Szwed's Literature

I think Szwed was trying to convey what he thought literature was. In his article, he explains how it is difficult it is to specifically define literature, therefore making it hard to teach to students. Our cultural perception of what reading and writing is happens to be very narrow and strict. I think Szwed got the right idea about the way reading and writing should be used. He says “reading should not be focused on forming a single standard set of skills to be acquired and us as a whole individuals who acquire them in progression of steps which cannot be carried or avoided in learning.” Today, too many young readers and writes are have pressure on them to be “good” readers so they can do good on standardized testing. Instead, reading should be based on enjoyment and what best fits their specific needs. I think Szwed did a great job on how reading and writing should be approached.