19th century Quote by Robert Hass
“Literature, the study of literature in English in the 19th century, did not belong to literary studies, which had to do with Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, but instead with elocution and public speaking. So when people read literature, it was to memorize and to recite it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Literary History of English, 19th Century, unknown author
Literature was taught as memorization and recitation rather than analysis, reflecting its role in elocution and public speaking.
In simple terms: Literature was memorized, not analyzed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the shift from performance to critical study.
Themes
education
literary history
elocution
public speaking
analysis
Mood
reflective
academic
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- public lectures
- self‑study
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
memorization
recitation
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does memorization affect deeper understanding?
- What benefits does performance bring to literature?
A Different Perspective
Modern literary studies emphasize interpretation over rote learning.
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
