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Independence, or the freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others, “is the most important quality that a reader can possess.” (Woolf) Having this ability gives the reader the freedom to make their own connections or interpretations of the story. Every person will have their own unique thoughts and ideas on the book, so “nothing can be more fatal then to be guided by the preferences of others in a matter so personal.” (Woolf) This is why independence is so vital to the reader. When the reader allows him or herself be influenced by other people’s opinions, it takes a lot out of the experience of reading - finding the pros, cons, connections, etc. is a huge part of the reading experience. Giving this power to the critics “is to destroy the spirit of freedom,” (Wood) that so many get from reading. To ignore the influence of others can be extremely difficult, but necessary part of reading to its potential. It is just another part of the difficult and complex pleasure, known as
