Should we study classic literature? Cue one of the most perennial debates within homeschool circles. Many argue, with good reason, against highlighting books with problematic content. Yet, eliminating classic literature can lead to significant educational losses for our learners.
In the early years of teaching our children to love books, we snuggle up with cozy read-alouds. This practice gives stories an aura of nostalgia. If we read, for example, Little House on the Prairie, and romanticize the portrayal of western expansion, our younger kids aren’t ready for the nuanced conversation about Ma’s troubling views on Indigenous peoples or Pa’s alcoholism.
But at the middle or high school levels, introducing classical literature has a high value in understanding historical perspectives. For example, teens can analyze Little House on the Prairie to discover why Ingalls wrote the book, the story behind the romanticized narrative, and what it reveals about people during that era. This approach encourages critical assessment of literature and avoids idealization of problematic aspects.
Furthermore, studying classic literature provides insight into literary allusions found in modern texts and everyday conversations — or even solving crossword puzzles. Take Moby Dick, for example. This leviathan of a novel has beautifully written passages. The eloquence of Melville’s writing offers a depth that a children’s illustrated version cannot convey. The original can serve as the centerpiece of a unit study featuring Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea as a nonfiction text describing the events that inspired Melville to write Moby Dick. From there, students can read Christophe Chabouté’s graphic novel adaptation, which takes the best of Melville’s writing and pairs it with striking black and white illustrations.
Students should also explore classic literature beyond a Western perspective. Reading a translation of a Ming Dynasty version of the Ballad of Mulan highlights the legend’s importance during the post-Mongol period. At the same time, the poem can spark conversations about gender roles in Imperial China. Indian epics like the Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita celebrate India’s rich poetic heritage. These stories allow us to draw parallels between ancient themes and present-day literature.
In studying classic literature, students encounter diverse writing styles and trends. Reading in this way helps them develop their own writing voice. They stumble through complex vocabulary and stretch their own minds, building confidence and mental resilience. Shakespeare provides many avenues for enjoyment, whether through live performances, adaptations, or parodies. A comparison of the parallels between Hamlet and The Lion King sparks interest and a new appreciation for the Bard. Classic literature provides a richness missed by focusing solely on contemporary works.
This is not to discredit or overshadow contemporary literature. There are many beautifully written contemporary works. Instead, my hope is that you will not abandon classic literature for a sole focus on the modern. Instead, I invite you to blend the two for a rich and diverse literary life.
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