Appleman Chapter One

Chapter One

It's interesting how Appleman automatically makes a connection of literary theory and new classroom ideas. I never knew that literary theory had a stigma of being arbitrary. I suppose us English enthusiasts always found it apart of our everyday life (or, at least I do). I strongly agree with Appleman when she says, "...that contemporary literary theory provides a useful way for all students to read and interpret not only literary texts but their lives- both in and out of school" (2).
I feel that any means of allowing the student to connect with the literature is an excellent way to present literature. Reader-response is a great way to do this. Yes, your student may butcher the peice of literature, but it's a start! Learning about Marxist, modern, feminist, etc. analysis also engages curiousity, and excersizes the brain. It also is a history and philosophy lesson. I feel that a well rounded education does encompass knowing these thoeries.