The summer before my freshman year in high school, Pride and Prejudice was on the "required reading" list. I picked up the book, hearing of it many times before of course and fully expecting to love it. But, that just wasn't the case. I couldn't find my footing in the lofty and unattainable language, I couldn't relate to the characters, and I was completely bored by the plot. I know, I know—you Austen-ites out there are begging to just shake my 14 year old self. I understand. But, I do think that my experience with Austen for the first time serves as an apt lesson. After only reading part of the novel and feigning having read the rest in high school, I sworn off Austen forever—at least that's what I said.
In many ways I think this is one of the challenges students and teachers alike face when approaching literature in high school. These novels are, at times, just too adult and too inaccessible for our young students. Now, this isn't to say that I think they shouldn't be read and taught in high school, but I do think maybe our approach should be revitalized. I went into reading Pride and Prejudice fully expecting to adore the novel. As a self-proclaimed book nerd and a lover of the study, how could I not love such a classic example of the written word? This was the issue. I had built up Jane Austen into to being something that I absolutely had to love. There was no question that I would like Austen because that's simply what young students who love reading did. So, when I didn't like Austen at all, I felt like I must not be smart enough to understand. Unfortunately, this really shook my young book-loving self.
As a junior in college, I took a class that required us to read Jane Austen's Persuasion. I was still extremely apprehensive and frankly not at all looking forward to the process. But, of course, I completely adored the novel. I was at a point in my own life that I could relate to the characters, understand their emotions, and engage with the plot and language. Re-approaching Jane Austen from a new point in my life and from a new perspective made all the difference. If you're like me and swore of Austen early, give it another look. If you are a teacher or have a child who is just now approaching Austen, consider the difficulties younger individuals might have with the text and suggest a revisit later. Lauren Bailey Lauren Bailey is a freelance blogger who loves writing about education, new technology, lifestyle and health. As an education writer, she works to provide helpful information on the best online colleges and courses at www.bestcollegesonline.com/. She welcomes comments and questions via email at blauren 99@gmail.com