The popular answer among secondary-level English students world-wide might sound something like, "Because we have to!" OK, let's admit that a certain sense of duty and obligation that comes with school-life can turn the act of reading literature into a chore more than a pleasurable experience for many students. Many students claim they simply "don't like to read." Other students claim they like to read, but not what is assigned in English. Here are some other common complaints that many students have about reading in English: "This books just doesn't relate to my life," "I would read more if I got to choose the books myself," and "This book is too old!" As an English teacher, I am open to the idea that there may be some truth in these time-tested complaints.
After having read and studied 3 major works of American literature (The Crucible, The Catcher in the Rye, Of Mice and Men), and as we are currently studying William Shakespeare's Othello, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on our experiences as 10th grade English student up to this point. In trying to keep up with the demands of assigned curriculum, it becomes difficult to pause and ask important questions like, "Is this course of study worthwhile to me?" and "What am I learning from studying literature?"
So in the spirit of reflection, consider the following questions here: "Is studying literature in English worthwhile to me? Why or why not? What am I learning as a 10th grade English student, if anything, that is important to me as a student and as a person?
A good comment to the above questions will contain references to the works of literature which we have studied, and are studying, so far this year (refers to the above paragraphs). Also, a good comment will avoid obvious statements such as, "It is valuable to me because I need to read and study literature to pass the class, to pass high school, so my parents won't kill me, etc."
Please make sure your comment is checked for spelling and grammar, and is at least 150 words in length.
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We should study literature because many books teach you valuable lessons that can relate to real life. Not only that, but a lot of books, especially ones written by Shakespeare, can teach you new things about grammar and speech. Literature also can help you on many standardized tests like the PSSA and the SAT. I am learning a lot as a 10th grade student in English class this year not only from literature but from important lessons in grammar too. It is very important to use proper grammar whether your writing a paper or just turning in a simple assignment. Using proper grammar helps improve your writing which overall probably improves your grades. I hope to learn more about different types of literature and grammar during the rest of the year in English class.
ReplyDeleteJon Kelly
Studying literature in english is worthwhile to me because it will strengthen my reading ability. I will be able to read faster and more accurately. In addition I will advance my vocabulary by getting more understanding for words and the way sentences are used.What I am learning as a tenth grade english student is the tools neccesary for a better understanding of the american culture. I am learning to become a better reader which in the long run could lead to being a writer. I have actually been writing a screenplay on my own time for a few months now. These concepts can also lead to being a personal or public translator and becoming more adequate with foreign literature and writing as well as my own. High school literature plays a very big role in our society and I believe its a fun and useful obligation.
ReplyDelete-Gerry Hegedus
Sarah B
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
I think that studying literature in English is worthwhile to me because its helping me learn basic things like how to read more things and a variety of things and its also improving my writing I think I am learning new words and how to set up different forms of writing and learning different things about different people and their cultures and their way of lives .i am learning as a tenth grade English student how to interact with people by discussions of the books and writings and readings .i am also improving my reading skills by reading all this new books and now we are reading Othello and that is an extremely hard book to read and understand but since we are reading it the book and how we talk about it in class is defiantly helping me understand the book and what they are talking about
sarah
Studying literature in English class is worth while to me because I feel like my vocabulary and imagination expands when I read other author's work. My literature is much different than work such as Shakesphere or Hamlet so when I read their work, I personally feel like my mind and feelings expand towards these characters. As a person, when I read I learn many things about people. Such as everybody is different and people feel differently than I would if I were in their perdicument. I also learn about history and how things were so much different. Such as in Mice & Men, they had to work on a farm for a month just to earn fifty bucks. I enjoy studying literature simply because it expands my mind and gives me a different outlook on things.
ReplyDelete*Madison Figaniak
I think in studying lit it can help us young adults to think in the book and what the author of the book is about. In my opinion I don’t think lit is worthwhile don’t get me wrong most of the books/learning about is somewhat pretty interesting but I’m not so sure it being worthwhile I just think its something that can teach more readers about the history and how to be a better reader. The books so far that we have read I like, because books that keep you thinking and gives you foreshadowing’s are often good books no lie. The stuff I learn from studying lit is that like I said keeps your brain thinking of what’s going to happen and how to get in the minds of the writer and how he would feel with one-character verses another and things of that nature. In the book The Catcher in the Rye has taught a lot of good values that can be reflected to everyday life, always being there for your friends just like how George and Lennie are there for one another. Overall I think that studying Literature is fun and sometimes worthwhile.
