Why Classic Literature?

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

What relevance does a classic novel hold for us today?

In a world of constant change and progress, as well as continuous advancements in technology, I wonder sometimes about any relevance the great classics of literature hold for us. How can a  book that was written in the 1800s or even the 1900s prove to be of interest when so many things are vastly different - from the way that we dress and speak, to accepted social norms and ways of thinking, to how we communicate and share information.

To help answer this, we must consider what makes something a “classic”.  According to the Oxford dictionary, this is defined as “a work of art, literature, music, etc. that is of the highest quality and lasting value.”  Classic fiction contain plots that carry and convey meaningful messages, and therefore are enduring – their story remains relevant and receivable in context and interest to an audience over time. In addition to that, the quality aspect seems to be important – the writing itself is deemed to be of “a high standard”.

The carefully chosen words used by literary authors convey weighty messages, and ask powerful questions, and their phrases continue to provide inspiration to the literary authors of today. A classic novel embraces themes and ideas that are timeless rather than trendy, and grapples with the challenges of the human experiences that exist throughout the ages – love, power, identity, freedom, morality, and the search for meaning. With the progression of time and the advancement (or degeneration, depending on your viewpoint) of our society, it is well worth the effort to identify which classics we may find of interest to us, and simply give them a go.

In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (1847), we become enthralled with a central character that shares intimately with us her thoughts on the trials and tribulations of her life using a first person narration, and thus enmeshing us within her story. Jane Eyre navigates a difficult childhood, a sobering boarding school experience, a forbidden love, and a self-enforced separation. She discovers that her challenging experiences make her stronger in her moral convictions despite the discomfort of acting in accordance with them. We sigh with satisfaction as she finally surrenders to love when it comes her way again, in circumstances she could never have foreseen. Despite the romantic element – there are many weighty themes that are covered in this book, and one finishes it feeling as if we have learnt meaningful lessons about self-identity, values, patience, fortitude, pragmatism and possibility.

In Fyodore Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment (1866), Raskolnikov commits a hideous crime, but in his own mind his behaviour was logical, rational and inevitable. As readers we grapple with him over the merits of the possible penalties, and such is the power of the writing that we become defensive on his behalf, and circumspect about his pending punishment. Raskolnikov allows his mind to torment him with alternating self-doubt and self-justification and together we  agonize over the effects of his actions on his core relationships, and wish for him the reprieve of a love that waits patiently for him, despite his despicable crime. Despite the very worst of situations, a moral renewal is possible, and as readers we ache for this to come by the end of the novel.

In Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad (2016), Cora escapes from the brutality of a slave plantation and flees headlong from the oppressed south of America to the salvation to be found in the north. She covers ground supported by the strength of her convictions and her burning desire for freedom; and with the help of others who are brave enough to take a moral stand against the brutal prejudices of an entrenched system, all whilst being pursued by a vicious slave catcher. As readers we run with Cora, we hold our breath when danger comes near and we rejoice as she nears the lines of freedom. All the while we have a vision of the unknown fate of her mother who fled before her, and we seek the comfort of an impossible reunion. We long for the triumph of good over bad, and balk at the evil of a system that is not so very far in our past.

In George Orwell’s Nineteen Eight Four (1949) we identify with Winstone Smith, a prisoner of a totalitarian state who finds himself constantly under the ever watchful eye of Big Brother. The surveillance makes us squirm with discomfort, and strikes a chord even today, with the possible impending threats of a super artificial intelligence. Winstone longs for freedom, and we relish the rebellion of his fragile relationship with Julia, and the humanity that it represents, as we understand his placing of trust in O’Brien to join a resistance. Power, greed, and the manipulation of language by a party that propagates psychological dominance are themes that have played out (and are still being played out) in varying degrees across many of the countries of the world. In this powerful novel independent thought is exterminated and the only chance of survival is through complete submission – a petrifying thought for us as readers. Freedom is indeed something to be cherished.

In Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night (1602), readers and audiences have relished the comedy of the rollercoaster relationships of the characters for four centuries. We gleefully watch the arrogant and insufferable Malvolio fall prey to a cruel trick and make a fool of himself, but when the gaff goes too far and he is morally wounded, we find it difficult not to feel sympathy and a sense of outrage on his behalf. We  feel the pain of Orsino’s unrequited love for Olivia, and cringe at the irony of Olivias unrequited love for Cesario. Relationships are complex indeed, but as readers of this play, and indeed dwellers on earth, we long for resolution, harmony and understanding.

In his novella The Old Man and the Sea (1952), Ernest Hemingway takes us on a journey to sea with an old man, and for two days we closely observe him undertake the fight of his life for a long-awaited fish. The book reverberates with themes that remain relevant today – humility, optimism, fortitude, tolerance, and in the end, an appreciation of simple comforts, and solace in a life well lived.

The reading of a literary classic not only provides us with food for thought - reading them has numerous other benefits. Concentrating on a book length story is the very opposite for scrolling on a screen – it requires patience, perseverance and a calm and relaxed mind. Once  we have involved ourselves in the story the reading becomes far easier, and provides an escape from the real world, and an opportunity to think a little more deeply about meaningful themes. We crave the happy endings that do not always come, we marvel at the folly of man throughout the ages, and in our heads we cheer, commiserate and pass judgement. When we read we are an omniscient presence that can often see the bigger picture, and know exactly what we think the characters should do in each of the situations they are placed in.

Such is the power of a great classic – an enthralling  and engaging experience that leave us feeling better for having read it. Find a classic that suits your tastes and situation,  and set aside the hours to immerse yourself . Who knows? You may find yourself seeking out more than just one in the future.