During this hectic semester, we have read many pieces of literature. A few examples are Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, The Barrelmaker Brimful of Love by Ihara Saikaku, (my favorite of the semester) Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen, The Guest by Albert Camus, and many more. Many people would wonder why this class is necessary for so many majors, but I think it is imperative to a young adult's education.
It is important for our yet developing minds to understand other cultures other than our own. In the United States, it is easy to become obsessed with ourselves and forget that there is an entire world out there. Reading about other countries struggles and customs through literature is a way to expand our appreciation for those other countries.
Without World Lit class, how would we know that China had a cannibal phase in literature? (Just like our vampire phase.) “he said with his very own tongue that is was all right to exchange children and eat them.... but his flesh should be eaten and his skin used as a sleeping mat as well.” (Xun 1924) Or how would we know that people actually can turn into grotesque bugs? “One morning, upon awakening from agitated dreams, Gregor Samsa found himself, in his bed, transformed into a monstrous vermin.” (Kafka 1999)
World literature is also important to expand our vocabulary. Today, teenagers and young adults do not know how to speak properly. (I include myself in this statement.) But, with a willing spirit, these stories will influence our speech and help us transform into adults.
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