[BITList] Is Rushdie right about rote learning? Is Rushdie rightabout rote learning? | Books | The Guardian

[HUGH]

Mike,

It's a sad day indeed when people get worked up about learning/not learning poems.  When we lived in Denmark, 1965-67, my way to the Vaerft was via a lovely wood, Hedviglundskov.  To while away the minutes I had a go at reciting Tam o' Shanter, learning a bit now and then.  I got nowhere near the Burns' Supper level, but I enjoyed it, and I can still recite some bits I memorised.  Why Tam o' Shanter? The only book of poetry I had was a slim volume of Burns' poems my great aunt had got from a friend and given to me.  On holiday last month in Denmark, Janet and I walked down through the wood.  Still a lovely walk, but the Vaerft has gone. I didn't recite Tam o' Shanter.

Hugh.
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