Agree Quote by Sylvia Plath
“I think the whole emphasis in England, in universities, on practical criticism (but not that so much as on historical criticism, knowing what period a line comes from) this is almost paralysing. In America, in University, we read - what? - T. S. Eliot, Dylan Thomas, Yeats, that is where we began. Shakespeare flaunted in the background. I'm not sure I agree with this, but I think that' for the young poet, the writing poet, it is not quite so frightening to go to university in America as it is in England, for these reasons.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1963
English universities focus on historical criticism, while American ones emphasize modern poets, creating different literary foundations.
In simple terms: English study history, Americans study modern poetry.
Recognize varied literary training.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- university curricula
- literary analysis
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your education shape your reading?
- Can you blend both methods?
Both approaches have strengths and blind spots.