English Stew: English Lit

Thursday, April 4, 2019

English Lit

On Monday, we'll discuss whether or not "To the Virgins to Make Much of Time" is uplifting or not, so come to class with something to say! Also, for Monday, please read (and take approximately 10 notes) on pages 301-302 of the text.

Why English Stew?

Why call this blog English Stew? Well, I've always thought that the English language is very much like a stew - thick, hearty, and satisfying! Its ingredients are a mixture of all the other languages and cultures with which it has come into contact over the past 1500 years: from the invading Germanic and Scandinavian tribes to the Norman French conquerors to more far-flung groups met during the age of exploration and colonization. Used by over a billion people every day, it is the international language of commerce. English is also vast - a truly global dish with one of the most extensive vocabularies of all the world's languages. It is estimated that over 25,000 new words are added each year (that's about 70 a day). The power and popularity of our language stems from this dynamism and flexibility. No bite is ever the same!

Thursday, April 4, 2019

English Lit

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