The Canon on Trial: Should Classic Novels Remain in the Classroom?
For generations, English language arts classrooms have been anchored by a familiar roster of literary giants: Shakespeare, Austen, Fitzgerald, and Steinbeck. These works, collectively known as "the classics," have long been considered essential components of a well-rounded education. However, as the student demographic becomes increasingly diverse and the world rapidly evolves, a contentious debate has emerged among educators, parents, and students alike: Should classic novels still be taught in schools, or is it time to retire them in favor of contemporary literature?
Proponents of keeping classic novels in the curriculum argue that these works offer timeless insights into the human condition. Masterpieces like Macbeth or The Great Gatsby explore universal themes—ambition, greed, love, betrayal, and social division—that remain deeply relevant today. By grappling with these texts, students learn to connect historical struggles with modern-day dilemmas. Furthermore, supporters point out that classic literature challenges students with sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, fostering critical thinking and cognitive resilience. Reading older texts also provides essential cultural literacy, helping students understand the countless literary references, tropes, and historical contexts that shape modern media and political discourse. Without a foundation in the classics, advocates argue, students may miss the rich lineage of human thought that has informed contemporary society.
- canon:
- A traditional collection of literary works considered to be the most important and influential.
- demographic:
- A particular sector of a population, such as a group of students defined by age, race, or background.
- archaic:
- Words or language that are very old-fashioned and no longer in everyday use.
- democratizes:
- To make something fair, equal, and accessible to everyone in a group.
- resilience:
- The ability to stay strong and overcome challenges, such as working through difficult reading material.
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
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Claims & Evidence
Trace and evaluate how claims are supported by reasons and evidence.
Language & Tone
Interpret nonliteral language and analyze how word choice shapes tone and meaning.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What are the four authors explicitly named in the passage as examples of traditional 'literary giants'?
- 2According to proponents, what universal themes do classic works like 'Macbeth' or 'The Great Gatsby' explore?
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About this opinion / argumentative passage for 8th Grade
“The Canon on Trial: Should Classic Novels Remain in the Classroom?” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Literary Canon, written for 8th Grade. It takes about 4 minutes to read (543 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.