Dirty joke Quote by Bob Harris
““In high school, we barely brushed against Ogden Nash, Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, or any of the other so-unserious writers who delight everyone they touch. This was, after all, a very expensive and important school. Instead, I was force-fed a few of Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, although the English needed translation, the broad comedy and wrenching drama were lost, and none of the magnificently dirty jokes were ever explained. (Incidentally, Romeo and Juliet, fully appreciated, might be banned in some U.S. states.) This was the Concordance again, and little more. So we'd read all the lines aloud, resign ourselves to a ponderous struggle, and soon give up the plot completely.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The High School Curriculum”, 2015
The author criticizes schools for prioritizing canonical works over whimsical, less serious writers, leading to a narrow literary experience.
In simple terms: Schools focus on classics, neglecting playful writers.
Key Takeaway
Broaden reading to include diverse voices.
Themes
education
literature
diversity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- reading programs
- literary clubs
- teacher training
Key Concepts
canon criticism
literary breadth
student engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools balance classics with playful works?
- What benefits arise from exposing students to varied literary styles?
A Different Perspective
Changing curricula can face institutional resistance.
