How Should One Read a Book?

“Let us imagine that we are now in such a room; that it is a sunny room, with windows opening on a garden, so that we can hear the trees rustling, the gardener talking, the donkey braying, the old women gossiping at the pump—and all the ordinary processes of life pursuing the casual irregular way which they have pursued these many hundreds of years. As casually, as persistently, books have been coming together on the shelves.”

Using imagery, this quote functions in two important ways. First, Woolf establishes a relationship with the reader, inviting them into the room with her to experience this beautiful scene. It also uses this imagery to establish the “ordinary processes of life” to which she compares the casual, persistent creation of books.

“But you will notice the note of interrogation at the end of my title. One may think about reading as much as one chooses, but no one is going to lay down laws about it. Here in this room, if nowhere else, we breathe the air of freedom. Here simple and learned, man and woman are alike.”

This quote draws the reader’s attention back to the title of the essay, which she chooses to end with a question mark, making it clear that she is inquiring and exploring along with her reader, not providing concrete answers. This idea of interrogation, first shown through punctuation, continues throughout the essay and Woolf clarifies several more times that she does not seek to provide answers, but rather some ideas and guidance. Further, the diction in the second sentence of this quote subtly recognizes the equal ability of men and women to read. This choice echoes Woolf’s belief in women’s right to an education.

“To read a book well, one should read it as if one were writing it. Begin not by sitting on the bench among the judges but by standing in the dock with the criminal.”

Using a metaphor, this quote exemplifies her first piece of advice to readers, which is to join the side of the writer rather than sitting back as a reader.