Speaking out about reading

Re “Teacher wants to expel Huck Finn,” Jan. 19

From the enlightened perspective of the 21st century, it is easy to criticize respected literature for its use of outdated and offensive language.

I too have taught “Huckleberry Finn”: to multiracial high school American literature classes. I always make a point of putting the novel in context: In the 1880s, Americans unabashedly used the “n-word” to refer to people of African descent.

But the focus on the unfortunate use of words overshadows the thematic greatness of the writing. In Mark Twain’s novel, Huckleberry Finn makes the astounding discovery in his journey down the river that the runaway slave Jim is not just someone’s lost property; he is a human being. He lies to save Jim’s life and fears he will go to hell for it.

Huck’s epiphany was America’s: an everyman’s revelation of Thomas Jefferson’s claim that all men are created equal. This book must never be removed from the English teaching curriculum.

Michael Duffy

Simi Valley

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Unfortunately, Foley’s surrender to the difficulty of getting kids to read real books, with real historical perspective, only adds to the attitude to which he surrenders.

Teachers are supposed to be the grown-ups. I am forever hopeful that the era of allowing the inmates to run the asylum in schools will pass and professional educators can actually teach important things instead of the pap preferred by students (and increasingly, parents.)

Rich Ede

Claremont

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Memo to Foley:

Maybe Barack Obama was elected president because so many people have read “Huckleberry Finn.”

Daniel D. Victor

Los Angeles

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Well, seems I (and your story about me) set off a firestorm. Debate and dissent are good things, so I have no regrets. I do, however, need to clear up some misconceptions:

* I favor censorship and banning books: Never! I love books! “Huck Finn,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men” are among my favorites. I simply would like more options for teachers on the curriculum.

* I am Mr. Politically Correct: Heck no! Critics have noted the many politically incorrect passages in the books I have written.

* I am for “dumbing down” the curriculum: The books I proposed as worthy substitutes -- “Lonesome Dove,” “Going After Cacciato” and “Snow Falling on Cedars” -- have won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award and the Pen/Faulkner award, respectively. Such awards are a good indication of quality.

* I want to keep students from important books: Nope. I just don’t believe figuratively hitting kids over the head with the classics is the best way to teach, and I would prefer students read those books on their own rather than in the classroom.

Why? Because the “n-word” and demeaning stereotypes do offend many students; because it’s nearly impossible to teach kids who feel alienated and offended by the material; and because linking literature to my students’ lives is my aim, and it’s difficult to do with those books.

That’s about all for today, class. Keep reading. Continue debating. Go Obama.

(P.S. I’d also like to remove “The Great Gatsby” from the curriculum. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s prose is lovely, but those spoiled characters really torque me off.)

John Foley

Vancouver, Wash.