O Uso Da Literatura Clássica Nas Aulas De Língua Inglesa No Ensino Médio: The Scarlet Letter, De Nathaniel Hawthorne

Abstract

English language classes have faced several difficulties in relation to teaching and learning. In addition, it is noticed throughout school experiences that these classes are increasingly uninteresting and demotivating. Language as a social phenomenon, linked to socio-historical facts, ceases to be an isolated study and becomes a broad study that involves diversity in our world. Starting from that assumption, language teaching through Literature and classical studies can provide students with contact with the culture in which the English language is advanced and also with the peoples’ way of life, even if it is in the fictional world, (COLLIE and SLATER, 1987). In this way, the present work investigates the perception of students in English language classes using classical literature, specifically about the novel The Scarlet Letter (1850), observing the involvement of students and the teaching and learning of the English Language in high school. A survey was carried out at the State School Targino Pereira, in the City of Araruna / PB, with a class from the 2nd year of high school. Through the objectives of this field research, the procedures linked to qualitative approaches are presented as the most suitable for investigation. The sample had the participation of 21 students of both sexes. For data collection and analysis, a semi-open questionnaire containing 8 questions was conducted; having only three objective questions and five subjective questions. From the analysis it is possible to perceive the involvement of students in classes with the use of literature. In addition, students report on how much they learned from the use of the classic novel as this estimates the curiosity for the plot and the need to understand different contexts related to making the class more attractive and consequently a significant learning of the foreign language.