Random Thought Thursday

I'm studying English Literahchah this year and while I'm looking forward to the massive volumes of books I'll have to consume (no sarcasm) I'm anxious that I'll only be reading slightly pretentious books. I mean I read Pride and Prejudice thinking it was a relatively easy read but then I read all the notes and excerpts from studies people have made of the book and its time and I freak out a little bit that there must be heaps that I'm missing? I know what we consider literature is laden with meaning and excellency, but I think there is such skill in children's books also that is not nearly as well acknowledged.

I am intimidated by the idea of writing a children's book. There are no decorative words or complex themes to hide behind. There is no thick layer-upon-layer thing to smother my work in. It must be purely an excellent story. Simply told, no fussing or beating around the bush. Kids get bored with flat stuff like that and soon see through it. All that stuff that's waiting to be analysed? Is that all it is? Stuff? I feel like it's gagging me; all I want to do is have a really good story.
'Discuss' the crap out of that one.

I am not trying to deny or reject the amazing work in literature, and all the things that can be read between the lines can be fascinating, especially the infinity of no real right or wrong. Obviously I believe all of this because I've chosen to study it. But sometimes I think I've had enough with knowing why or how something was written and just want to have a little ignorant indulgence (the only kind I really allow myself) and enjoy a story. It feels almost contradictory to say this of art, but I can't pretend I don't feel this way at times.