Don’t Judge a Book by its Century
Opinion by Lizzy Ardito

Classic literature has been a foundation for English education for generations. These old tales like “Beowulf,” “Romeo and Juliet,” or “The Great Gatsby” are more than just dusty books. They allow us to reflect on the past and look at how it shapes the present.

Classic books cover issues we still face today in government, society and ethics. For example, “To Kill A Mockingbird” represents the unjust judicial system, and how racial bias, class inequality and prejudice outweigh the truth in court. This novel and other classic books can be useful in comparing the past and present, helping us understand where we are as a society today.

Classics also provide us with another route into learning about our past and enhancing our language and reading skills. For example, Shakespeare’s plays give students a challenging read to improve their vocabulary, encouraging students to think deeply about what they are reading. Not only does this improve their vocabulary, but it also gives their thought process practice in analyzing text.

Along with that, classic literature often has movies that go along with it, giving students a chance to interpret literature in a different way. “The Great Gatsby” was turned into a movie, which helps students who may struggle to read the literature with a visual alternative.

Although we could include more updated books, classics should still be prioritized. They have helped form the world we have today and continue to educate us on our past. Because of this, classic literature needs to be preserved for future generations to continue educating students on the past.

Nothing Novel About it
Opinion by Raegan Holland

English is an important subject in school because we learn how to read, write and communicate efficiently with others. However, it is difficult to learn about current issues facing our world because we tend to focus on classic literature. Stories like “Julius Caesar” and “Lord of the Flies” tend to focus more on the past instead of recent issues.

We should read more modern books in school because they address modern problems facing our society, such as climate change, mental health, technological advancements, and social justice. If we only read classics, we miss out on stories that relate to today’s world. Some English teachers are already taking a step forward by having students read books in class like “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. These two books cover topics such as racism and growing up in low-income households.

Additionally, new books are written by a very diverse group of people, while many classics were written by a very specific demographic. If we only read classics, we miss out on stories by women, people of color and many other diverse groups. Reading new books gives us fresh ideas and perspectives.

Another reason to read new books is their accessibility. Many classics can be very difficult to read because they use outdated language and are disconnected from modern life. New books are often more relatable and easy to read, making reading a more engaging and enjoyable experience for more people.

In conclusion, English teachers should assign more current books to read in class so we can have a better understanding of the world we live in.