One often associates grueling research papers, analyzing lengthy passages from archaic novels, and tedious grammar lectures from their experiences in English class. Although it may not be for everyone, we all reap the benefits from English.
"A written word is the choiciest of relica. It is something at once more intimate with us and more universal than any other work of art. It is the work of art nearest to life itself." -Walden
Honestly, I can't name all the elements on the periodic table, and I can't divide 74.6 by 4.8 in my head, but I can tell you what an Oxford comma is, and I can tell you the difference between "affect," and "effect." A lot of people don't understand what the point is when it comes to learning proper grammar, and they are fine with telling you about the dog they "seen" earlier that day (that one really makes me cringe).
"We must bring literature back to life." -Mrs. Sprague, 9th grade English
Language and literature is above all, a means to tell a story;and some stories can change your life. The novels that are assigned are not there to torture a young student but to rather explore the tiniest crevices of the mind to unveil what the literature means to them. There is a "golden nugget" moment whilst reading when the story comes together and the author's hidden motives are revealed. We can even relate literature to events that are happening in our own lives: "Was Orwell foreshadowing how American society would become after the election?"
My 11th grade AP Literature and Composition teacher, Mr. Felt, said it best, "No class like English class allows the opportunity for writing, reading and thinking about these topics. We get to measure the lives of other fictive efforts, we get to do so while enjoying the poetic lyricism of a Hurston, a Twain, a Marvell, etc, and we get to apply those lessons to our own lives - while being entertained throughout. Fun!" English class allows us to explore who we really are. Do you identify more as a Hemingway, a Fitzgerald, a Lee, or perhaps, you are an up and coming Shakespeare? On the other hand, remember the mantra from the play Hamlet, "to thine own self be true."
Although eight page research papers may be the Goliath to your David, you will be thanking your AP Literature/Language and Composition teachers (seriously, thank you Mr. Felt and Mrs. O) when you enter college. It will be very important to know how to properly cite your in text citation from a government website or integrating summary sentences at the end of your paragraphs, no matter which major you plan to pursue.
Recently, after an English lesson, I walked to lunch with my AP Language and Composition teacher, Mrs. Olsavsky, discussing the importance of delving into the novel to truly understand the message. After a lengthy conversation, she turns to me and says, "The more you know, the more you grow." It is this by this precept that I feel we should all abide. Bring the literature back to life, enjoy the lyricism, and continue to grow.
Whether you '"go to seek a great perhaps" or dream of living in West Egg, keep reading and keep growing.
Be sure to thank your English teachers for bringing such valuable lessons into your life.
