What is the Point?

Let's say you're a high school student. You've decided that you want to be an engineer, maybe a computer programmer. Or you want to be a painter, or a professional tennis player. Now, let's say you're in English class, and your teacher has just assigned you to read Beowulf. I'll bet that some part of you is thinking...

Why?

What could possibly be the point of reading this ancient so-called epic? In fact, what is the point of this whole class? It won't improve my programming skills; it won't help me hit a backhand slice. It's completely irrelevant to my life.

If you have the kind of teacher who's open to such questions, you may even ask it aloud.

And if your teacher's not really expecting such a question right at this moment, he or she may resort to one of these answers (I know I've used a few of them):

• Reading literature helps you become a better critical thinker.
• It expands your horizons.
• It's beautiful.
• It will improve your ability to express yourself.
• It can make you a better person. (Yes, I've said that.)
• Because I said so. (That, too.)

 

Probably the answer didn't satisfy either you or your teacher. It's hard for someone who loves literature--or anything, for that matter--to define their reasons for loving it. And if your teacher loves literature, he or she will want you to love it, and maybe feels a little sad that you aren't quite sold on it.

But if you ask a few more questions, you might start to find the answers a little more useful.

In the upcoming lessons, we'll look at each point in a bit more detail.

Posted Date: 5/2/2013 2:22:49 AM | Location : United States

Ask an Expert

Related Discussions:- What is the point, Assignment Help, Ask Question on What is the point, Get Answer, Expert's Help, What is the point Discussions

Write discussion on What is the point
Your posts are moderated

Write your message here..

Related Questions

Grammers, what are cold words that start with severe winter,snow flakes,sno... what are cold words that start with severe winter,snow flakes,snow ploughs

What is sheltered instruction?, ================================== What is ... ================================== What is sheltered instruction? Ans:- Sheltered instruction is a way to teach the learners of English language. It serves a dual purpose of faci

Explain library research, Library Research Where you look for informati... Library Research Where you look for information depends a great deal on what you're writing about. While the library (or media center) is a good general starting point, some pr

Grammar, Under my tutelage, my observation evinced him as a sincere student... Under my tutelage, my observation evinced him as a sincere student

Similarities and differences, Please describe the similarities and differen... Please describe the similarities and differences between the protagonists of Kate Chopin’s short stories “The Story of an Hour” and “The Storm.” Please include a clear thesis stat

Research paper on having a school uniform, how to write a school uniform re... how to write a school uniform research paper

Functional english, Questions 1. What are Verbs? Write various rules th... Questions 1. What are Verbs? Write various rules that you would remember while using verbs.   2. What do you mean by conjunctions? When would you use them in English Languag

Literatutre.., My black, furry poodle, Totor, is a real problem to me. Ever... My black, furry poodle, Totor, is a real problem to me. Ever since I bought himfrom a pet shop, he has caused me nothing but trouble. However,I do like him because he has such a ch

An old friend who now lives oversea had lent you some money , Write a repor... Write a report

ESSAYS, WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR AUNT EXPRESSING YOUR WISH TO COME TO HER PLA... WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR AUNT EXPRESSING YOUR WISH TO COME TO HER PLACE FOR THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION