Validity and Snobbery in English Literature

Tonight, I went to the Panto with University. Yes, you read right. The panto. With Uni. Allow me to explain.

On one of our core modules, we are studying the pantomime. An English Literature degree. I know what you are thinking, those art subjects really do piss around. But it's not quite that. Yes, studying the panto did allow us to snatch up some cheeky discounted tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk - The Giant Pantomime Spectacular (produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer) at the fabulous Newcastle Theatre Royal, but it also has taught me a lot about English literature that I wouldn't necessarily would have thought about before.

The main issue I want to discuss this evening is the ever-changing idea of validity. Who says that everything a literature student studies needs to be award winning novels? Or classics? Or Romantic poetry? I mean, yes, those things are important (we did study Jane Eyre and George Meredith after all) but it does not mean they are all we need to study.

Take chick lit for example; chick lit being literature which 'deals with the issues of modern women humorously and lightheartedly' (1) The popularity of chick lit is massive for middle aged women around the world, but it is also a kind of literature which is incredibly successful with other age groups, such as teenagers and even OAPs, it is completely valid in its art form, and let's face it, they're also quite fun to read. "Chewing gum for the brain," as my Dad would say (although you wouldn't catch him dead with The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic). 

But what's wrong with that? People watch Coronation Street and Eastenders for the same reason. People live busy lives, sometimes "Chewing gum for the brain" is exactly what they need. I know right now I wouldn't pass up a re-read of Bridget Jones' Diary (yes, a re-read. I read it when I was fourteen. I actually really enjoyed it, just by the by).

In actual fact, some people find reading Shakespeare like that. I am not for one minute going to say that I am one of these people because I'm not. I enjoy Shakespeare, I read it and I have been to see some of his plays before, but that doesn't mean that I can switch off when I'm doing it. I have to concentrate. But not everyone does. And who would say that Shakespeare isn't worth studying? Not many people, I can assure you.

In the summer, I was talking to someone about what they were reading, to which they answered Les Miserables. When I was impressed she said, "Honestly, I'm only reading it to say I have." And I found that quite sad. She admitted that she was only reading it for other people's opinions of her. If I spent my time doing that, I don't think I'd be doing an English Literature degree at all because I would have fallen out of love with reading a long time ago.

For Uni, just like for school, I am having to read a lot of books I don't like. I can deal with that because I know in a year I won't have to do that anymore. Plus, when I look up onto my shelves, and see the names of my favourites: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack Kerouac, Bret Easton Ellis, William Burroughs, Jodi Picoult, Sylvia Plath e.t.c. e.t.c. e.t.c., I know that I can still pick up a book and love it, and want to talk about it, and that's what an English degree is all about for me, I think.

Just so you know, the panto was great, I'll be making a post about it in the next week I think. But right now, I'm going to get into bed, read a bit of something, and go to sleep. And I'm going to bloody enjoy it, too.

Love,
Benjamin x