Phyllis L. Carr
The banning of books goes back to ancient Rome and Greece, with philosophers like Socrates facing censorship, usually for political reasons. Although the Library of Alexandria was caused by an out-of-control fire, its demise symbolized the loss of great knowledge. During the Middle Ages, even the Bible was banned if it wasn’t written in Latin, the accepted language of the church. Shakespeare’s work was banned and prohibited during the Renaissance for its controversial topics. Mark Twain’s great American classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was also banned. Twain wrote, “Censorship is telling a man he can’t have a steak just because a baby can’t chew it.” Imagine not having the incredible works of William Shakespeare or Mark Twain.
Today, many of the classics have faced the same fate in schools and libraries across the nation. Most of these books are ones we grew up reading in and out of the classroom, and they are considered part of the Western Canon of Literature. We have learned valuable lessons and morals from these novels, finding in fiction ways to face challenges in our own lives. These are novels that are frequently referenced and still provide reading options that encourage us to consider alternative perspectives and philosophies—not to change our minds but to open them to new ways of thinking. Following are many that may be familiar to you or are ones you’ve read.
* To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was banned for its themes of racial injustice and use of racial slurs. What we gain from this novel is the importance of ensuring justice and the power of friendship and family.
* 1984 by George Orwell was challenged for its political themes and portrayal of totalitarianism. Orwell presents a world where loss of independent thought allows for oppression.
* The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was challenged for its themes of decadence and moral ambiguity. The novel addresses the different societal expectations of those with and those without and the wasted pursuit of money as a means of acceptance.
* Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck was banned for its language and portrayal of marginalized groups. The friendship at the heart of this story reflects the power of a shared dream.
* The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck was banned for its political themes and depiction of poverty. Certainly, this novel shows us the need for perseverance in the face of adversity.
* Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury was ironically banned for its themes of censorship and book burning. Bradbury shows us the desolation of a world without literature and what individuals will do to keep it.
* The Color Purple by Alice Walker was banned for its explicit content and themes of racism and sexism. Again, we have an author showing us the power of perseverance.
* Animal Farm by George Orwell was challenged for its political commentary and portrayal of communism. This world of talking animals addresses how easily good ideas can go astray.
We encourage you to consider one of these classics to read, or reread, and possibly start a conversation about what the loss of these important texts would mean to the body of literature found in homes, schools, libraries, and bookshops. The American Library Association (ala.org) has many resources if you would like more information.
Next month’s article will focus on mysteries and cozy mysteries.