The Evolution of High School Literature: Why Modern Classics Have Replaced the Classics
When I was in seventh grade, my English teacher was insistent on preparing us for high school by imposing classics such as Bronte’s and Shelley’s works on us. This continued through my eighth grade year. Not until my senior year did I finally read Frankenstein. This experience is not unique; the traditional focus on classics in high school is diminishing. While classics are still taught, not to the extent that one might think, there has been a shift towards integrating modern works that engage students more profoundly.
Challenging the Classics: A Necessity for Modern Education
Our sixth-grade English teacher emphasized that we should be ready for high school by being well-versed in classics. However, my senior year experience was vastly different. Only then did I read Frankenstein. While classics such as The Illiad, The Odyssey, The Scarlet Letter, Moby Dick, The Red Badge of Courage, Macbeth, and The Old Man and the Sea were staples, they weren't covered in as much detail as one might expect. Today, students are reading works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.
The Concepts of "Classics" and "Modern Classics"
The term "classics" carries multiple meanings. Firstly, it refers to works whose titles and authors are inseparable, like Homer’s The Illiad. Secondly, it signifies works that have been widely enjoyed and benefited from generation to generation. Educators believe that such works should be introduced to younger generations. However, the notion of "modern classics" is somewhat contradictory. Only time can reveal a true classic.
Challenging the Past with the Present
Reflecting on my own education, there was a real challenge in engaging students with the past. For instance, my junior year history teacher transformed my perspective. Previously, I disliked the subject because of an unsuitable 8th grade teacher who focused on drawing maps, memorizing Civil War battles, and a single interpretation of events. Once I grasped that history was more about events and interpretation, everything changed. Similarly, my senior year English teacher introduced me to medieval and Renaissance literature, like Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton, which influenced my academic journey significantly.
The Value of Engagement and Analysis
Today's literature, while simpler, lacks the depth and layers found in classics. There is little educational value in teaching literature through young adult (YA) novels that merely reflect current trends. Instead, the real challenge is to extract the profound ethical dilemmas, complex characters, and lasting themes from classics, like Hamlet, and demonstrate their relevance.
Conclusion
The shift towards modern classics in high school education is a natural evolution to engage students more effectively and prepare them for the complexities of the world today. While the classics remain valuable, incorporating modern works that resonate with contemporary issues can challenge and inspire students. The real reward lies in uncovering the timeless themes and enduring relevance of these texts, making them accessible and engaging for a new generation.