Why do schools read classic books like, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and War and Peace, but don’t watch classic movies like Gone with the Wind, Wizard of Oz, or Citizen Kane?
It has to do with the way the education system evolved. The biggest goal of the early public education system was literacy. Most citizens were illiterate, and this was bad for the citizens and bad for the country.
The Short Answer
It has to do with the way the education system evolved. The biggest goal of the early public education system was literacy. Most citizens were illiterate, and this was bad for the citizens and bad for the country. When you need to teach a bunch of kids how to read, you may as well use a book. If you're going to use a book, you may as well use a classic book. The expectation is that kids don't need to be taught how to watch movies. Also, while "movie literacy" is kind of a thing, it's not as much of a thing when it comes to productivity. Most high-level jobs require high-level reading and writing skills. The same cannot be said of high-level movie-watching skills.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Book, high-level, education
This explanation focuses on book, high-level, education and spans 125 words across 9 sentences. At 74% above the average History explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “It has to do with the way the education system evolved.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 9 connected points.
How This Compares in History
Ranked #72 of 500 History questions by answer depth (top 15%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why schools read classic books like, the great gatsby, of mice and men, and war and peace, but don't watch classic movies like gone with the wind, wizard of oz, or citizen kane?
It has to do with the way the education system evolved. The biggest goal of the early public education system was literacy. Most citizens were illiterate, and this was bad for the citizens and bad for the country. When you need to teach a bunch of…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar History questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 125 words, ranked #72 of 500 History questions by depth. The key concepts covered are book, high-level, education.
What approach does this answer take to explain schools read classic books like, the great gatsby, of mice a?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 125 words. It is categorized under History and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.