Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Marthe48

(19,321 posts)
Fri May 26, 2023, 08:26 AM May 2023

When someone reads a book

and there is a description of the setting, such as the interior layout of the house, I just wondered how much people rely on their memories to picture the setting they are reading about? And how much do they rely on their imagination?

I guess with television and movies, it is far easier for readers to imagine what the setting might look like.

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
When someone reads a book (Original Post) Marthe48 May 2023 OP
I will put the book down and imagine the scene. Polly Hennessey May 2023 #1
I was reading an Inspector Morse story Marthe48 May 2023 #5
imagination - nt CommonHumanity May 2023 #2
I love a good description. samplegirl May 2023 #3
Imagination. MuseRider May 2023 #4
It is a combination. The same way dreams take the components of memories and put them together in Martin68 May 2023 #6
An orthodontist once asked me how I knew what to do when cbabe May 2023 #7
Concrete thinking Marthe48 May 2023 #8
Yep. Everyone has a place in the choir. I don't do teeth. Ha. cbabe May 2023 #9
Very true Marthe48 May 2023 #10

Polly Hennessey

(7,528 posts)
1. I will put the book down and imagine the scene.
Fri May 26, 2023, 08:34 AM
May 2023

I love doing this as it takes me into the world I am reading about. Definitely no speed reading here.

Marthe48

(19,321 posts)
5. I was reading an Inspector Morse story
Fri May 26, 2023, 08:57 AM
May 2023

and drew a diagram of the hotel floor, to better picture it.

I've been lucky to be in all sorts of homes, buildings and so on, and I can remember details. I was thinking of a series of books I read set in Maine. The main character is a game warden named Mike Bowditch. There are several descriptions of his small house, and between the description written, and memory of small cottages I've been in, I imagined what it might look like. It was a blend of details the author had included and memories that came to mind.

samplegirl

(12,145 posts)
3. I love a good description.
Fri May 26, 2023, 08:47 AM
May 2023

Reading the Book theif a few years ago was just perfect as she including a vivid description each chapter.
I love that.

Martin68

(24,726 posts)
6. It is a combination. The same way dreams take the components of memories and put them together in
Fri May 26, 2023, 09:55 AM
May 2023

novel ways. That's what imagination is.

cbabe

(4,308 posts)
7. An orthodontist once asked me how I knew what to do when
Fri May 26, 2023, 10:39 AM
May 2023

directing a play.

I asked: Don’t you have a little movie running in your head when you read a book?

He said: No.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Writing»When someone reads a book