The Old or the New?
Much debate has focussed on issues such as the new ‘teenager’ edition of Shakespeare, as well as other subjects regarding ‘Moden Inglish’ and the like, although to present a common theme amongst these topics I would have to head straight toward the horizon of ‘the classics or the modern?’ debate. The two, or perhaps more, sides of the argument consist of the restoration of old literature, ‘proper’ English and tales of great depth, and evocation. When juxtaposed to more modern works we see more simplistic writing (both in style and in subject), however many believe that ending with this stereotype is simply preposterous, and hence, we should create a new angle of perspective on the debate.
Wandering toward those great authors of the twenty-first century, we see that it is possible to create works of art (disguised as literature) in modern times and with our modern interpretation of a language that has been twisted and turned throughout years of constant change.
Perhaps we should admire both sides of the debate, accept that English has changed, and accordingly the style of writing has changed. But does this mean that it has become less meaningful? Well, I’ll leave that thought in your hands…
Despite the arbitrary lack of structure to this piece, I find it necessary to now wander off to the other side of the debate. Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps (beyond all imagination), the classics aren’t that amazing, aren’t that sensational? It has become apparent to some (definately not to me!) that some classic works of literature are stereotyped, and given the hyperbolic judgement of greatness. Perhaps this is true. Most likely, it isn’t.
I leave this muddled, and awfully over-complicated subject in your hands. As readers of both fine and terrible literature, I hope that you will search beyond the realms of knowledge to find me an answer!
Posted by tyronec
May 30th, 2008 at 9:29 am
The English language is dying. Some people say that it is simply declining, some say that it is evolving, some say that it is naturally and slowly adapting to our modern society, but the truth is that it is dying, slowly and painfully, and rising from its ashes will be a strange new dialect reminiscent of Orwell’s Newspeak.
I often hear people using terms such as ‘lol’, ‘rofl’ and ‘w00t’ in everyday speech. This is abhorrent! These terms are not worthy of being called words! They are simply used by people who don’t have a big enough vocabulary to express their emotions within the bounds of our language, and who consequently find the need to use lower case acronyms of grammatically incorrect phrases, and substitute letters for numbers just to feel special.
I haven’t actually read Tyropne’s article, but he’s told me about it so I’ve got the general idea of it, so if my comments have been totally irrelevant or ranting it’s his fault.