The indispensability of reading literary classics as opposed to the spontaneity of consuming adapted literary Works: a controversy

Resumen

We problematized the use of adaptations of literary classics of unreliable quality in school contexts, replacing the original texts. We discussed the role of school in the formation of the individual and the need to avoid emptying the school curriculum and, therefore, pedagogical work. We analyzed data produced from a form/questionnaire answered by Portuguese language teachers from the municipal and state public schools in Espírito Santo. We found that the use of adaptations is a reality among the majority of interviewees and this use is supported by apparently more attractive versions presented to students and by simplifying the language. We defend that the recurrence of using adaptations of the classics contributes to the emptying of literary content whether it is used without clear criteria and intentional, organized and systematic planning.