Pytash- Chapter 7

It is sad that a lot of people think that "only students bent on pursuing careers in university English departments need to develop the ability to analyze literature" (150). It is even worse that many professional people believe this as well. In one of my literature classes, I learned that colleges and universities are beginning to cut the liberal arts requirements for students--some schools cutting classes down from over a hundred to less then 50. I think this is appalling. Literature can do so much for you, even if you don't plan to be an English major.

As Jago says, "literature frequently provides a context in which to examine moral dilemmas"(150). Literature, in my opinion, is the conscience of society. It raises issues that many people many not think about otherwise and brings attention to problems involving things like sexism, racism, etc. If students are not subjected to this kind of moral examination through literature in a time where morals continue to be trampled upon and many times are not taught in the home, where will they get it?

I also think that the ability to analyze literature can help students in their overall academic lives. It takes a certain kind of thought process to do this kind of work. Jago stresses the importance of focusing on things like literature analysis instead of other, sometimes more appealing assignments. She says that doing literary analysis helps students to "think analytically and to marshal thoughts in an organized fashion" (154). Assignments such as these also help to develop in the students the ability to construct arguments, which will be helpful all through their lives.