The basis of high school English lies in the literature students read and analyze throughout the year. Each level of English class at Arcadia High School reads multiple full-length books, a set curriculum that is repeated each year. However, teachers at Arcadia High School have long been discussing an update to the reading lists; the growing demand for diversity in the curriculum is being addressed, and teachers still strive to give students an understanding of the classics of the past.

The elusive balance between contemporary and traditional literature centers around the issue of sensitivity to mature topics; like modern books reflect modern issues, older pieces of literature almost always carry relics of the time in which they were written. This reflection of the author’s experience can often be jarring to modern readers, with interpretations of social issues that would be unacceptable today. Despite this, English teachers still strive to discuss these issues when teaching books.

Some of the most well-known books read in Arcadia High School (AHS) English courses, like The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and To Kill a Mockingbird are prime examples of this controversy. 

The Great Gatsby has raised concerns over depictions of violence, adultery, and language, while Of Mice and Men has a somewhat myopic portrayal of disabilities and racism as integral themes. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee addressed a whole slew of controversial issues, including race, religion, gender, economic class, sexual assault, and disabilities. 

Seeing as To Kill a Mockingbird was written in the 1950s, the usage of offensive language and scenarios no longer acceptable today is striking to students reading the book in English in 10th grade. However, students must analyze Lee’s purpose further. She makes a distinct criticism of the problems in the fictional Maycomb society, with complicated and enlightening themes of discrimination. The central theme of considering situations from other points of view is yet another way Lee communicated her purpose, advising the reader to be open-minded.

In this novel lies the true value of challenging content and controversial books in the curriculum. Certainly, Harper Lee cannot be perpetually regarded as flawless, and the standards for tolerance of human diversity should continue to rise, but there is more to the issue. It’s impossible to hold people accountable for social standards that were only enacted long after they wrote their books. This is why, as readers, it’s our responsibility to view older literature through a lens of historical analysis and exploration of point-of-view. Be cognizant of the flaws, but consider the value of reading and what you can learn. 

According to the English Department Chairperson, Mr. Christopher Schultz, this open-minded attitude can be incorporated into the creation of required reading lists by teachers themselves.

“We offer options when we say teachers need to teach a certain book; we have required readings, and then we have a list of optional books for each quarter and semester at each one of the grade levels. That’s up to teacher discretion because they can select readings they feel more connected to,” said Mr. Schultz. 

That being said, there’s still some flexibility for teachers in the current curriculum.

“I don’t think there’s anything that should be taught hard set, and that’s because I believe we can teach the same themes and literary analysis skills by using different books each year. I’ve done it many times,” he continued.

Students do benefit from reading books from a variety of different perspectives and settings, meaning there is a need for adaptation and adoption of more modern options. There is something to be gained by students studying older works, but there is still a need for powerful learning opportunities in new books. By pushing students to examine the world and the setting around them critically, growth and change become real options. 

Students should adopt the mantle of mature and responsible world citizens, examining any material with a critical but open mind. Nevertheless, AHS teachers should continue working hard to put forth the best possible material.

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