Studies have shown that learning about literature and writing for short periods of time develops new interests and discipline in many different areas of life, and also positively impacts brain function, connectivity and development. The continuous and egalitarian process of posting on Silkworm Reading gives students the opportunity to be exposed to various books, forms of media, and types of theory and criticism, sparking interest in further engagement, and providing information to help them start or continue their reading journey.
While the field of science implies that we can only access and assess our own consciousness, literary studies tell us that fiction, poetry, and other forms of self-expression are adequate tools to at least contemplate how other minds work. Psychologists are beginning to acknowledge the importance of fiction for understanding the workings of the mind. In her insightful book Peter Pan and the Mind of J.M. Barrie, neuroscientist Rosalind Ridley states: “Literature and art have always been a primary source of psychological insight and writers and painters frequently bring to our attention the way things can be, so that we come to understand the world differently” (2016, p. 34). Literary studies, in turn, explore how cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, imagination, prediction, inference, and empathy are reflected in fiction and enable us to employ life-to-text and text-to-life strategies; that is, to bring our real-life experience to understanding fictional events and characters, and to transfer our understanding of fictional events and characters onto real-life events and relationships (Zunshine, 2006/2012; Keen, 2008; Vermeule, 2010; Hogan 2011; Hogan, 2012; Zunshine, 2015). Taking significant time to reflect on literature and media, then, and sharing one's findings with others can be an enjoyable and practical experience that precludes greater success everywhere.
NURTURE.
College students often lack essential information and experience about the value of English and literary studies before making major decisions. Silkworm Reading promotes greater exposure to blogging and literary criticism at Stony Brook University and the surrounding community, while distilling course syllabi and research papers for lay audiences. Digital mentorship opportunities abound on this website, where natural commentary may lead to building new relationships with experienced college students and professionals who work in and enjoy scholarship in English, writing, and other humanities fields. Unlike traditional venues like literary journals or publishing houses, inclusion is less conditional on pre-existing experience, inviting budding literary critics in and placing them on the same level as experts instead of keeping them out.
We offer gentle correction and discipline through the initial email exchange where the first blog post is sent before becoming an established member of Silkworm Reading, in order to ease students into the habit of writing freely and without inhibition. However, there is an emphasis on intelligent writing with an eye toward sharing lived wisdom and aiming for self-improvement, as is defined for each unique individual. Every member will gain never-before-shared knowledge by browsing the archives, and have the opportunity to document their own literary discoveries. Posting accessibility will be maintained at any time of day and any physical location without an editing or rejection process after the first post, unless marked for abuse by the founder or any other member. Students will feel more prepared and motivated for English and humanities classes while building leadership in digital mentors (the most dedicated posters and commenters).
Recent brain research demonstrates, on a small scale and short term, that engaging with fiction enhances empathy and theory of mind (TOM); namely, our capacity to understand the thoughts and feelings of real and fictional people (e.g. Djikic et al., 2013; Kidd and Castano, 2013; Black and Barnes, 2015; Burke et al., 2016; Kidd et al., 2016). Psychologist Keith Oatley suggests that fiction also contributes to our social skills: “If fiction is the simulation of social worlds then, similar to people who improve their flying skills in a flight simulator, those who read fiction might improve their social skills” (2016, p. 619). Literary scholars seem to have finally received justification for their academic pursuits from skeptical colleagues within the natural and social sciences. We can claim that reading fiction is beneficial because it enhances our cognitive, emotional and social skills. Children’s literature, then, might be a good implement for training children to become responsible and empathetic members of society. As we reach for a further metaphor -- in many East Asian narratives, sexual maturation into the notion of pure love teaches us to give and care with no intention to win or take. And college literary studies may follow as tools for adulthood, lifting individuals out of self-absorption and engaging them in a larger social landscape -- with people and country.
PROVIDE.
Learning about literary criticism has its hurdles due to considerable time spent in isolated study and interpretation. Students face difficulty gaining access to instructor commentary outside of courses, not to mention maintaining interest in a literary education that is introduced to them early on as mainly comprised of the English canon. Through the formation of this reading group, we hope to make active commentary on one's own unique reading of a novel more accessible to those without the opportunities or peer support to maintain engagement with literature, in particular books and media outside of Eurocentric dominance. Members are introduced to genres such as poetry, which aids self-expression and greater self-awareness, and are encouraged to pay attention to wordplay, assonance, consonance, and more skills to craft pleasing blog posts and improve general writing skills. The writing of responses and poetry becomes a constructive way to gain insight into the meaning of our lives by resulting in a valuable end product, a gift of inspiration or education to others. Frequent sharing of writing helps answer universal questions, fears, and emotions, and sharing one's findings can help others.
The program in Medical Humanities & Arts at University of California, Irvine even included poetry in their curriculum as a way of enhancing empathy and compassion in doctors, and the intense empathy developed by so many poets is a skill essential to those who occupy executive suites and regularly need to understand the feelings and motivations of board members, colleagues, customers, suppliers, community members, and employees. Reading and writing poetry also develops creativity. In an interview with Knowledge@Wharton, Dana Gioia says, “As [I rose] in business … I felt I had an enormous advantage over my colleagues because I had a background in imagination, in language and in literature.” Noting that the Greek root for poetry means “maker,” Dana emphasizes that senior executives need not just quantitative skills but “qualitative and creative” skills and “creative judgment,” and feels reading and writing poetry is a route to developing those capabilities. Indeed, poetry may be an even better tool for developing creativity than conventional fiction. Clare Morgan, in her book What Poetry Brings to Business, cites a study showing that poems caused readers to generate nearly twice as many alternative meanings as “stories,” and poetry readers further developed greater “self-monitoring” strategies that enhanced the efficacy of their thinking processes. These creative capabilities can help executives keep their organizations entrepreneurial, draw imaginative solutions, and navigate disruptive environments where data alone are insufficient to make progress.
When reading responses, one is able to challenge his or her own perspectives, to become more tolerant of different points of view, and to appreciate the nuances of various opinions. Reading poetry can also help individuals feel connected to others; oftentimes, reading a poem can remind the individual of a similar experience or emotion, creating a sense of belonging. And when provided a space to share writing with others, as one is listening to others’ lived experiences and emotions, social bonds can be formed, and safe spaces can be generated where vulnerability and tolerance are actively encouraged. In sharing favorite lines or discussing experiences and emotions with strangers, writing can bring people together, from all backgrounds, with subtle ease. Unexpected commonalities are frequently found, which spur conversation and a further willingness to create new social relationships. An online exchange can create genuine community and an atmosphere of welcome and warmth.
Coleman, John. "The Benefits of Poetry for Professionals," Harvard Business Review, November 27, 2012. https://hbr.org/2012/11/the-benefits-of-poetry-for-pro.
Jaffe, Richard. "5 Ways You Benefit from Writing Poetry! (from The Partnership Movement," Americans for the Arts, ARTSBLOG, April 3, 2013. https://blog.americansforthearts.org/2019/05/15/5-ways-you-benefit-from-writing-poetry-from-the-partnership-movement.
Nikolajeva, M. "What is it Like to be a Child? Childness in the Age of Neuroscience," Child Lit Educ 50, 23–37 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10583-018-9373-7.
Qian, Jianan. "The Moon is Beautiful Tonight: On East Asian Narratives," The Millions, 2018. https://themillions.com/2018/04/the-moon-is-beautiful-how-and-why-east-asian-stories-generate-plot-without-conflict.html.
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