Misconceptions in Teaching Literature | 1min snip from SFF Addicts

Ep. 85: Ken Liu talks The Dandelion Dynasty, Modernity, Symbolism & More

SFF Addicts

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Misconceptions in Teaching Literature

Literature is often taught in a misguided manner, with some teachers encouraging students to discern hidden messages and allegorical meanings in literary works. This approach can make people dislike literary analysis and view it as a futile exercise. However, the true essence of literature is not about deciphering a concealed message from the author, as literature is not intended to convey a direct, preachy message. Authors do not write stories to deliver a specific message, but rather to create an engaging narrative without being overtly forceful, preachy, or off-putting. This misconception in the teaching of literature can lead to an aversion to the messages conveyed in literary works, similar to the effect of forceful messaging during the pandemic.

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