Quote:
Originally Posted by Forged  I believe I had this argument in my compostion two class a few semesters ago. Neglecting obscure foreign writers, while emphasizing popular europeans, is not racism, it is simply choosing the best literature... |
Speaking as a former literature student I'm inclined to agree. English literature has always been a conservative branch of study, and has always focused on established writers of earlier centuries. There is no racism here, as there is no consensus on a truly great 20/21st century writer, European or otherwise, unlike the existing consensus on say Shakespeare for example. However, labeling these long-established authors as
"the best" is not indisputable, as literature is a matter of personal preference. I'd venture to guess that your professor is just expressing the conservative tastes of literature academia.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Forged The prof. said people consider chaucer and the like to be beter reading because the styles and the way it is written is consider classic and the norm. She said that had we grown up with other types of literature that is what would be taught.
As it was a subjective argument and a subjective class, I quit arguing with her round abouts there. |
Again, emphasising the conservative inclination of the literati, Chaucer, Keats, Austen, etc, are studied widely only because there is a consensus among the literature community that they make great works.
I personally have a problem with Jane Austen. I've read
Emma, and I must say it's not exactly a page-turner. The style is so subtle and you have to really focus to capture the undertones and nuances Austen has created. Some people appreciate this, but I prefer the vibrant style of the Caribbean poet Derek Walcott. So just because something is widely studied, doesn't mean it is the best, it just means it has been around for long enough to be accepted into literature canon. As you've said, it's subjective.
The literati will not like this, but: LITERATURE FOR THE MASSES!!!
(I think I heard my lit teacher faint...)