Some people have some misconceptions about studying English Literature. Interested in seeing someone doing a major in English Lit? Don't do any of these things or be prepared for immediate and complete shutdown.
1. When You Assume we are Grammar Nazis.
We are, but you don't have to assume that we are. It kind of ruins it for us.
2. When people use words incorrectly.
Learn how to use the word irony correctly. It's not like rain on your wedding day. That's just unfortunate. Also the word 'literally'. Really? You literally cannot go on? You're going to just pack it in right now? Go on, do it. Pack it in.
3. Spelling Incorrectly.
Quite means 'a little bit'. Quiet means 'a little noise'. Similar but not the same and definitely different words!
4. When People Assume we do nothing.
Yes, we do read all the time. No, that is not 'nothing'. Reading is an activity. Oh, you would love more time to read? So would I. I've only around 20 more books to finish before the semester ends.
5. 'So what can you do with that degree?'
No, we don't all want to be teachers. We love literature. Let us study and stop freaking us out with our limited job opportunities.
6. 'What is the point of poetry?'
The language of our souls.
7. 'Do you like live in the library?'
Maybe....
8. 'That sounds so relaxing.'
Yeah it's so great to be doing a major with no right answers. I proved my point! How is that quote irrelevant? Why does my bibliography count towards my final mark? Why are there so many different types of referencing styles??
9. Assuming we love any and all Shakespeare adaptations.
We love the bard, but no not all adaptions are golden.
Great:
Not as great:
10. Someone interrupting your Reading time.
I don't interrupt your work. Please return the favour.
11. People who assume they know as much about a certain text as you
Bitch please, I just spent three hours reading journals online about the theme of social structures in C19th British Literature. Oh, but you read Great Expectations. We clearly are just as informed on the topic.
12. People who haven't read the book but see the movie.
You just will not get it. You could not understand. Just leave.
13. When people belittle our love of fictional characters.
You don't know our pain. Why can't they be real?
14. How are you going to use that in the real world?
Who knows? It's not like we use language to communicate or anything. So impractical. What was I even thinking?
