Meaning: This quote by Simon Raven, a British novelist, humorously captures the struggle many students face when dealing with the seemingly endless amount of academic reading and note-taking required in higher education. The quote reflects the tension between the intellectual pursuit of scholarship and the mundane, laborious nature of academic work. Raven's use of repetition in the phrase "very, very, very boring books" emphasizes the overwhelming and tedious nature of the material students are often required to engage with.

In this quote, Raven juxtaposes "scholarship" with "drudgery," highlighting the disparity between the lofty ideals of intellectual pursuit and the practical, often monotonous, tasks involved in achieving scholarly success. The word "scholarship" conveys the notion of academic excellence, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge, while "drudgery" suggests hard, menial, and uninteresting work. Raven's juxtaposition of these two concepts suggests a conflict between the noble aspirations associated with scholarship and the less glamorous reality of the effort required to attain it.

The author's aversion to reading and making notes on "very, very, very boring books" reflects a sentiment shared by many students who find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material they are expected to engage with. The use of repetition in the phrase "very, very, very" amplifies the sense of tedium and highlights the exasperation and frustration experienced by individuals faced with an excessive amount of uninteresting or uninspiring reading material.

Raven's humorous tone in this quote serves to provide a lighthearted perspective on a common struggle, offering a relatable and comical take on the challenges of academic study. The use of humor allows the audience to empathize with the sentiment expressed while also providing a moment of levity in the face of academic rigor.

In a broader context, Raven's quote speaks to the tension between the idealized image of scholarship and the practical realities of academic work. It acknowledges the inherent difficulty of sifting through vast amounts of information, much of which may not be inherently engaging or stimulating. The quote also prompts reflection on the nature of academic labor and the perseverance required to navigate through the less glamorous aspects of scholarly pursuit.

Ultimately, Raven's quote captures the universal experience of grappling with the less appealing aspects of academic study while also acknowledging the value and importance of scholarship. It offers a humorous and relatable perspective on the challenges of academic work, resonating with students and scholars alike who have faced the daunting task of engaging with "very, very, very boring books" in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.

In conclusion, Simon Raven's quote humorously encapsulates the struggle between the noble aspirations of scholarship and the mundane, laborious nature of academic work. Through the juxtaposition of "scholarship" and "drudgery" and the use of repetition to emphasize the tedious nature of academic reading, Raven captures the universal experience of grappling with uninteresting material in the pursuit of knowledge. His lighthearted tone offers a relatable and comical perspective on the challenges of academic study, resonating with students and scholars who have faced similar frustrations in their academic pursuits.