My 16-year-old daughter was reading a book for English class, so I asked her, “What is it about?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why is the teacher having you read that anyway? Why aren’t they having you read a classic?”
Her response: “Because classics are boring.”
Boring?! I learned what humanity is capable of from Dostoevsky, the depths of romantic love from Jane Austen, desperation from Steinbeck, and the power of words from Shakespeare. Classic fiction has the ability to teach us profound lessons—if we are open to learning from it. And beyond that, it’s undeniably entertaining.
Classics Demand Deeper Thinking
Classical literature is often layered, symbolic, and rich with hidden meanings. Unlike some contemporary works that may deliver their messages more directly, classics challenge the reader to actively interpret and analyze. Writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Herman Melville create narratives that force readers to grapple with moral, philosophical, and psychological dilemmas. These works invite reflection, demanding more than passive consumption. They cultivate patience, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of human nature.
Classics Enhance Language Skills
The complexity and richness of classical language provide a unique opportunity to expand one’s vocabulary and sharpen comprehension skills. William Shakespeare significantly influenced the English language, with his works marking the first recorded use of approximately 1,700 words and phrases. Engaging with these works trains readers to recognize the power of language, encouraging more deliberate and expressive writing. This benefit extends beyond academics; anyone looking to improve their ability to communicate with clarity and impact can gain valuable insights from reading the classics.
Classics Explore Universal Themes
What makes classical literature especially powerful is its exploration of universal and timeless themes. Love, death, justice, power, identity, and freedom are central topics that transcend cultural and historical boundaries. These themes remain relevant today, giving modern readers an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences through the lens of these enduring narratives. The struggles, triumphs, and insights captured in classical literature connect us with the past while helping us better understand the present.
Classics: Just Read Them
Reading classical literature is not just an academic exercise—it’s a gateway to richer language, deeper reflection, and a greater understanding of the world. These works challenge us to think critically and engage with profound human questions. Whether you’re diving into the complexities of Shakespeare’s verse or exploring the moral struggles of Dostoevsky’s characters, the journey through classical literature is well worth the effort.
Some of my favorite quotes from classical literature:
- “The strongest of all warriors are these two: Time and Patience.” – War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- “It sounds plausible enough tonight but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning.” – The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
- “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” – The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
- “Learning does not make one learned; there are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding. The first requires memory and the second philosophy.” – The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- “There’s more beauty in truth, even if it is dreadful beauty.” – East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- “He knew she was there by the rapture and the terror that seized on his heart […] Everything was made bright by her. She was the smile that shed light on all round her.” – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee