Writing Lessons & Advice: Why Read Classic Literature
An idea of discussing classic literature has been on the blogging to-do list for a while and some buzz on X surrounding “The Odyssey” film last month gave me a good jumping-off point for it.
In my high school English classes in the late 2000’s, I read Homer’s poems--“Iliad” and “Odessey”-- “Beowulf”, “Canterbury Tales”, To Kill a Mockingbird, and probably a few other renowned titles. In college during the early 2010’s, my studies acquainted me with Jane Austen, Frankenstein, “Dream of the Rood”, Daphne Du Maurier, “Jane Eyre”, and surely others that have escaped my mind. No doubt many others over the last few generations can speak to having similar experiences during their formative education years. The experiences exposed us to classic literature and writers, which are held in such broad and significant regard that education without a substantial extent of them seems unfathomable--hence these X posts among others like it. What’s the focus of ELA or liberal arts studies if not the fundamental touchstones of culture at some point? I could speculate some possibilities as to why there are cracks being fallen through, but that may diverge from where I want to focus: just some general scope of classics, why they’re worth (more) attention, and starting the process of reading them.
To set the stage for how a work might get deemed a classic, a handful of qualities must be reflected in a certain way. According to the Grand Canyon University blog, these include:
Timelessness--as in the story should stand the test of time. It must bear relevance to current times as much as it does its own time. I’ll acknowledge that a perception may exist that views many classics as unpleasantly dated. A nineteenth century commentator says this regarding the nature of antiquated works having classic status: “Ancient works are classical not because they are old, but because they are powerful, fresh, and healthy.”
Universal themes--in a similar vein, the work should have themes, or central ideas, that apply to a broad audience. For instance, themes of love vs hate, growing up, peace vs violence, fate vs self-sufficiency, survival, and success can resonate with anyone, anywhere, at any time in history.
Artistic quality- a more subjective element, but some typical facets might include good structure, compelling characters, and attractive prose. Adding to this, our nineteenth century commentator also defines the artistic qualities of a classic in this way:”A true classic... is an author who has enriched the human mind, increased its treasure, and caused it to advance a step; who has discovered some moral and not equivocal truth, or revealed some eternal passion in that heart where all seemed known and discovered; who has expressed his thought, observation, or invention, in no matter what form, only provided it be broad and great, refined and sensible, sane and beautiful in itself; who has spoken to all in his own peculiar style...”
Cultural and historical significance--the work might both reflect its own time while also impacting time beyond itself. For instance, Homer’s Odyssey has been found to be one of the oldest surviving and significant works of literature that’s still popular today, being considered as having laid the foundation for European literacy and adapted into countless other mediums over time.
Classics are something unique in the best ways. Most academics have incorporated them and general enthusiasts have turned/returned to them glean more understanding of these literary and cultural qualities. It seems there’s always something new to take away from them. A combination of my own thoughts and some other commentary explain what is drawn from them and by extension why classics are (still) read:
They influence and resonate through culture
Echoes of classics are everywhere in today’s culture. Many words and phrases come from all across this literary canon. Many have shaped modernity and modern entertainment will often pay homage in some way. Their resonance through society is more easily recognized by acquainting with the classics. Not to mention, they could also be good companions to historical and cultural studies.
They’re high quality
A Redditor puts it best: “If it's made it to classic status it's probably one of the best out there so you don't have to wade through a bunch of sh***y books that were written last year when you can pick the books from a couple decades ago+ that were good enough to still be talked about today.” (Pardon the language.)
They offer some healthy challenge
Other Redditors describe the benefits of reading classics in these ways:
[they make] you a better reader/writer/speaker/thinker
You learn how to think critically
[they are] enriching, like all art, to those who can appreciate them
Classics often have layers and complex characters and themes
[they] increase empathy to recognize and resonate with the feelings and emotions of others from every place and every time.
The Knowledge Lust blog adds that, “Classics can be a masterclass in observation...you see more than you could before” after reading observant writing.” One’s taste also becomes more refined, as in “you are better able to identify strengths and weaknesses in art and writing.”
We continue their existence
Yet another Redditor says: “It's important that somebody reads them, that they stay in print and in the public consciousness. Because they're one of the main repositories of human thought and creativity. Especially with the ancient stuff, they are the record of a fundamentally different world, and the similarities and differences are fascinating and enlightening.”
That’s a bit of the why we read classics. If you want some where/how to start, here are some tips:
You can start small
Age and prose aren’t the only potentially daunting features of some classics. The size of some can intimidate as well, especially if the genre isn’t in your typical wheelhouse. But if you have the choice, you can get your feet wet with something less prodigious within your interest. Finding that happy medium will entail some research or exploring. Some classics might actually be in the form of short stories or poems—usually not hefty reads by nature. Other starting points can come from lists or guides that offer an idea of a story’s premise and potential length. (The sources have a few recs.)
Research for some fundamental understanding
Having the premise of a classic is one step in the right direction, but if it has content or a context with which you aren’t familiar, you may need to lay a little more groundwork for yourself. The Johns Hopkins University News-Letter advises checking out reference or secondary material specific to your classic that can help you understand specific themes and the history surrounding it. Content of this nature might be from CliffNotes, Sparknotes, study guides, or maybe even creators who offer analytical commentary/insight.
Listen and read
I almost swear by listening to an audio version of a story while reading a text copy and I find it especially helpful with getting through some classics. It engages both visual and auditory learning methods, which helps me at the very least stay focused and remember a bit more of the story. Also, good narration can be immersive, adding depth or even sense to the word pictures. Not to mention, incorporating a little tech can be a way to gauge length, reading speed, or other related stats. Plus, audio presentations of literature are pretty popular, so finding a companion to your classic shouldn’t be difficult. Some of the obvious sources are Apple, Spotify, and Audible. Local libraries might be connected to Libby and/or Hoopla--good, free options. Librivox offers free recordings of public domain books--and you could even volunteer for a recording project yourself if interested. Some entries may even be found on YouTube. If you’re old-school and have the associated technology, you could look for books/stories on CDs or cassettes.
Engage with the reading
Taking on the reading of a classic can be more fulfilling by complementing your progress with reactions, observations, thoughts, connections, highlights, annotations--whatever little note-taking strategies that reflect your understanding and journey through the story. The Johns Hopkins University News-Letter describes a few practical ways to start doing this: some might invest in their own paperback and mark directly in the margins while others may use sticky notes or a separate notebook. Some e-readers may also allow for highlighting and note-keeping.
Foundational classic literature can be such worthwhile work to consume no matter when one crosses paths with it. The notion that certain classics (if any at all) were not part of everyone’s academic experience shouldn’t be met with much snobbery. If it was studied in your school days, it's just been in your repertoire longer. Again, as we keep classics alive, we keep the doors of opportunity open for other people down the road to encounter or even revisit them. And if you’re starting this journey into classics or thinking about it, they are woven into the fabric of culture and can still teach us in our time despite being a product of another. With the right approach they’re almost certainly some of the most rewarding stories to work through!
Hope this inclines you to check out the world of classic literature!
Have you connected with much classic literature before this point? If you have, when, where, and which title? What did you think of it? Do you have any advice or recommendations for those just getting into classics? Newcomers to classics: what are you planning on starting with? Feel free to use the comments, chat feature, or socials to share some discussion or ideas for other Lessons & Advice!
Sources/further reading
Cultural influence from classics
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