ReplyDeletestephen pham
I do not think that studying literature is worthwhile to me because it will not apply later to my life. I do, however, like some of the books that we have read this year. My favorite one would have to be Catcher in the Rye because you could just never get bored of reading Holden's life story. Some things that I have learned this year that are important to me as a student and as a person is building my vocabulary, practicing my reading skills, and becoming a better writer. This will help prepare me for any challenges that may occur in the future. I would develop skills that could help me achieve better scores in the PSSAs and the SATs that I will be taking in the future someday, I hope, because I want to go somewhere in life and I know you want the same for me because it would make you proud.
ReplyDelete-lisa m
Freddie Reichel
ReplyDeleteI believe that literature is very worthwhile because they really are mostly good books. In my opinion most people don’t think of the big picture. These books have tons inside of them to entertain you and make you think but most people my age just think of it as reading and just that. It’s actually very interesting when you look at what the stories are telling. Shakespeare is one of the greatest if not the best writer of all time and most certainly the best playwright. His works are legendary and to see his writing and how he uses language compared to authors and writers now is really fascinating. Now I totally agree then some books just can’t grab my attention such as the pearl. It didn’t excite me at all and I couldn’t get to thinking about it but books like The Catcher in The Rye, The Crucible, and Of Mice and Men totally grabbed my attention and made me see the way the authors wrote and the reason of these writings.
Studying literature to me is not really worth while because what I want to do in life does not involve studying literature. If I wanted to be an English teacher or a writer it might apply to me but it doesn’t. But it helps me prepare for the SAT’s and PSSA’s so it’s important to me in that way. I’m learning grammar and literature and other things. Grammar can be important to me in life to be able to write papers for jobs and to learn how to speak correctly and write correctly. One of the books I really enjoyed this year was The Catcher in the Rye it was really interesting and it was a really good book. I think we should read more books like that. I also like the book were reading now because its from back in Shakespeare time and that was interesting how they wrote plays and stories. But I think literature and grammar will come in handy when I don’t know it and I’ll really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteJessica Cutaiar
♣Ashley♣
ReplyDelete…….Well actually studying Literature isn’t something I want to do, I just take English (or literature, whatever you’d call it) because it’s assigned. But I do think it’s important because it does help you to become a better reader, writer and all that other stuff. I never really noticed stuff like how the characters change in the book until like this year (and last year, kinda). I liked this book, Cirque Du Freak, and I never really noticed how much the main character changed or how he foresaw things that happen later in the book. The things we’ve been taught in English help us to learn how to pick up things in books better. Of Mice and Men, most people wouldn’t have noticed the way, the author compares most of the characters in the book to animals or how some of the lines can be almost exactly, the same to another line to the book that’ll happen later in the book.
The books we read in English are okay, it doesn’t really matter that there old, but I’m some just happy it’s just not a lot of words, they just put together that make the story long and boring. But I think taking English is good.
Studying english in literature is not worthwhile to me because it is never a subject I like to read and many of the topics are so confusing, like some of the old books made by shakespeare. on the other hand, literature is helping me read faster and helping me understand the books and keeping my mind focused. The things Im learning are morals of stories to teach someone to go through with life and to suceed in life. Also, they teach me the meanings of life as well.
ReplyDeleteTony Cairone
English is the language I was born into, what we do in english class at school is progress in our use of words which us teenagers use aka slang. Verbs, adjectives, adverbs... I dont see myself using them in the future, nor can i think of any job that requires you to for example locate the simple predicate in a sentence unless you are teaching the subject. As a tenth grade english student in Mr. Rendines' class its been a fun year so far and I have definitely learned alot and I feel like i have progressed ultimately in the english language by knowing more that have expanded my vocabulary.
