Other commenters have mentioned skipping the intros, but I'd also recommend considering trying to embrace them! There are some works I don't necessarily want spoiled for me, but for a lot of literature...the plot isn't the real selling point. Sure, the plot needs to be good (usually). But there's also the symbolism, the wordplay, the craft of the book. Reading the premise, even if it tells you what is going to happen, can't "spoil" any of that for you, and can in fact make it easier for you to fully appreciate what you're reading.
It's fine if you're just reading books for the plot, or if that's a major source of enjoyment for you. Most of the time, I'm the same way. But I'd also strongly encourage folks to try to get themselves outside their blockbuster thriller, mystery series obsession with spoiler culture and try to appreciate media holistically. Like, I can't remember the first time I watched The Fugitive (my parents may have been a bit lax in what media I was allowed to consume), but just because I knew every plot point by the time I was able to form memories doesn't mean it's not a great watch. Knowing every note in Schubert's Ave Maria doesn't stop me from tearing up when I hear it. Knowing every beat in Hamlet doesn't make a performance any less breathtaking. And knowing the outline of The Grapes of Wrath didn't make the journey I took actually reading it any less valuable.
In some cases -- like Heart of Darkness, or anything by Faulkner -- getting a sketch of the plot points can actually help keep you on track with what is going on. Or Song of Achilles -- knowing the way it was going to end made the language and tone and dramatic irony of the first part of the book all the more emotionally impactful.
Again. There's absolutely nothing wrong for preferring to go into books blind. But I'd consider evaluating why you don't like things (specifically, the type of classic literature that warrants a preface) spoiled for you, and trying to open-mindedly experience the literature in a different way. If it really isn't for you, no harm no foul, but you might find that you're able to find a new way of enjoying reading.
atla t1_j4xu62h wrote
Reply to What is the point of spoiling the plot of a book in its preface?? by DontNotNotReadThis
Other commenters have mentioned skipping the intros, but I'd also recommend considering trying to embrace them! There are some works I don't necessarily want spoiled for me, but for a lot of literature...the plot isn't the real selling point. Sure, the plot needs to be good (usually). But there's also the symbolism, the wordplay, the craft of the book. Reading the premise, even if it tells you what is going to happen, can't "spoil" any of that for you, and can in fact make it easier for you to fully appreciate what you're reading.
It's fine if you're just reading books for the plot, or if that's a major source of enjoyment for you. Most of the time, I'm the same way. But I'd also strongly encourage folks to try to get themselves outside their blockbuster thriller, mystery series obsession with spoiler culture and try to appreciate media holistically. Like, I can't remember the first time I watched The Fugitive (my parents may have been a bit lax in what media I was allowed to consume), but just because I knew every plot point by the time I was able to form memories doesn't mean it's not a great watch. Knowing every note in Schubert's Ave Maria doesn't stop me from tearing up when I hear it. Knowing every beat in Hamlet doesn't make a performance any less breathtaking. And knowing the outline of The Grapes of Wrath didn't make the journey I took actually reading it any less valuable.
In some cases -- like Heart of Darkness, or anything by Faulkner -- getting a sketch of the plot points can actually help keep you on track with what is going on. Or Song of Achilles -- knowing the way it was going to end made the language and tone and dramatic irony of the first part of the book all the more emotionally impactful.
Again. There's absolutely nothing wrong for preferring to go into books blind. But I'd consider evaluating why you don't like things (specifically, the type of classic literature that warrants a preface) spoiled for you, and trying to open-mindedly experience the literature in a different way. If it really isn't for you, no harm no foul, but you might find that you're able to find a new way of enjoying reading.