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I am far too biased in my opinion in that I prefer the Classics to modern literature. Those are the ones I first read, by choice. Yes, I did have excellent teachers that opened up the language to me and explore the vastness that is literature pre-1900. I was fortunate, and I do believe this is as important as a good teacher, to have excellent and accessible translations. The stories are not that difficult to understand and, in some cases, still can be related to on a human level of struggle against the times.
The Greek plays are still powerful, Chaucer is still as bawdy and Shakespeare's phrasings continue to captivate me 25 years later.
The English language has a progression that I believe is important to impart to students. Also, I was taught a heavy portion of History to help further explain the hows and whys of the literature.
If taught well, any subject can give a child a spark. I pray for more inspired and dedicated individuals to communicate a love of reading and what came before as it can only serve them to make them better people.
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