Literature has long been regarded as a cornerstone of education, fostering intellectual growth and enriching the lives of students. In the era of the Common Core State Standards, however, concerns arise about the diminishing emphasis on literary study in favor of "informational texts." By exploring the perspective of Jane Robbins and Joe Mack, as articulated in their article "Top Ten Reasons Why Students Need More Literature (Not Less)." We aim to discern how Lynn might perceive the story's relevance in a class such as ours. The short story "Double Trouble" from "A Date with the Angels" can be viewed through the lens of Steven Lynn's "Top Ten Reasons Why Students Need More Literature (Not Less)." Lynn argues that literary study prepares students …show more content…
"Double Trouble" adeptly engages viewers in this analytical process as they dissect the characters' actions, motivations, and the impact of their choices. When Honey Mitchell boldly declares, "I'm going to quit my job,"(21:50); the audience is prompted to question the underlying motivations and anticipate the consequences of her decision. This narrative complexity offers a large ground for in-class discussions and critical thinking exercises, fostering the development of analytical skills in students. Moreover, the episode encourages empathy by exploring themes of jealousy, misunderstandings, and the universal pursuit of happiness. Stacy's well-intentioned, yet, awkward attempt to reconcile with Honey by gifting her bloomers is a poignant moment that brings out both laughter and empathy. Such instances serve as entry points for students to explore the intricacies of human relationships and the emotional landscape that literature navigates. In the classroom, this narrative richness can be a catalyst for students to develop a deeper sense of empathy, an essential skill in understanding diverse perspectives. Literary works often demand a nuanced understanding of actions and consequences, requiring mental agility to grasp complex ideas. "Double Trouble" effectively navigates the complexities of human relationships, prompting viewers to understand the dynamics at play. As Honey Mitchell and others navigate through a series of comedic misunderstandings, the audience witnesses the characters' mental agility in adapting to changing circumstances. For instance, when Stacy attempts to involve Gus Angel in a plan to reunite with Honey, it underscores the characters' flexibility in addressing interpersonal
The Onion's "Girl Moved to Tears by Of Mice and Men Cliffs Notes" is an article with satirical and critical tone about a young communication major, Grace Weaver, who is emotional moved by reading the synopsis of the American classic Of Mice and Men over the original novel. In this article, the author describes Weaver's process and reaction to the assigned reading that aims to entertain an audience who has read the book. By using subtle satire and descriptions that let the reader understand the dangers of Weaver's shortcomings, the author is able to emphasize the importance of doing your own good work in a humorous and interesting manner.
In the short story, How Mr. Dewey Decimal Saved My Life, by Barbara Kingsolver, there are many examples of how literature has shaped her life. She has been extraordinarily influenced by great writing pieces; so much so that it has truly changed the path she may have gone down. She was stuck in limbo, academically, without passion, and fueling a dark desire to change herself in the eyes of her peers. Kingsolver grew up in a small town, one where the course programming left something to be desired. As a woman, her only options were limited to one-time courses or Home Economics. After her first two years were completed in high school, she says this, “I found myself beginning a third year of high school in a state of unrest.” She was in an educational
Throughout “A&P” and “Gryphon” the two characters found themselves facing a challenge that they had never had to face before. Reading both of the stories has shown that although different adversities were represented in the books they both had challenges and reactions that were similar to each other as well as very different. Sammy’s was about a store called “A&P” where the manager confronted three girls in bathing suits and Sammy had to stand up for them. Tommy’s was about a unique substitute teacher who he quite enjoyed and his journey with her, and his defending her to the other kids when one of the children gets her fired. Together and separately these two dynamic characters make up these unique stories that ensnared their reader with their thoughts, adversity and heroic actions throughout the story.
Reprinted in Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia Eds. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995. Glaspell, Susan. A. Trifles. Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers.
In “I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read” (1999), Francine Prose argues that literature is not being exposed to and taught to high school students in the way that it should be and that students learn to “loathe” it due to this. Prose provides her audience with her personal experience as both a mother and a college professor along with her own research on the books and suggested purposed of them. She continues to expand on this topic in order to help illuminate the importance of literature itself, not being associated with personal experiences or morals. Prose’s position is valid and she makes her essay directed towards school boards, teachers, and students and continues to maintain a critical tone throughout her essay.
Milgram, Stanley. “The Perils of Obedience.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Eds. Laurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen. Boston: Longman, 2011. 692-704.
Meyer, Michael, ed. The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999.
Literature; it has compelled us, entertained us, educated us, and drove us to madness. It has served as life instruction, by using the characters as the lesson plan. It is sometimes blunt, sometimes ugly, and in Truman Capote’s case, is so gruesome that we do not dare forget it.
For many years people have argued about the inclusion of The Cather in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger in the high school english curriculum. This is such due to the inappropriate and adult oriented themes within If considered, many times within the novel the main character will face situations in which that the negative and vulgar themes will blossom into something meaningful that the reader can benefit from as a person and as a student. While the vulgarity and adult themes in The Catcher in the Rye are indeed inappropriate for adolescent students, ultimately its underlying themes of self discovery and possessing moral values provides life and ethical lessons that can be applied in the classroom as well as on a daily basis and therefore, the novel should be included in the high school curriculum for students to learn.
Meyer, Michael, ed. Thinking and Writing About Literature. Second Edition. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001.
In “Why Literature Matters” the author, Dana Gioia, argues that literature is very important in today’s society. He talks about the decline of reading over the years and the effects it has on different companies and communities. Gioia uses many persuasive techniques, such as evidence, jingoism, and diction, to try and persuade the reader that literature is important.
Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. 5th ed. of the book. Boston: Heinle, 2004.
Tan, Amy. "Two Kinds". Literature, Reading Reacting,Writing. 5th ed. Ed. Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston: Heinle, 2004.
Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Tenth edition. Edited by Laurence Behrens and Leonard J. Rosen. New York: Longman Publishers, pp. 371-377, 2008.
Perrault, Charles. “Cinderella.” Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum. Ed. Laurence Behrens, Leonard J. Rosen. Toronto: Longman, 2013. 236-240. Print.