The word ‘Classical’ can have multiple connotations for multiple people. Especially, classical literature, some may associate it with stories which are timeless and wonderful and others may wave it off at books which come packed in bulky volumes.
Not everyone is a reader and not every reader likes to read classics. They can be really hefty reads, and sometimes boring too due to the usage of archaic languages. Many wave classics off because they seem to be irrelevant in today’s world. But, that’s not true!
Classics are called ‘classic’ for a reason. They are timeless stories which can never go out of style. They always have something which one can relate to in present times. Modern readers may digress from classics, because of the apparent burden of boredom that they seem to be but, there are some classics which one will find interesting and relatable even today.
Here are some classic works of literature which will definitely appeal to all the modern readers.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen is one of the most popular names in the world of English Literature. Her most famous work – Pride and Prejudice – opens with a rather patriarchal set of lines, is one book all modern readers can relate to.
Austen’s heroine is a true-blue feminist and is out to fight everyone and everything which comes in her way. The book precisely describes the pressure of marriage on the minds of young women, and how they deal with it.
This book will take you on a journey which is filled with unconventional romances, bold actions and a satirical aspect which will make you applaud Austen’s genius and also, ponder upon the sensitive topic of marriage which often plagues young people’s life.
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s only full-length novel is very controversial and bold. The story of a young man, who never wants to grow old, is every other person today. The Hedonistic view of life which is common today in the modern world is the main theme of Wilde’s novel and is very relatable.
Read this book, not only for its twisted story but for its different themes and the various interpretations they have. It is one of those books, where one can find a quotation they like or relate to on every page. The best part about the book is that one can have their own interpretations and create some food for their own thoughts. Be it homosexuality or hedonism, this book will make you wonder about lots of things.
The Wife of Bath by Chaucer
This is just a part of Chaucer’s Magnus-opus, Canterbury Tales. But, this 14th century Middle English poem is hugely prominent to today’s modern reader because of its bold views on Feminism and Female Sexuality.
This work of literature will surprise you in ways you can’t even think of. Wife of Bath is any other normal woman you may find on the streets, but her views on marriage, sexuality, equality, and feminism will take you by storm. The boldness of her comments and daring views on everything are something so rare that even a modern day woman fails to possess them.
The whole ‘Canterbury Tales’ may seem boring but this one particular section will not disappoint you or your wandering mind. Once the reading is over, there will be a lot to think about and a lot to change about in perspectives too.
Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte
Largely known as a romantic, no-brainer, this book is highly misinterpreted. It is Emile Bronte’s most celebrated book and not only because of its storyline.
For a modern-day reader who loves to witness some drama happening on an emotional battleground, this book is full of characters who like to serve their revenge, stone cold. The book is a love story like never before and presents one with various aspects and stages of love, concentrating upon its simplicities and complexities all at once.
But more than entertainment, this book gives a lot of scope for introspection as it forces one to think whether their own emotions are in accord with their mind or not.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
It is one of the greatest stories ever told by one of the greatest writers of all time. Great Expectations has a story which will satisfy all your expectations which you may have from this brilliant novel.
It is one of the most popular stories, the relevance of which lies in the various moral lessons it teaches us. To a modern reader, it teaches the value of money, dangers of wealth and the art of accumulating emotions.
The novel is full of vivid descriptions of scenes and emotions which will make readers wonder about all that is life and its various shades which one lives. What is to enjoy and what is it to repent, is all that you can understand fully once you’re done with this masterpiece!
History repeats itself and undoubtedly, it is always a joy to learn about it in modern times. These classics are a great example of how history tends to repeat itself in different forms in different eras. Not only are these classics really helpful and informative but also very entertaining. It is no doubt that a modern reader will certainly relate to them and enjoy them as the literary masterpieces that they are.