Due to the teaching of literary works in terms of their literary and historical backgrounds, English literature has been widely criticized as impractical. To escape from the current dilemma of English literature education, we need to use teaching meth...
Due to the teaching of literary works in terms of their literary and historical backgrounds, English literature has been widely criticized as impractical. To escape from the current dilemma of English literature education, we need to use teaching methodology with which to improve English learner's four language skills - reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Literary texts in the language classroom provide us with a variety of teaching methodology which cannot be attained through non-literary material. We are able to contrive a wide range of unique teaching methodology appropriating literary elements, including setting, plot, characterization, theme, and literary techniques. Such literary elements, according to some TESOL scholars, are an obstacle not only to language learner's understanding of literary works in particular but also to the use of literature for English language education in general. On the contrary, it is the literary elements that bring students great interest and enthusiasm in the language classroom. With literary texts we can successfully carry out both literary education and English language education.
The selection of good literary works is a prerequisite to the successful accomplishment of both English and literary education at the same time. Short stories with sophisticated literary elements are ideal for the language classroom because they can more easily satisfy students' desire for reading than novels. "A Rose for Emily" is an excellent example of short stories well-equipped with sophisticated literary elements. For students in the English program, we need to select literary works which contribute to practical language education.