Why do people appreciate classics when they are read voluntarily but would alternately hate the exact same book if it was read for an assignment?
I've read many a classic, both back in school and voluntarily, and I think this all boils down to the fact that we don't really understand them. Classics are hard to read, simple as that, and because of that being forced to read them makes them seem even worse. The language is different, cultures and traditions are different, and it's hard for us to relate to the characters simply because we can't relate to their time period. Because of these things, we have to focus a lot harder while reading to understand what is going on and really grasp the concepts and the story line.
But I don't think it has to be this way. I love SO many classics, and I try to read a new one every month or two, not only to experience more books but to educate myself and learn. You can't go into reading a classic and expect it to be like picking up something like Harry Potter...you have to be mentally prepared for it. But if we start looking at classics for what they are, I think we can really learn to enjoy them and get more out of the overall reading experience.
Not into classics? Here are a few of my favorites for you to try that are easy to read, for either the writing itself, the length, or an amazing story that just sucks you in!
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- It's short and the writing is easy to read, plus the story is incredible!
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- Another short one with an easily-relatable story!
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Short and an INSANE story!
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- Ok, so this one is long as hell and hard to read, but the plot makes it worth it!
And here are some classics I have on my TBR because they look amazing:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
What are your thoughts on classics, and do you have any favorites?
