Reading Literature: A Final Exchange

To the Editor:

As most readers of Academic Questions probably know, Carol Iannone is Editor-at-Large, and I appreciate her open-mindedness in supporting the publication of my article, “The Crisis of Literacy and the Courage to Teach” (Spring 2007, vol. 20, no. 2), even though it is somewhat critical of something she herself wrote in the journal, “Reading Literature: Decline and Fall?” (Summer 2005, vol. 18, no. 3). I also understand why she chose to respond to my essay in a letter pointing out that she is in fact concerned with the decline of the reading of serious literature in all demographic groups.

I think Miss Iannone and I agree on a number of issues: there is a widespread crisis of literacy; the Modern Language Association (MLA) is a very troubled, even at times malicious organization. I dislike it myself. Our