Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces
Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces
ENG/106
March 31, 2014
Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces
Coming in to a new class can be a daunting experience, especially when one does not know what to expect. It can also be an exciting experience, especially when one has a special fondness for the subject being taught. As a psychology major, ENG/106 is not a required class. As a bibliophile, there was no question that I would use the need to fulfill an elective requirement as a reasonable excuse to take this class. There are many preconceived notions around the study of literary masterpieces, and some people have a hard time pushing past the bitter memories of stuffy high school English teachers and 30 page book reports on Crime and Punishment to be worked on over summer vacation. I am lucky enough to have had a wonderful experience with the classics, and my expectations for ENG/106 come from a place of fondness, respect, and genuine awe. With that being said, there is more to understanding literary masterpieces than simply enjoying a good read; one should also recognize the preconceived notions that often come with the subject, as well as have an understanding of why literary masterpieces are important and how they influence modern society.
My Experiences and Expectations
My experience with literary masterpieces began at age seven when I first read Charlotte’s Web. While that may not be considered a literary masterpiece, it did open my eyes to many amazing elements of literature. Firstly, I was struck by how powerfully I felt for the characters, and how easily I was drawn into their stories to the point in which I laughed when they laughed, worried when they worried, and wept when they wept. This paper thing had drawn emotion from me. A person wrote this story long before I was born, about a time period in which I never lived, and shared with me a story. I found the power of it all very overwhelming. Once I was in high
ENG/106
March 31, 2014
Expectations Regarding Literary Masterpieces
Coming in to a new class can be a daunting experience, especially when one does not know what to expect. It can also be an exciting experience, especially when one has a special fondness for the subject being taught. As a psychology major, ENG/106 is not a required class. As a bibliophile, there was no question that I would use the need to fulfill an elective requirement as a reasonable excuse to take this class. There are many preconceived notions around the study of literary masterpieces, and some people have a hard time pushing past the bitter memories of stuffy high school English teachers and 30 page book reports on Crime and Punishment to be worked on over summer vacation. I am lucky enough to have had a wonderful experience with the classics, and my expectations for ENG/106 come from a place of fondness, respect, and genuine awe. With that being said, there is more to understanding literary masterpieces than simply enjoying a good read; one should also recognize the preconceived notions that often come with the subject, as well as have an understanding of why literary masterpieces are important and how they influence modern society.
My Experiences and Expectations
My experience with literary masterpieces began at age seven when I first read Charlotte’s Web. While that may not be considered a literary masterpiece, it did open my eyes to many amazing elements of literature. Firstly, I was struck by how powerfully I felt for the characters, and how easily I was drawn into their stories to the point in which I laughed when they laughed, worried when they worried, and wept when they wept. This paper thing had drawn emotion from me. A person wrote this story long before I was born, about a time period in which I never lived, and shared with me a story. I found the power of it all very overwhelming. Once I was in high