ReplyDelete~Brandi Johnson
I think studying literature is worthwhile because it helps expand our knowledge such as vocabulary. It also teaches us lessons about life as we go along. It also allows us to learn history for instance the mice of men taught us about the depression for people working ranches. In 9th grade I read “Raisin in the Sun” and it taught me about the great depression for a poor black family. I always love to read and although some of the books that we read for English are somewhat not interesting some are. So far as a 10th grade I thought that the “Mice of Men” and “the Crucible” were the most interesting for this year. The Crucible allowed us to learn about the Salem witch trials and how innocent people died. I think that studying literature is a benefit because I wouldn’t choose those books for myself and it allows me to read things that I wouldn’t.
ReplyDeleteMya Lofton
Literature is important for many reasons, and those reasons are not just confined to the personal opinions of those who study it, but also the opinions of society, and those who are affected by it. For me, literature gives me an outlet to express my feelings, and thoughts in a correct manner. But it’s more than just that. Literature is not just a course of study, or a way of writing and reading, it’s a way of understanding. It gives its learners a perspective that cannot be achieved in reality or in any other sense of realism. It places your foot on the other shoe, and your hand in the other glove. By reading important books, and novels you can learn lessons, and morals that can shape your life and personality. Reading lets you learn lessons without you having to actually experience them, and by doing that people can build upon the already constructed lessons and morals of books established by the previous writers. I enjoy reading very much, and I will read almost any book. Catcher in the Rye was a great book, not because of how it was written, or because of the message it sent, but because of the affect it had on the reader. I couldn’t stand Holden; the way he acted, and his personality made me want to through the book against a wall, and it is that affect that makes it such a good book. I don’t think I’ve ever read any other book that had that much of an emotional affect on me. Though, it is far from my favorite book, but it still is a great book nonetheless. But as a 10th grade student, it is not just the lessons we learn, or the ways of writing that we take-in that makes literature important, but it is also the feelings that we contract after reading a book. And for me, these feelings are invaluable. Literature teaches so many things that are so commonly overlooked by most people, but it is these effects that make it so important. And I for one love literature, and it is for these reasons that I believe it to be so important.
ReplyDeleteCaleb Rosenquist
Caleb, thanks for your comments. When I read Catcher for the first time, also as a 10th grader, I remember experiencing a similar emotional reaction to the character of Holden. He bothered me, so much that I didn’t want to read any further at times. I don’t know if I would have had the good sense at the time to say, as you did, that I thought it was a great book because it made me feel that way, but looking back on it, I agree with you. I think a lot of what bothered me so much about Holden (and still bothers a little me today) was that I noticed some of myself in him (or him in me). Some of his anxieties, social awkwardness, and stubborness bothered me, maybe because I had experienced some of that myself as a teen (and to some degree later in life too). It’s hard to have a mirror held up to certain parts of ourselves that we would rather not look at. What do you think bothered you most about Holden? Has there been another work this year that has affected you in a significant way?
ReplyDeleteMya, thanks for your comments. I’m glad you see how literature can work out your brain in a number of ways, like improving vocabulary while teaching you about history. It’s kind of like how swimming strengthens a lot of different muscles simultaneously. What do you think is valuable in learning about the historical context of a work of literature? How is learning history through literature different than learning it in a history class, for example?
ReplyDeleteBrandi, thanks for your comments. I am glad you feel you are progressing in your studies of the language. There’s nothing wrong with using slang sometimes, but I think it’s important to have a variety of language skills, so you’re not stuck in just one way of expressing yourself. Language skills you use with your friends may not exactly help you communicate with a future employer or teacher, for example. Can you think of any situations in which some vocabulary you learned in English this year (or before) has helped you in your life? Besides the vocab, what else have you liked about the class? Any books you liked or connected with more than others? If so, why?
ReplyDeleteTony, thanks for posting. Glad you feel your reading speed is improving and your mind is focused while reading – both good feelings. The easier the act of reading is, the more you can get out of studying what you read. What kind of morals or lessons in any of our literature so far this year have impressed you and helped you in your life? If you had to pick one of our books for your friends and family to read, which one would it be, and why?
ReplyDeleteJon, thanks for your post. You’re the first person to mention PSSA or PSATs. It’s well known that the act of reading good literature on a regular basis is one of the best ways to prepare for reading and writing sections of standardized tests – great books can be great English teachers all by themselves (although it helps to have English teachers as well…don’t go replacing us just yet!). What have been your favorite books from this year so far? Has there been one that you have connected personally with more than the others? If so, why?
