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As regards literary theory ("It's curtains for the gadfly of the piece", October 7), an important consideration should be its effect on the way literature is studied in schools, where many graduates in English will teach.

In schools, the aim should be to promote an understanding and appreciation of literature among future members of the general reading public. There can hardly be room for "theory". School pupils should consider what authors have to say about various aspects of human life and should gain awareness of the social and cultural conditions that will have shaped the author's perspective on human life in his or her time.

Paul Fletcher
Irvine