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Description
Simpkins sends a very long letter to Finley dealing with the effects of studying classical Homeric literature in schools. Recently, several newspapers have run the story of an interview between 16 year old Benjamin Franklin and New York Colony Governor William Burnett (served 1720-1728). Franklin tells Burnett that he opposes the study of the "dead languages" and suggests that Christians should not study the works of Homer. Simpkins agrees that Homer's Iliad is an elegant piece of epic poetry, but its bloodshed, carnage, and glorification of war is not suitable reading for Christians who claim their religion to be one of peace and goodwill to men and the banishment of evil wars. Abstract Number - 418
Abstract Number
418
Publication Date
1-25-1849
City
Chillicothe
Keywords
Education; Classical Education; Homer; The Iliad; War; Literature; Greeks; Romans
Recommended Citation
Simpkins, Peter, "Letter from Peter Simpkins to James B. Finley" (1849). Finley Letters. 616.
https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/616