ReplyDeleteGerry, I’m glad to hear you have many positive things to say about studying literature and about our education system in general. Sharpening your English “tools” is a useful aspect of the course – and you get to read some great stories while doing that, which can make practicing these skills enjoyable. From what we read so far in class, what do you think these works have showed you about American culture? Is there any one work that you have connected with (as an American, a student, a writer, a teenager, a human) more than the others? If so, why? And, without giving too much away, what is your screenplay about?
ReplyDeleteSarah, thanks for posting. You point out many important skills that the study of literature can help you build. To use a sports analogy, studying literature is like a total workout for the language part of your brain (that’s a non-scientific explanation of course). What do you see is most helpful to you about learning about different people and their cultures through literature? What have you learned about any of the people or cultures that we have experienced in English so far who you thought were most interesting or valuable to you?
ReplyDeleteMadison, thanks for your comments. I like how you describe the feeling of your mind and imagination “expanding.” I think a good life is one in which you continuously expand your mind so that you are open to the many different and wonderful experiences and point of views the world has to offer. Think of how much you’d be missing if you saw life through the same point of view everyday? If you had to pick one work of literature that we read so far this year that did the most to expand your imagination, what would it be and why? Have there been any works in class that you’ve had a strong connection with?
ReplyDeleteSteve, thanks for your thoughts here. It seems like you start out saying you don’t think studying literature is worthwhile, but then your opinion kind of takes a U-turn – either way, you’re entitled to your opinion. I’m glad you like the techniques that author’s use to keep us interested in the story, like foreshadowing. Besides just making an interesting story, what do you think is worthwhile about studying a work for different levels of meaning, like what we did with animal imagery in Of Mice and Men? Has there been a work that we’ve read so far this year that you have connected with on a personal level more than others? If so, why?
ReplyDeleteLisa, thanks for your comments. Glad to hear you have goals for yourself and that you see that having good language skills will help you achieve them (and yes I would be proud, so you’ll have to keep me posted). What are some of the activities that we have done so far this year that you think were most helpful to your reading and writing skills? It seems like some of those activities would have to include some of our literature studies, which would kind of contradict what you say about how literature would not apply later in your life, so I’m curious. Also, I agree with you that Holden’s story was never boring – maybe sometimes irritating or embarrassing, but never boring. What was it about Holden’s story that kept you so interested?
ReplyDeleteFreddie, I’m very glad that you have liked the works in 10th grade so far – hopefully we can add some more good ones to your list before we’re through. What does looking at “the big picture” (a phrase I often like to use when talking about literature) do for you as an English student? Do your think your ability to spot the big picture in a work of literature had improved in this class? If so, what activities helped the most?
ReplyDeleteJess, thanks for your comments. So just to clarify, in the end it seems like the more you thought about it in your post, the more you recognized the value of studying literature – is that a fair assessment? I agree with you that unless you are an English teacher (or on a T.V. quiz show) it’s not likely someone is going to ask you who Othello was or why you think George had to kill Lennie. But do you think any of the skills that we are practicing by studying those works of literature may be helpful to your future plans? What career or careers interest you?
ReplyDeleteAshley, thanks for your post. Following the change of a character was very interesting to me as a high school English student (and still is to me today as an English teacher and a lover of reading). But it’s not just books – movies, songs, theater, T.V. shows, etc. that really interest me are the ones that show some kind of change in a character. What do you think are the advantages of being able to see the deeper levels of a work of literature, like noticing the change in a character or spotting patterns like foreshadowing or animal imagery? How has been your favorite character so far this year and why? What changes did he or she go through?
ReplyDelete"Is studying literature in English worthwhile to me? Why or why not? What am I learning as a 10th grade English student, if anything that is important to me as a student and as a person?
ReplyDeleteYes, I do think studying and learning literature is worthwhile to me because it teaches me to understand and appreciate books, to find the meaning of the book, to know the authors point of view, to find the story’s within the story.
I don’t read as often as I should but I understand the importunacy of books because I write myself, I write songs, poems, fiction story’s, even biographies and autobiographies.
Well what I am learning as an English student is how to speak correctly, write properly and so on. It is very important to me because it teaches us the fundamentals about our English language and also teaches us to be proper plane and simple.
