How many people do you think REALLY like those old/classic pieces of literature?

Question

You know how people will say something like, "Oh, yes, Tale of Two Cities, what a great piece of literature, it was really..." and go on about it and the like...now, how many people do you think actually know what they're talking about and/or actually liked it? Does anyone, or are we all just supossed to so its like an unwritten rule that everyone pretends to like it? Many of the 'classics' that no one shuts up about (nor understand) I think are pure garbage. Others are great. What do you think?

Eh, after considering what I said for a moment, it was wrong to say that they were 'pure garbage.' Rather, it would be more accurate to say that I can see the value in them, but don't really fully see why they are regarded so highly. There, much better.

Answer 1

A 'classic' is basically a book that was really popular when it was written, so much so that it has stayed in print. I personally wouldn't group them together. These days we divide books by genre. I like reading sci fi/fantasy. I can't stand crime. Similarly, we will like some classics and not others (I agree that Hardy puts me to sleep - I couldn't spot much happening at all!)

'Pride and Prejudice' is a Romance book, and an excellent one at that. Dickens wrote, I would say, mostly adventure and crime type novels.

If you're finding it hard to enjoy classics, you could try watching a film version. There are a few v good versions of Pride and Prejudice around - the Colin Firth BBC production or the new film are the best. Shakespeare should definitely be watched rather than read, that is how he intended it to be taken in, after all.

As to whether people know what they're talking about, well, it depends on the person. Some people genuinely enjoy Dickens. Others will have studied it at school or university. Others will have watched a tv adaptation. The rest are making it up.

Answer 2

Every person has their own taste in regards to book. Like today, how much you like or dislike a book depends on how well you like the book's content (the subject matter/plot line) and the author's style. There are plenty of 'classic' books that I absolutely LOVE. And there are plenty of 'classic' books that I wouldn't read if you paid me. It's not about how old they are--it's content and style.

For example, Pride and Prejudice and other romances by Jane Austen are great reads for the most part. I read them for fun. Not because anyone is 'making' me read a classic for a grade, but because it's just a great book. The Count of Monte Cristo is another example for me. To me it is interesting and exciting...and a pure pleasure to spend time reading it.

But that's not to say I would want to cozy up with other classic pieces of literature. Thomas Hardy is a man whose works I hope to never see again as long as I live. I absolutely hated Jude the Obscure. Hated. And both times I read Great Expectations I hated it. Senseless.

But you've got to realize that reading is always subjective.

The problem with classics--and I agree that there is a problem--is that teachers with all of the best intentions in the world--force classics on young adults (7th grade and up) BEFORE they are even capable of appreciating them.

There is a world of difference between someone voluntarily picking up a book and reading it 'for fun' without grades, without pressure of having to discuss or write papers, etc. AND someone being forced to read a book, take quizzes, tests, write essays, and participate in so called intellectual discussions and debates about the nitpicky details of it. What does this mean, what does that mean. What is the theme of it all. That may be considered fun in college or graduate school where you're there by choice--I certainly considered it fun--but the BIG difference is choice.

As a reader, reading 'for fun' you can start a book without any obligation to finish it if you get frustrated or dislike it. But if it's 'assigned' reading you're forced to continue on a tedious unpleasant journey that will only make you angry and frustrated.

No matter what book is assigned the student is predisposed to absolutely HATE it. And in some cases, may never give the book or author a second chance when they're an adult.

I absolutely hated English literature in high school. Hated it. Hated every classic I was ever assigned. But in college, I actually picked up classics just for fun, to read during breaks, and discovered that it can in fact be fun to read classics. So much 'fun' that I majored in literature and received my bachelor's and master's degree in it.

Answer 3

Closest I get to the "Old Classics" is Poe. I absolutely love Edgar Allen Poe. But, John Saul is excellent, and is my modern literary choice for my style of reading.

And Synchr makes a great point. The context of some of the older writings is lost, as most people can't gather the point due to the totally different "slang" of the times. Oh, guess it could be proper English, but the jury is out there. :0)

Answer 4

Tandia by Bryce Courtenay. A half Indian, half African beauty driven away from her home when her Indian father dies she is raped by a police officer and later harassed by the officers partner and brutally treated. This fiction chronicles her very bright future being held back by Apartheid and the mutual love between her and a white boxer denied because of laws against mixed race marriages. The book is very well written and developed. An interesting read about how bad law and racism can destroy lives and cause people to choose terrorism when there is no other choice. I finished it yesterday.

Answer 5

I agree with you but for me I prefer to read some of them, One of the hardships is that the words and styles of writing are different from English we use nowadays. I forced myself to start and finish reading "The Life Of Johnson" by James Boswell (OUP, Paperback) since I read somewhere long time ago that it's one of the best/great biographies ever written in English and I've known more on Dr Johnson's literary and private life as well as his wise and witty quotes.
In the meantime, I've paid more attention to some contemporary classics instead, especially those published by Alfred P. Knopf in the Everyman's Library series, they're small hardbacks with reasonable prices and they're cheaper if you're in the USA and order them via Amazon.com website.

Answer 6

It IS intriguing....ask a librarian what moves (or what "vanishes" off the shelves), and I'll bet you plenty it ISN'T Dickens....

Literary tastes change over time. One of my hobbies is reading old Sears Roebuck catalogs---you would not believe how many books were listed as being "classics for the ages"....and are now long forgotten.

Basic markers for a good book, IMHO?---do you keep asking "what happens next; then what??" Can you identify with the characters or the situations? Do you find yourself wanting to grab the author and shake him/her hard and say "WRITE MORE, fast, please!" Would you re-read the book?

Answer 7

I wouldnt say I like all the ones I have read, but some are good and some are fantastic reads. I think the value lies in looking at life froma different perspective.

Answer 8

People in general are much stupider and more easily distracted than when those were written. The WERE great books where as now, Penthouse would likely get more votes.

Answer 9

I've read quite a few "classics" and I have to say they were not my favorite books.....I've always thought a lot of the classic writers were very "wordy". Give me a newer page turner any day

Answer 10

Most of that stuff isn't written in language that is easily understood by people today.