Why is English/literature put on such a pedestal?

<p>I agree that English class can be a bit boring, but besides the over analyzing, if you truely enjoy the book being read, then you are introduced to the way writing was written. Books now are so short and to the point, they are so predictable and follow the same format, but the classics are classics for a reason.</p>

<p>Literature is the most powerful lens through which we may to examine meaning. </p>

<p>A lack of appreciation for it indicates either a lack of interest in the purposes of things or a lack of maturity in how one deals with and interprets reality.</p>

<p>I also feel the same way about reading: the classics bore me to death without a proper explanation or analysis. I guess classics are not meant to “engage” readers like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games, but rather they’re meant for literary analysis, and thus can make the novel seem VERY dull.</p>

<p>On the other hand, IMO, I think literature is also meant to feed your overall perspective on humanity. The underlying themes in classics do give perspectives and inspirations about life. My point is, I think books can help you build yourself. They’re probably not meant for building practical skills, but for building your views about life and the world. And for a world that’s increasingly being built upon practical skills (law, engineering, medicine, etc), maybe the world needs a little bit of humanity and enrichment that books offer.</p>

<p>At my school, science and math are put on pedestals; not lit. </p>

<p>Actually, athletics are at my school.</p>