Teaching Reading in S.S. - Importance of Literary Analysis

Hello again,

In today's blog I would like to talk about the importance of literary analysis as discussed on pg. 149-150 of Jago's, Classics in the Classroom. According to the American Diploma Project, a group developed to create a set of standards outlining what high school graduates should know and be able to do upon graduation, graduates "should be able to analyze the complexity of moral dilemmas in historically significant works of literature, as revealed by characters' motivation and behavior" (Jago, pg. 149). Also, Jago raises an important point about teaching literary analysis, she reminds the reader that it takes years of practice with literary analysis to master the skill. I believe that this is completely true. Yes, this skill may come easier to some than to others, but in order to sharpen one's ability to analyze text and deduce meaning and significance from it - it takes practice and repetition.

The reason that becoming proficient in analyzing literature is so important, as Jago puts it, is that "As students grapple with the decisions characters make they explore their own values" (Jago, pg. 150). There is an old proverb that states that "A wise man learns from the trials of those close to him. He values their instruction." I believe this to be as true with the characters that we read about in books as I do the people that we encounter in real life. I'm sure you can all relate to what I mean; sometimes you read a book and by the time you reach the last page it's as if you've known that character for years. Reading and analyzing the characters, situations, moral dilemmas, reflective rhetoric, etc. of stories can provide us with knowledge and wisdom that we might not otherwise have the opportunity to gain in life. Furthermore, going back to what Jago said, literature can help us to have a clearer sense of who we ourselves really are. Yet, the personal benefits of literature stay locked away in the pages unless the reader has the keys to unlock the knowledge and wisdom that lie within the print. The key to unlocking the vast wealth of knowledge contained in a person's readings is Literary Analysis. And this is not to say that subject like math and science won't help you to succeed. They most certainly will. But no math equation or chemistry problem in the world is ever going to help you figure out the intricacies of who and what you are.

I found it amazing to read on and to see where some people believe, and will argue "that only students bent on pursuing careers in university English departments... need to develop the ability to analyze literature" (Jago, pg. 150). What kind of blasphemy is this?! All I have to say in rebuttal to these peoples foolish argument is this:

"Virtue is an Angel, but she is a blind one, and [she] must ask Knowledge to show her the pathway that leads to her goal." -Horace Mann

It is my belief that as teachers it is our duty to do more than just teach students how to use semicolons properly, or the definition of a prepositional phrase. It is our duty to equip students with the tools that it takes to make their own respectable ways in life. We should be working towards turning out students into the world who have the wisdom to discern what is right, and the power that Knowledge affords to make good lives for themselves and those around them. This is one of the truest sources of how lives change.

Alright, I'm sure you've all heard enough of me on my soapbox for one day. So, until next time - Keep it classy Kent State.

-Sam P.