Jacqueline Woodson: What reading slowly taught me about writing | TED

Summary

In this reflective narrative, the speaker draws a parallel between the story of Oscar Wilde's 'The Selfish Giant' and their own childhood, emphasizing the importance of slow, deep reading as a means of connecting with the past and honoring the power of storytelling. The speaker's journey from a religious upbringing to a life of writing is interwoven with the history of their ancestors, highlighting the resilience and significance of narratives in shaping identity and community.

Takeaways

• 📚 The story of 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde is a metaphor for the importance of sharing and the consequences of selfishness.
• 👧 The speaker grew up in a religious family with a strong emphasis on reading, which influenced their love for literature and slow, thoughtful reading.
• 🏡 The speaker's childhood in Brooklyn was marked by a desire to read deeply, despite the temptations of outdoor play and the noise of the city.
• 👀 The act of reading slowly allowed the speaker to delve deeper into the narratives and characters, revealing new insights with each reading.
• 🌱 The concept of the 'fictive dream' or 'dream of fiction' is introduced as the immersive experience of being within a story's world, which the speaker deeply values.
• 📖 The speaker believes that stories are meant to be savored and that the reader's role is to respect the narrative crafted by the author.
• 🌐 The speaker reflects on the evolution of technology and its impact on how stories are consumed, noting a potential loss of the slower, more immersive reading experience.
• 🔍 The speaker's love for deep observation and narrative possibilities has been a gift, teaching them about writing and creating worlds for others to connect with.
• 👣 The speaker's family history and the legacy of their ancestors, who were not allowed to read, underscores the power and importance of storytelling as a form of resistance and preservation of culture.
• 🔥 The act of reading slowly is a form of homage to the speaker's ancestors and a way to remember and respect the enduring power of stories.
• 🌟 The power of storytelling is universal and timeless, connecting us to our past, present, and future, and serving as a means to feel less alone and to effect change in the world.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story 'The Selfish Giant' by Oscar Wilde?

The main theme of 'The Selfish Giant' is the transformation of the Giant's character from selfishness to generosity, and the importance of sharing one's possessions, in this case, his garden, with others.

How did the author's childhood environment influence their reading habits?

The author was raised in a religious family and spent more time reading religious and recreational books than watching television. The author's environment encouraged a deep engagement with books, leading to a slow and thoughtful reading style.

Why did the author's teacher in the 1970s push them to read faster?

The teacher aimed to have her students read not just at grade level, but far above it. The push for faster reading was part of an educational approach to enhance literacy and comprehension skills.

What does the author mean by the 'fictive dream' or 'dream of fiction'?

The 'fictive dream' refers to the immersive experience of being inside a book, spending time with the characters and the world created by the author, which the reader is invited to explore and understand.

How does the author view the role of the reader in relation to the narrative?

The author believes that the reader's role is to respect the narrative crafted by the author, to savor the story, and to understand that the story was created to be experienced slowly and thoughtfully.

What is the significance of storytelling in human history according to the script?

Storytelling is one of the earliest forms of human communication and connective technology, used to share ideas, information, and memory. It has played a crucial role in the development of societies and the preservation of cultural heritage.

How does the author describe the impact of technology on our engagement with stories?

The author suggests that as technology advances and offers more immediate forms of entertainment, stories may feel as though they are being pushed out of the way. However, the author also emphasizes the enduring power of stories regardless of the format.

What does the author believe is the key to a meaningful writing and reading experience?

The author believes that taking one's time with the narrative, looking deeply and closely at the world, and respecting the author's work are key to a meaningful writing and reading experience.

How does the author connect their personal story to the broader history of storytelling?

The author connects their personal story to the broader history of storytelling by reflecting on their family's history in a segregated neighborhood and the importance of narrative in preserving their heritage and identity.

What message does the author convey about the power and longevity of stories?

The author conveys that stories have the power to connect people, legitimize experiences, and inspire change. They emphasize that the power of story endures through generations and will continue to do so.

How does the author's experience with 'The Selfish Giant' influence their perspective on reading and writing?

The author's experience with 'The Selfish Giant' taught them about the depth and complexity of narratives, the importance of empathy and understanding in storytelling, and the value of taking time to savor and analyze the stories they read.