Justin
Is studying literature in English worthwhile to me? Why or why not? What am I learning as a 10th grade English student, if anything that is important to me as a student and as a person? Well it is. I love English believe I do. I learn it to figure how the famous author are popular because I like to write stories and they can be a rather bore. That’s why when we talk about the attitude and the ways of how the scenario is I pay attention very well because I need inspiration and advice of it. Also the stories we read I can’t put the book down.
ReplyDeleteTori
There are some activities that we have done this year and they where most helpful to me. One would have to be going over what we read, and two would be taking notes to remember important things. A third thing that was pretty helpful could be reading aloud to the class. The thing about Holden’s story that kept me so interested was how he said whatever was really on his mind and did whatever he wanted. Also I liked how he always cared about his siblings and family because I do too.
ReplyDeleteLisa M.
If I had to pick one work of literature that we read so far this year that expanded my imagination, I would probably have to pick Mice & Men. Mice & Men defintely expanded my mind about many things. For example, if I had to take care of my mentally challenged cousin and drag him along with me everywhere I went.. well I can't even imagine the difficulty that would bring into my life. Although there has not been any works in class that I've had a strong connection with, I still enjoy reading them and trying to understand their point of view.
ReplyDeleteMaddy Fig
I believe that studying literature so far is worthwhile but the book that’s being read now is pretty boring. I mean Othello is one of the most boring I ever read. I can barley stay up in class to read it let alone answer the questions. In English I have learned some pretty cool things such as how to break a sentence down and how tell the difference between a complete sentence and an incomplete sentence. Just by knowing these things I can put this into certain projects and reports in my other classes which helps the teacher understand my writing better. I mean I believe if some of the books we read in class could relate to our actual lives than many students would pay attention a little more because the lesson learned in the book could just so happened to anyone. I do learn a lot from the English course to be honest.
ReplyDeleteNafees Hampton
What kind of morals or lessons in any of our literature so far this year have impressed you and helped you in your life? If you had to pick one of our books for your friends and family to read, which one would it be, and why? The morals in the literature that we've read so far helped me through my life in a little way. The book "Of Mice and Men" has increased my ability to look at life in a better way. First it told me that I should be thankful for the things I have. The examples are like having a mom and a house where i can basically do anything and never get shot like Curly wanted to do to Lenny. The second thing is that I'm thankful for having an intellegent mind and unlike Lenny, I dont make that stupid of a mistake to get me killed. In this book it has also taught me that friendship is probably the best medicine for life and the best thing to have. In conclusion this book made me look at the bright side of life. I would definatly pick "Of Mice and Men" because the morals of this book can show the greater things you would have to look for in life and never quit. If one of my family members is sad then i would say read this book and then compare it to your life.
ReplyDeletePresident Tony Cairone
What bothered me about Holden was that he was nothing more than a hypocrite. He called everyone a “phony”, but he failed to see that he was the phony the whole entire time. And it’s not that I see any relations between him and myself, it’s just that his personality as a whole makes me angry. The way he treats people, and his actions… I get angry just by writing about it. I hope to never meet a person like him in my lifetime. The only other book that we have read so far that had a significant impact on me was “The Crucible.” What really spoke to me was how John Proctor; despite his chance to save himself, abided by the truth. I myself cannot stand lying; it actually has an emotional affect on me if I tell a lie. I can remember being really little, and lying from time to time for one reason or another, and when I look back on those moments, I get confused, and angry. I don’t understand the concept of lying; all it does is make situations worse. And seeing how it even cost John Proctor’s life, he told the truth. Even though no one else believed him, he told the truth. Like I said, I remember being a little kid, and lying to get out of a particular situation. All it ended up doing was either making me feel guilty, or getting me in more trouble. Which is the other main reason why I don’t lie. If I do, this overwhelming feeling of guilt builds up inside of me, and it hurts.
ReplyDeleteCaleb Rosenquist
Justin, thanks for your thoughts here. As a writer yourself, what have you learned, if anything, from the authors we have read so far this year? What other writers (of books, poetry, songs, etc.) influence you in your writing and why?
ReplyDeleteTory, thanks for your comments. I’m glad you’re looking for inspiration in the works of literature that we are reading for English. What have we read so far this year that has inspired you as a writer? What other authors (or poets, songwriters, etc.) inspire you in your own writing and why?
