According to a recent story on NPR, high school students are reading fewer classics, and I think that's a shame. Contemporary novels are fantastic, but there is so much more to appreciate in those novels when you have a foundation in the history of the novel itself. So kids want horror and fairy tales? Hand them a Gothic novel (but maybe don't tell their parents about that one). There are plenty of stories hidden in the harder-to-read books of the past. And once you're lead to one, you're so much more likely to seek another one out for yourself.
And so here I am, with 'Don Quixote' on the sofa next to me along with my project bag. I'm 86 pages in, and that is part of the reason I'm only a few more rows along in my sleeve. I keep picking up my book instead of my needles when I have a random moment. Also: I haven't been able to go to my coffee klatch at work for two weeks in a row now, so I've been missing on that prime knitting time.
But still, it's progress. I'll find the balance eventually, and then I can sit on the sofa curled up with a good book while I'm wearing this cardigan. Whether that book will still be 'Don Quixote', I'm not sure.
For more WIP Wednesday posts, go to Tami's Amis.
I completely agree that it's a pity high school students aren't reading as many classics! It's one of the few topics I will really argue about :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all three endeavors!
It's really sad that the classics are neglected.
ReplyDeleteYou know I developed an interest of the classics from the Wishbone Program. They picked the best parts and made them accessible to kids. So when I heard of Don Quixote, Pygmalion, Hamlet the themes and general plot were familiar enough I wasn't afraid of the book itself.
What is really frustrating is that teachers teach books they enjoy out of the curriculum given to them. Most of what I had to read sucked. Then as soon as the school board gets wind of controversy, a book is pulled.
One thing I did like was that the classics teacher would assign a class book to analyze but you would have to read a similar book to write the paper about. (i.e. read pride and prejudice but write about Sense and Sensibility)
Some of the best books I read were not because of my lit teachers but other teachers that recommended them. It's all about being inspired and curiosity of what something is about.
I loved 'Wishbone'! I can't help but imagine that little pup in my head as I'm reading 'Don Quixote' now because I saw that episode when I was a kid.
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