This course is an introduction to important themes relating to the intersection between philosophy, government, and the individual as they appear in important, enduring pieces of literature. During the course of the trimester we will examine several philosophical themes as they appear in selected literature: the concept of freedom and responsibility in relation to government and the individual; the nature of self-identity; the purpose of one’s struggle; and the complexity of the relationship between the individual and society. These themes will serve as our starting points for literary analysis and close readings of selected texts. This course surveys important writers from around the world who have created enduring works of literature. Class activities will include close literary analysis of text, varied writing exercises, and skill development in relation to understanding these texts.
Students in Classic Literature will investigate the course’s themes in relation to Rivendell Academy’s Thematic Framework and its four core perspectives: Truth, Choice, Systems, and Change. Students will explore the dangers implicit in attempting to define one’s world according to a single frame of thinking such as a single truth, or a single choice. George Orwell’s novel, 1984 is a perfect example of the dangers implicit in this model as the government depicted in the novel has created a governmental institution entitled “The Ministry of Truth,” which has one purpose: creating the impression of truth through the use of lies. Individuals within Orwell’s novel are told that their world has “changed” and the “systems” put in place by the new government allow them the freedom to “choose” beautiful “truths.” All of these created impressions are lies and hold no truth whatsoever. These Thematic Framework themes are also explored in relation to A Tale of Two Cities in relation to an individual’s relationship to government. Later in the term, Students will use the Frameworks to explore the four concepts in relation to an individual’s attempt to find meaning and purpose within one’s own life. The Stranger is a perfect vehicle for this exploration.
What does the government owe the citizen and what does the citizen owe the government?
What gives meaning, purpose and value to one’s existence?
Are all lives of the same value?
What makes a piece of literature a “classic”?
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