There is a wonderful scene in Dead Poets Society when the inspirational, charismatic teacher, Mr Keating, orders his students to tear out a page from the introduction to their poetry anthology. The offending piece was written by a Dr J. Evans Pritchard who, incredibly, had formulated a ludicrous, quasi-mathematical calculation for determining a poem's greatness.
This ghastly theory deserved such a fate. However, the initial look of horrified astonishment on the boys' faces is eloquent testimony to the failure of their education system to equip them with the necessary skills and insight to detect the utter absurdity of Pritchard's theory.
The polar opposite to Pritchard's wrong-headed approach is captured in Sean O Riordain's phrase, "Geit na Filiochta" - its economy, precision and vividness has registered in my subconscious as an exemplar of that which it describes.
Today, one wonders if, in a world full of technical wizardry and computer gadgetry, the written word has lost its appeal or its ability to exercise its particular and potent alchemy on the minds of the young. Recently, in The Irish Times, Vincent Banville talked of the "salmon leap of the heart" he experienced when he received gifts of books at Christmas. He also asked if modern, popular culture has "usurped the quiet delight of reading, a tranquil demeanour masking inner excitement as the mind soars".
It would be a tragedy if our students did not grow to appreciate the solace and companionship of a book, or learn to experience vicariously different time zones, cultural contexts and personality types through the medium of the printed word. I believe that our students continue to enjoy books, although some do not do so at the required level or intensity.
Recently, one of my students described the book she was reviewing as "a time-machine". This, surely, was a tribute to the book's enduring power to weave a spell over the reader - to charm, enthral and transport.
Familiarity with the written word will not breed contempt among our students. Rather, it will generate perspective and an ability to evaluate and compare. It will encourage analytical responses, convey an awareness of style and improve vocabulary.
Reading will help to make our students complete and whole - creative, imaginative and informed. It will empower them, enlarge their minds and refine their sensibilities. In addition, reading will help them to become effective and formidable communicators - a daunting prospect.
Our task as teachers or parents is to initiate, nourish and support this process. Our objective is to get our students, quite literally, to fall in love with words. This love affair will develop into a lifelong partnership that will sustain in sickness and in health. Reading is not a substitute for reality, but it helps us to understand it and appreciate it.
We need not fear the outcome, as long as we are prepared to accept the prospect of young people having more formidable intellects and greater powers of communication. It's worth the risk. In short, I want our students to be able to detect phony theories such as Pritchard's alleged theory of poetic greatness and to be proactive in their response.
"Girls, open your textbooks at page 21. Oh, I see. You've already torn it out!"
Dr Nora Ni Mhurchu
Teacher of English and Irish St Joseph of Cluny Secondary School, Killiney, Co Dublin
Education & L
Editor: Ella Shanahan Production: Hugh Lambert and Harry Browne Main Cover illustration: Kevin McSherry Small cover illustrations: Cathy Dineen Email: education@irish-times.ie
