i read an interview with a mathematician recently where she talks about the commonalities between math and literature and the idea that playfulness is a key part of doing both of those things. thereâs a lot of fun to be had in turning a concept over and over, finding novel ways to look at it or combine it with other things, and i think that idea of playfulness also applies to analysis + critique. looking at a story through different lenses to see what new insights you can gain, reading intertexts and learning about the context in which it was created. finding a new bit of theory and saying hey wait a minute, i can use this to talk about [insert favourite media here]! itâs fun!
if i can get on my professional educator soapbox for a moment i think the reason a lot of people struggle with the idea that analysis and critique can be fun is that our education system in general is not designed to make the intellectual process seem particularly fun, or like something that can be approached in a playful manner (see also: the mathematicianâs lament). thinking deeply about things for the sake of thinking deeply about things seems ridiculous because itâs associated with the stress of grades and too much homework and general bad pedagogy. it creates a lack of confidence in oneâs own intellectual abilities that makes even the act of trying seem like too much. and itâs not at all impossible to grow past this and find the fun in the intellectual process but you do have to push past a lot of that fear and anxiety first
hereâs the original article as well as a mathematicianâs lament
