By Halcyon Orvendal
Classics should absolutely be taught. Alongside these classics, modern theorists should be taught as well. The old theories of rhetoric inform new theories of rhetoric, but they do not always apply to the modern world.
Old novels and literature are fascinating and provide important context for understanding genres and English literature as a whole, but it is worthwhile to read literature that also addresses the modern world. Shakespeare’s plays are beautifully written, but they center on a world that has long passed.
Many other classics address important themes and life lessons. Whether you like or dislike Shakespeare, his works answer difficult questions, such as the way one should live their life, and inform the readers of lessons they should learn. Macbeth warns readers of how easily human nature can fall prey to greed and the desire for power. Hamlet warns of the dangers of indecision, and how one must commit to their values and choices if they are to achieve anything.
Classics should continue to be taught in schools, especially in colleges. The benefits they provide outweigh the arguments against them. The information taught in these classic classes help students when they take more current classes, as modern theory is informed by classic theory. However, for those who have no interest in the classics, at Lewis & Clark College, it is possible to take four years of classes without reading many classics. Especially if one is not taking English as a major or a minor. Some people benefit from reading the classics, myself included. For others, they are not an ideal method of learning.
Classic theories of rhetoric are informed by the theories penned by Gorgias, Plato and Cicero, alongside all of the other ancient philosophers. Studying the Lais of Marie de France provides insight into modern folklore, and what modern interpretations of folklore might have drawn on.
Admittedly, there is merit to the argument that classics should no longer be taught in modern courses. The authors of the majority of classic literature are not the most diverse group of people. Typically, the old philosophers, writers and musicians are white men. Occasionally, there is a woman, and it is rare to see a person of color featured in the curriculum of typical English courses, especially in the 100 levels. While there are courses dedicated to African American literature and departments dedicated to studying specific regional and ethnic cultures, this diversity is rarely addressed in traditional English courses. The lens through which classics are often addressed and taught is very eurocentric and deserves critique.
Alongside the lack of diversity, many argue that there is no purpose in teaching the classics, as they are not practical in modern culture. There is rarely a time that a job interview will ask you about the rhetoric of Aristotle, or the speeches given in Beowulf. Modern theorists and work are often seen as more important and apply more to the modern world than the classical work that came before.
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi is a more appealing modern book than the classic novel “Heart of Darkness and Other Tales” by Joseph Conrad. Adeyemi’s book takes inspiration from Yoruba culture and West African mythology and follows characters of color. Conrad’s classic novel, on the other hand, is quite racist. Adeyemi’s book is, of course, more appealing to a modern generation. That does not mean that classics are no longer relevant today.
Despite the disgusting content of some classics, many provide valuable context that can help ground people in the times they were written. The novels of Charles Dickens help portray the economic inequality in 19th-century England. “The Catcher In the Rye” by J.D. Salinger centers around the struggle of the teenage experience without glorifying it, as much of modern literature does. A lot of this literature was not problematic in the time it was written and published, and only retrospectively, has been seen to have issues. These stories still have a lot to offer us.
Classics should be taught by an instructor who is able to address the lack of diversity of these media, regardless of the field in which they are being taught. Musical theory, rhetoric, literature and every other field that teaches classics, should continue to teach them. Modern theorists should be taught alongside these classics, and teachers should ensure that students understand the importance of their perspectives.
Our approach to teaching the classics should not be an all-or-nothing mentality. Classic theorists and their works should be taught, alongside a variety of modern theorists. You cannot possibly hope to give a student a well-rounded education by only teaching the classics, or by only teaching modern works.
Modern theorists are often informed by the works that came before them, but they tackle their theories with a wider viewpoint. New theories are being written by a larger population, making sense of a new, more interconnected worldview. The classics are still important, and the information can be useful to inform modern theories. They are outdated, but it does not mean they are fully wrong. Understanding classic theories, regardless of the field, will help one when it comes to understanding modern theories. In my rhetorical theory class, I would not understand the theories of Perelman, Olbrechts-Tyteca and Burke, without studying the theories of Aristotle and Plato. And, for some students, it will help them when they become modern theorists themselves.
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