Bethany Maile

How It Happened That I Became An English Major In The Early Years Of The Twenty-First Century

            As a college freshman, I spent very little time shopping for a major. Born into a family of writers and lawyers, reading, writing, communicating and thinking were heavily encouraged. Thus, I graduated high school anticipating a degree in English and, just as planned, majored in it. However, just because I landed on a degree in English with relative ease does not mean that Rachel Donadio and Adam Gopnik’s essays do not resonant.

            Donadio’s “Revisiting the Canon Wars” discussed the issue of broadening the scope of the literary canon and addressed the high cost of tuition and how that cost affects the arts. As a freshman at a spendy liberal arts college, I had worried my way through much of Donadio’s concerns. In short, I resolved that we all benefit when the scope of literature allows for more perspective and dialogue from under represented groups. I understand the concern that Shakespeare and Faulkner aren’t receiving the attention they deserve, but including the voices of women and minorities only offers more diversity and therefore, more learning may occur. Furthermore, as an individual who hopes to write in the contemporary world, I feel it is crucial to read contemporary writing. And, clearly, I left the $30,000 a year college (where I majored only in creative writing) because the impracticality and financial strain couldn’t be justified.

            Finally, Gopnik explored the advantages and disadvantages of abridgment. As an individual who has never been able to conquer Moby Dick, I initially supported an abridged version. Making the text more accessible improves readership and I would rather have individuals read some of Melville than none. However, as an aspiring writer, I have serious reservations when I consider tampering with someone else’s work. Ultimately, I choose to rest comfortably on the fence.