Classics: Love them or hate them, they’re an intrinsic part of the journey all readers take throughout their early lives. In all their Old English sentences that stretch on for pages, classic novels make their mark within American culture.
It can’t be denied classics hold a level of importance within our minds, given their long-standing reputation as masterful, exemplary novels for the generations to come. Unfortunately, these qualities are shoved down our throats throughout childhood, which for many is a deterrent from classics all together. With this, willing readers often exhibit a sort of superiority complex, based on the reputable standing of classics within our culture. Bragging rights may be your motivation to pick up some classic literature next time you’re at the bookstore, but we should acknowledge this genre is not without its faults.
Why should we read the classics?
Classic novels really are called classics for a reason. Books that make up this genre are of high artistic value and express themes we can still learn from today. It’s the reason why English classes in high school spend so much time on symbols and themes: You’re not only learning how to interpret the material, but also how to read between the lines. Unfortunately, for the modern reader, this makes for some lengthy and boring material.
Not only this, but the fact that many classic novels assigned in schools are dominated by white men should not be overlooked, with them making up 90% of the curriculum. For BIPOC students, this lack of representation can feel especially limiting and unmotivating to engage in. Heavy themes of racism and stereotyping should also be considered, given the time period in which many novels considered “classics” were written. These qualities have an adverse effect on readers — especially among youths– and should not be ignored or brushed aside for the sake of them being classics. As important as it is to learn from these novels in our modern world, we should always take into account the necessity of critiquing them from an intersectional lens.
Remember the superiority complex I mentioned earlier? That’s a point of critique as well. The world of classics is often perceived as distant from the general population, owing to the difficulty and lengthiness of the texts. In the words of Booktuber Carley Thorne, “oftentimes classics are an inaccessible language, which makes it harder for people to read.” This assertion rings true for many readers, who will pass off classic texts because of their belief they’re not “smart enough” to comprehend them. Years of classics being gatekept by academics have resulted in the elitist stereotype that one must meet a certain level of intelligence to read them. This mentality is not only untrue, but continually keeps everyday people from reading what they want out of fear.
So, should we read the classics? Well, the answer is subjective. Undoubtedly, there are great, easy-to-read novels out there with unproblematic authors. However, the books we consider classics remain present on our bookshelves and as a part of societal norms. I believe the best way to maintain a balance is to diversify your classics collection, reading from authors across racial and cultural lines. Of course, we can continue reading from long-gone white men, but I would remain critical of any messages or stereotypes being put forth within their works.
Enter: The “modern classic”
The “modern classic,” while having various definitions, is most commonly referenced within books published after 1920 and appear to be timeless in their quality. Books that fall under this category are subjective, seeing as though we can’t really tell if a book will stand the test of time; regardless, these works meet a certain threshold of literary greatness. Personally, I am a proponent of this sect of classics because of the diversity amongst authors, who bring unique perspectives. Rather than facilitating harmful messages from the past, modern classics reevaluate these ways of thinking and provide ample commentary on our society. While I can’t promise every classic from this time period will include diversity and representation, we do have the means to critique them and stir conversations on their topics. I believe our generation’s encouragement of inclusivity and political correctness affirms that our version of classics will provide examples of what we consider to be good literature, thus catering to generations of future readers.
Good reads (no, seriously)
My personal recommendations of classics from across the ages.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Set in WWII-era Europe, this story is told from the alternating perspectives of Marie-Laure and Werner Pfenning, two children on opposite sides of the front. The protagonist Marie-Laure offers a perspective of blindness that also displays strength when facing the challenges of her disability. As a story of survival, Doerr brings his readers a message of hope and humanity.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Crossing generational lines, Hosseini weaves an intricate depiction of the lives of two Afghan women, Miriam and Laila. In war-torn Kabul, the women learn to rely on one another in a fight for survival against tyranny. Ultimately, this is a story of hope and resilience battling against fear.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
In a series of letters to God, and eventually her sister, Celie tells her life story of abuse and hardships. Set in Georgia during the early 1900s, Walker details the relationships between African-American women through the eyes of Celie, who narrates her struggles as well as her journey to self-growth.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The premise is simple: The protagonist, “Pi” Patel, becomes stranded on a boat with a tiger after a shipwreck, where his family was journeying from India to America. However, his story runs deeper as a contemplation on life and religion, and how much power we have in believing in ourselves. If nothing else, Pi’s story will leave you considering your own beliefs and the impact of stories like his.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death himself, he tells the story of Liesel, a young, orphaned girl growing up in Nazi Germany. Zusak handles the themes of pain and sorrow with grace and offers a sympathetic perspective when the family takes in a Jewish man to protect. Moreover, he spins a tale on human change and the impact of loss and love.
The incorporation of the modern classic into our lives has provided a necessary shift toward deeper consideration of how we view the classical genre. It has become a needed importance to recognize the harm some classics may have on certain communities, and it is our duty to offer a change in perspective. I would encourage all readers to be thoughtful when picking up a new book and consider the impact they have on us, whether that be for better or for worse.