On reading in relation to literature

Hearn’s perspective on reading emphasizes the deep immersive relationship between the reader and the text. He explores the idea that reading is not merely a mechanical activity but one that demands emotional and intellectual investment. Literature in Hearn's view should not be seen as a casual pastime; instead it holds the potential to profoundly influence the mind shaping the reader's perspective on life culture and humanity. Hearn also discusses the importance of the reader's active role in interpreting literature. He suggests that a reader must approach a text with an open mind fully engaging with the emotional and intellectual layers within the work. This involves not just understanding the words on the page but also appreciating the subtleties of language structure and meaning as well as the emotional resonance that the text evokes.