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TinyViolins · 31-35, M
As far as the books we read in school, often times they're chosen because they're mass-produced and cheap for the district. That's why everyone has to read To Kill a Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby no matter what part of the US they grew up in.
Another part of the equation is that teachers read the same books growing up and decided it would make great teaching material. You look back at something like The Scarlet Letter and realize it beats you over the head repeatedly with symbolism. Or look at Lord of the Flies and realize how the characters represent specific parts of the human psyche. They may or may not be great books, but they are great for teaching literature.
Another reason may simply be cultural. They show us glimpses into American history and teach us what life was like during The Grapes of Wrath or Uncle Tom's Cabin. It shows people the parallels and contrasts between life today and life all those years ago.
I'm sure there are other reasons, but those are definitely major factors
Another part of the equation is that teachers read the same books growing up and decided it would make great teaching material. You look back at something like The Scarlet Letter and realize it beats you over the head repeatedly with symbolism. Or look at Lord of the Flies and realize how the characters represent specific parts of the human psyche. They may or may not be great books, but they are great for teaching literature.
Another reason may simply be cultural. They show us glimpses into American history and teach us what life was like during The Grapes of Wrath or Uncle Tom's Cabin. It shows people the parallels and contrasts between life today and life all those years ago.
I'm sure there are other reasons, but those are definitely major factors