Literary Discussions

My father in high school in the 1920s was required to read Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. I was required to read it in the 1960s (and enjoyed it) and my stepson was required to read it in the 1980s.  But NOWADAYS  I notice children are required to read that excellent book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl.  Frankl mentions one righteous man who, when serving food on kitchen duty, did no look at each person in the line as he ladled soup but gave equal fair portions to each. Other people would show partiality to friends and give more or give less to people they disliked.  I found that story moving. I have tried during my life to let my actions be motivated by that story. Frankl also mentions a very cruel and sadistic Capo who was later sent to a prison in Siberia. Frankl learned that this Capo in his final years of life became quite compassionate and assisted others in a selfless fashion.  Regarding Stephan Crane: he wrote Red Badge of Courage in 10 days flat and had never seen a Civil War battle.