Creative Writing Commons^™

Why ‘Dead White Guys’ Help Advance The Human Condition, August Nagro '15

2013 Fall Semester

Enlightenment often comes from unexpected sources. What English student, for example, could expect to be influenced by the works of a dead, blind author who yelled, “milk me! Milk me!” (Elfer), when calling his daughter to jot down his thoughts? While outlandish, John Milton (the author mentioned above) wrote persuasive literature that formed a snapshot of historical controversies of the time. English class should provide students with the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for their future, introduce students to philosophical controversy encouraging analytical analysis, and provide a historical basis for literature. These goals are only enhanced through the exploration …