ReplyDeleteTory, thanks for your comments. I’m glad you’re looking for inspiration in the works of literature that we are reading for English. What have we read so far this year that has inspired you as a writer? What other authors (or poets, songwriters, etc.) inspire you in your own writing and why?
ReplyDeleteWell some of the stories are Othello, not much catcher in the rye; the crucible inspired me to have people (the characters) self-doubt. The authors that inspired me was J.K Rowling, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare. Yes the entire writer wrote fiction mixed with fantasy books, but I grew up reading them and it made my imagination start creating ideas for a story. Not based on them of course. I thank these authors and their books for inspiring me to write. So far in my story I’m on chapter 11.
What do you think is valuable in learning about the historical context of a work of literature? How is learning history through literature different than learning it in a history class, for example?
ReplyDeleteBy learning history in the literature we learn from the past of others as well as our country. This allows us not to make the same mistakes as our ancestors have made and to improve ourselves as well as the world we live in. If we didn’t study history is more likely that we will make the same mistakes as our ancestors. The difference between learning history in literature and learning history in history class is that history class just teaches you facts while literature teaches you facts while incorporating a story so you can better understand what was going on that period. For instance, “The Mice and Men” gave of the story of Leanie and George which showed us how the great depression effected the migrant workers in the 1930’s. “The Mice and Men” also showed us how black and elderly people suffered in the Great depression.
Mya Lofton
Studying literature in English is worthwhile to me because I learn new ways to speak and new ways to write in the English literature. Also studying English literature is worthwhile to me because it helps me increase my form of writing and help it sound more sophisticated than it would be if I did not study English literature in my English class. As a 10th grade English student, I am learning how to use literature in my everyday writing and in my work and essays. I’m learning how to know what the difference of regular essays and papers are from ones that include English literature in them and for ones that use the literature correctly. We are studying literature like William Shakespeare’s literature in his book, Othello. Also Shakespeare’s weird styles of saying things in his books like Othello.
ReplyDeleteNick Snodgrass
Besides just making an interesting story, what do you think is worthwhile about studying a work for different levels of meaning, like what we did with animal imagery in Of Mice and Men? Has there been a work that we’ve read so far this year that you have connected with on a personal level more than others? If so, why?
ReplyDeleteRESPONES: i think the one that we worked on with OF Mice and Men was very easy to relate and get plus you get more how you say it info out of what you are telling us....i would say of mice and men relating to friends and sticking with your friends till the end relates to my every day life.
stephen pham
Studying literature is worthwhile to me because it will help me in the future. One reason I enjoy it is because it will help me with the SAT's and PSSA's. Also it will help my grammar abilities and help me write better essays and papers. It will also help me learn how to read more things and understand them better. Some things that I am learning in 10th grade English is more grammar and also how to read more proficiently. Also how to write better and how to just understand English easier.
ReplyDeleteShaun Mann
NADIRAH, So you ask the question why study literature? The reason that literature is so meaningful is because you’re learning from the past. Your understanding how people wrote in there day of age. How they use different words to reflect how they feel and how they though. To understand the future you have to reflect on the past. You can admire the way someone writes and the pleasure of it by reading and understanding literature. But the only thing I have a problem in these day in age is too much structure. The schools want you to read what’s on there academic agenda which I think is unfair. The reason I say this is you can not learn, when the story isn’t captivating. An example is Othello the book that I am reading now in my class I find the words not fluently to read and boring. But, the book that surprise me to my own was The Mice and The Man I think this book is a good and adventures book it was interesting to my surprise.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion English isn’t bad English isn’t too great either. If I had a more selective choice on what books I could read for the class I would be more into English. But for the most part I do like it. We read interesting enough books that we learn a lot about once we finish it. Like in Mice of men we saw that the characters in the book can relate to the different types of people and hardships that went on during the time of the great depression. I can honestly say I wouldn’t have noticed without us discussing it in class. I do love to read myself in my spare time and I can honestly say these books aren’t so bad except for the catcher and the rye. I only say this because it’s written as if a person is sitting on a couch telling a bad memoir of his life. Regardless I appreciate this class.
ReplyDeleteXxAtiyyahxX