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In case that definition was a bit confusing, here's a list of books that would fall under "the classics"
https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2022/05/100-must-read-classic-books
What makes something one of "The Classics"?
What makes something one of "The Classics"?
"The Classics" is a very broad term, and I realize that. So, how do we define them? Well, I could just type out a really long definition for them, but that would just waste both of our time and im fairly certain neither of us want that. SO, to keep things quick and to the point: "the classics", to me at least, are the books that you read in high school, books that your teachers really hype up or your parents say that you HAVE to read in your life. So I ask: but do you? Are these books REALLY essential to living life? Or are they just dated products of their times?
For those who may not know, I've linked an article explaining what exactly critical media literacy is. Basically, CML is the ability to really get deep into literature, like really really analyse it. Not some kind of "what is the meaning behind this scene?" stuff, but thinking about it in a way that relates it to the wider world around us. Why do we teach this? Is it dated? Why was it written? All of these questions and more are the main focuses of people who practice critical media literacy.
Why am I doing this?
Why am I doing this?
Now I could just make a funny ha ha and go "because I need to to pass this class" But that wouldn't be tasteful. I feel like I'm doing this because this class, and many other LIT courses, has really opened my eyes to how school's choose what books students will read. While I still believe that there are some of "the classics" that are worth reading in the modern age, its time for some updates. I'd also like to shout out my mom for giving me this idea(not directly). One night my sister was discussing how much she disliked Jack London's Call of the Wild, a book that SHE read back when she was in high school and was in disbelief they were still teaching nowadays. That's what really got me thinking: are "the classics" REALLY as timeless and "still relevant nowadays" as we claim they are?
A pretty short read, to sum it up for everyone: Yes, we are and should criticize books we consider to be "the classics". Scholars and people who have read the book will simply assume that just because a piece of literature is one of "the classics" that it is immune to criticism, that it is a timeless masterpiece that is literally perfect. However, this could not be further from the truth. In fact "the classics", more so than most books, deserve to be looked at critically.
This is an article I've used a lot throughout this semester and it's one of the most important when it comes to critiquing literature choice in the classroom. The article talks about the use of literature as ways to expand our cultural and worldwide knowledge, by examining books as mirrors, windows and doors to all kinds of walks of life. It's a must for English teaching, especially with students who might not be familiar with a lot of parts of the world.
This article focuses on how we can improve the literary canon in the classroom. It brings up how some books (Like Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry) despite being about race are dated rather than being contemporary. It encourages teachers to challenge the canon and allow students to even develop their own kind of canon, deciding on books that they wish to read that would be far more relatable to them than something written nearly 50 years ago. It also includes the idea of critiquing classics, and encourages the switch to a more contemporary/modern canon.
I find this article to be probably the most important, as it serves as a guide for how NOT to critically examine "the classics" and change the canon. It discusses how trying to get rid of a book just because you don't like its contents(most of the time without really reading it) isn't valid criticism, it's just people trying to force their views on others. It also illustrates how a lot of this is the teacher's(your) decision, no one can decide what should or shouldn't be taught except for you. This is why CML is so essential for teaching, so that you CAN criticize and change the canon with valid, well-documented evidence and a love of literature.
About the Author
About the Author
Hi! I'm Sam, a Sophomore English Sec Ed major. When I'm not struggling through French, I'm usually playing video games or hanging out at one of the many, MANY student orgs/clubs I'm a part of. I really don't know what else to put here lol. Hope you enjoyed browsing my silly little webpage. If you at any point found yourself asking "why is Elmo on fire?" well it's because he is burning with the passion and desire to read books and critique them critically.
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