloom's perspective indicates a deep concern for the preservation of quality literature and the critical role it plays in personal and societal development. His advocacy for reading classics and his concern over contemporary trends illustrate his commitment to literary excellence.