Over the last couple months we've all studied and reviewed quite a few things. In English, we have studied the sociological and philosophical approaches to analyzing literature, and even what it is that makes a piece of literature have any value to it. Sometimes I think, "Where the heck did that analysis come from and who cares!?" Why do we have to read some of these novels or poems that English teachers have us read? What does it matter to us? Over this past school year it all finally clicked. It is true that I still find doing a math problem more entertaining than writing an essay, but thanks to this past year I can finally say that I understand why we read what we read and what value literature really contains. Now, whenever I see a poem I can pick out all of the archetypes and allusions and see the poem in an entirely new light. When I see an analysis of a piece of literature, instead of arguing that the analyzer just made a bunch of "crazy" stuff up that sounds nice, I agree with the analysis and use it to help me continue finding much of the piece's value. So, what is the value of literature and why are we reading and studying it? I have found that for me, above all of the points and arguments being made or beliefs given, literature is a very valuable tool in helping me to think. Now that I am aware of it, as I think back over all my schooling years I can see that after reading and understanding any piece of literature with any value to it, I have used it as a vehicle for thought. I debate with myself about what my own opinion is on the subject being discussed and compare it to everyone else's. I have always just thought that literature had no real purpose other than entertaining those who actually enjoyed reading it, but finally, just as I am about to leave high school, I can see that it does have a purpose. It helps us to think and ponder, to value and consider others opinions, and ultimately to become more enriched people. Thank you Mrs. Elliott! :)
Chad L.
I totally agree with you. I have always considered myself more of a math person, wishing that there was some sort of formula for analyzing literature. This year I was able to see that literature isn't just meant for people to meticulously pick apart until you are left with something completely unlike the original, but instead to open people's eyes to the larger issues of humanity. The seemingly hidden symbols aren't there to make my academic career more difficult but to teach me lessons I could not learn on my own. Literature finally clicked after four years and it's kind of great.
ReplyDelete-Audrey T.
Literature is making a lot more sense to me this year and because of that, it is also become a bit more enjoyable. Now I can see an archetype or whatever and see how it relates to the book and shows the author's view. It really makes the book that much better and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteZach Y.
Sorry Chad but for me writing an essay is WAY better than doing math hahaha. But I totally agree that literature and its analysis has made a lot more sense over this past year.
ReplyDelete-Allaura L.
This happened to me too!! After analyzing poem after poem after poem, i now can finally read a poem and find the deeper meaning behind it. It really does make me see the poem in an entirely new light, and it also makes me realize that literature really does have meaning and importance to it!
ReplyDeleteMath is my worst subject. I pride myself on being able to analyze and interpret various sources and come to effective conclusions. Mrs Elliott has honed my skills in this regard and I have gained a deeper sense of literary merit and discovering the unique factors that give enrichment and value to a text. My literary skills have been advanced thanks to Mrs Elliott.
ReplyDelete