I did my BA in English lit, and hated the restriction…
“I did my BA in English lit, and hated the restriction - I'd always read more in translation than not; coming from a working-class background, what I knew of as British literature - the writers who made big prize lists and/or were stocked in WH Smith, Doncaster's only bookshop until I was 17 - seemed incredibly, alienatingly middle-class. Then in 2009, just after the financial crash, I graduated with no more specific skill than 'can analyse a bit of poetry'.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Class barriers can alienate readers; personal background influences literary taste and access.
In simple terms: Class affects reading choices.
Key Takeaway
Explore diverse voices.
Themes
class
literature
identity
access
diversity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
thoughtful
When to use this quote
- college experience
- reading habits
- career planning
Key Concepts
sociology
education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your background shape your reading?
- What can broaden literary access?
A Different Perspective
Class constraints may limit exposure to varied literature.