Books Quote by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
““These works are handed down from teacher to pupil, from parent to child, almost without question, like DNA. They are memorized, recited, discussed in book reports, included in university entrance exams, and once the student is grown up, they become a source for quotation. They are made into movies again and again, they are parodied, and inevitably they become the object of ambitious young writers’ revolt and contempt.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Literary Tradition” by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, 1915
The quote describes how canonical works are transmitted across generations, memorized, examined, and eventually challenged by new writers.
In simple terms: Classic works are passed down, studied, then questioned by newer generations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize tradition but also question it.
Themes
tradition
education
literature
authority
rebellion
Mood
reflective
critical
contemplative
Type
analytical
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- literary criticism
- creative writing
- media adaptation
- academic testing
Key Concepts
cultural transmission
canon formation
intergenerational dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you engage with canonical texts?
- When is rebellion against tradition productive?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overgeneralize the uniformity of educational experiences worldwide.
