2001 An English Odyssey

Essay by EssaySwap ContributorHigh School, 11th grade February 2008

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2100 An English Odyssey The year is 2100 and technology has reached a new high. However, there still is the need for literature. In this time there are still English AP classes taking place. Even though most of the pre-twentieth century literature was destroyed in the Great Destruction of 2049, which was a nuclear war. What literature, pre-twentieth and twentieth, will be read in a 2100 English AP class? With the question in mind I have written the following paragraphs.

One pre-twentieth century piece of literature read in 2100 would have to be Utopia by Sir Thomas Moore. Utopia is a very important piece because it shows the variety of nations and cultures that could exist. It also shows students that it is ignorant to judge a culture on the fact that it is not American until you research the culture and find out how their ways were originated. Utopia also gives ideas about how government might be in the future, or how it was in the past.

Lastly, Utopia is full of imagination and a politics, which is important for young growing minds.

The first twentieth century of literature read in 2100 would be John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Of Mice and Men shows the struggle of two companions struggling to make it through the Great Depression. It also depicts how strong a bond can be between two friends who look out for each other. Of Mice and Men also shows how strong a friendship is even if it means killing the other. John Steinbeck's book is a great story that everyone should have the honor of reading.

The second twentieth century piece would have to be Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird is also a book dealing with the Great Depression. It's story is set in the deep south, which will help southerners better understand their past, and it will help people from the north understand about the South's past. Harper Lee's book shows how life can be tough when a government's economics come crashing down. It also shows that a depression can bring a family closer. To Kill a Mockingbird has to be the best American story.

No technological advances could ever compete against the power of one book. Literature may change drastically in future, but I think there will always be an appreciation for the old literature. Even if there is a Great Destruction it won't have as much effect on humanity as the power of reading. I can only hope that the future English classes will be as exciting as they are now. I think the students of any English III AP course in 2100 would agree with my selection of important literature.