I feel that Gallagher’s argument is very true. I do feel that schools are killing children’s love for reading. To solve this issue I think we should stop teaching the classics exclusively and adopt Gallagher’s idea of teaching genre fiction fifty percent of the time and literary fiction the other fifty percent of the time. To expand on this idea I think that we should pair a classic with a genre fiction novel and use to the two to compare and contrast styles of writing, ideas portrayed, etc. This could help give children an appreciation for the art that literary fiction is and the entertainment value found in genre fiction.
I think that genre fiction shouldn’t be undervalued when compared to literary fiction. I think that they both should be held to the same standards. I understand that literary fiction may be harder to write and more of an art form, but this shouldn’t mean that genre fiction is overlooked. For one, genre fiction usually has a better plot and story than most literary fiction. For all we know someone who can write good literary fiction couldn’t write an entertaining and interesting story as well a genre fiction writer can. On the flipside, a genre fiction writer may not be able to write a story that is rich in detail like a literary fiction author can. Another reason that genre fiction has the same value as literary fiction is that they both have their strong a weak points. Genre fiction does a good job of being relevant, enjoyable, entertaining, etc., while it can be lacking in terms of writing craft. Literary fiction is strong in terms of writing craft, having a lasting effect on society, conveying strong messages, etc., meanwhile it may be lacking in being relatable to modern readers and being as entertaining.
I think it is a good idea to read fifty percent literary fiction and fifty percent genre fiction, I think that pairing them together to compare and contrast the styles is a good idea from the view of a teacher but I think it could kill the fun of reading a genre fiction novel for the students.
ReplyDeleteI agree because the classics are good but most kids today in age do not realy care for the classics and get nothing out of them.
ReplyDeleteI agree that schools should adapt a 50/50 system for literary fiction and genre fiction books. This way, students still get all the value from the literary fiction and still get to read books that they are interested in.
ReplyDeleteFifty-Fifty is a good idea but when we are at lower grades perhaps we should lean towards genre fiction and in the higher grade lean more towards literary fiction. Always include at least some genre to keep kids interested.
ReplyDeleteGenre fiction books aren't given enough credit in modern society, and I agree that they should be held at the same standards. I think too that there should be a mix of the genres in English class.
ReplyDeleteI believe you just stereotyped books :P but i do agree with the idea of SOME genre fiction.
ReplyDeleteIn what way did I stereotype books? Can I please have a quote. I do agree in some spots that I did genralize books but I feel that it was necesary to do so.
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DeleteOH MY GOODNESS WE NEED THE CLASSICS! The classics have all the elements of good writing. Anyone can be a genre fiction writer. It takes real skill to be a literary fiction author.
ReplyDeleteI never said to eliminate literary fiction. :/
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