Reading classical literature has obtained a notorious reputation for complex and obscure compositions. They pose as intimidating to the general public, making avid readers of this genre sophisticated beings who gatekeep the ability to delve into such profound concepts.
But in reality, that is not the case for all classic lovers.
Delving into the genre can be a rocky start indeed, but reading through each sentence does not have to feel like decoding the most complex desires of an author or whatever hidden message we think they’re implying.
Trust me, at most times, they say whatever it is that you are reading. Just in a different diction.
So if Austen says the sky is blue, it’s blue. There’s nothing else; no need to fish for anything groundbreaking.
But at the same time, such novels evoke a profound notion that changes our perspective of human experiences, or life in general. Which in turn makes their complexity a wonderful characteristic to analyze, giving you a moment to contemplate ideas you don’t normally think about daily.
And that’s how my 17-year-old self has learned to love the arts of the classics. With the help of an honorable English teacher who instructed the best literature class in high school (and to whom I owe for discovering my love for writing), she guided this helpless teenager who was once scared of her future towards a literary passion she now vows to endeavor for life.
Aside from a wholesome backstory, I wanted to share some classical masterpieces that further influenced my adoration for their elegant intricacy. Out of all the many novels that I’ve read, I narrowed it down to ten books that created the most impact. Whether you have basic knowledge of the genre or don’t know where to start, consider the following novels that garnered a notable impression towards many generations of readers including myself:
Frankenstein | Mary Shelley
Apart from Hollywood’s misinterpretation of the creature’s name, Mary Shelley’s iconic novel shares a profound journey of the horrors between a monster and its creator. The philosophical notions evoked through the creature, the unhinged artistry of Victor’s madness, and the spiraling chaos of revenge encapsulate this thrilling story that came out of a Renaissance painting. The concept of monstrosity persists to be an endless debate for many readers on who the true monster is: the creature, society, or Victor.
Who do you think it is?
Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner | Samual Taylor Coleridge
The tragic tale of the Mariner who endured an irreversible consequence from his mistake serves to be one of the first tragedies that live in my mind rent-free. The poem starts with a man on his way to a wedding, when he bumps into a beggar who erratically implores him to reconsider his decision by sharing a tale of the Ancient Mariner. He shares the unfortunate cause of the Mariner’s mistake of shooting an albatross that cursed him and his sailors for his mortal sin, hence enduring a treacherous journey that felt like hell on earth.
Okay, If this were to happen to anyone in real life, I'm pretty sure we wouldn’t just sit down and listen.
But the beggar’s intention and its timing with the man moving towards the church created this profound anecdote of one’s choices in life and the crucial necessity to endeavor the right path.
I remember when I was in high school reading this poem, trying to put two and two together, and somehow came up with a strange theory: Could the old beggar be the Mariner in disguise?
Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen
The iconic story of the Bennetts and their aspirations for love and marriage remains a prestigious piece of romance literature that readers from many generations adore. Besides a mother’s incessant motive to get all her children wedded with a secured income, the defiant ideals of Elizabeth and the reclusive aura of Mr. Darcy shine through the storyline as one of the many prominent examples of enemies-to-lovers trope. The protagonist’s journey to understand society’s perception of love through her sisters and her admirers becomes this riveting drama of defying the views of society, and finding love in the least place you expect.
Dr. Faustus | Christopher Marlowe
I was not really into plays until I read this piece in college. Christopher Marlowe’s story of a deranged scientist who thirsted for all knowledge takes his desperation into the depths of hell as he summons Virgil to achieve his greatest desire. Little did he know that the ways of the underworld always come with a price. Philosophical topics prominently expressed between Dr. Faustus and Virgil influence thought-provoking debates regarding religion vs. science. One thing, though, that stayed in mind for a long while was Dr. Faustus' wish to know the truth behind the beginning of life, which Virgil passionately refused to disclose.
This made me wonder, what exactly the fallen angel witnessed at this time, to provide a mysteriously grave expression…
Adam Bede | George Elliot
George Elliot was a book I had never encountered until after college, and somehow I was disappointed for not reading this book at an earlier time. The engaging drama between the characters and their development had me constantly turning the page, waiting for the following events that further intensify. Elliot’s ingenuity in creating an engaging and thought-provoking dramatic story on the life of a simple carpenter never fails to surprise me with her underrated reputation.
A Modest Proposal | Jonathan Swift
So this once was an immense shocker. What was even more surprising was that my beloved English teacher decided to share this piece as a class discussion during high school, and my once naive self never looked at the world so differently after reading with everyone. Despite the consensus reaction of confusion and discomfort, everyone (including myself) had a plethora of ideas to articulate for the general discussion. Fast forward to now, I consider the encounter a funny memory and would reminisce about the first experience I had with this essay.
However, I would warn you that the concept is something that may be too controversial to read in public….
To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee
A beloved novel by Harper Lee also stands as one of my favorite classical pieces. The innocent perspective of Scout Finch captures one of the most essential representations of injustice and prejudice, enveloping various experiences within a young girl’s development in life. The mysterious case of Boo Radley, Atticus’ journey in helping Tom Robinson, and Scout and Rem’s understanding of the adult world; all instances left an impressionable mark no matter how many times I have read the book.
That most especially refers to Atticus’ character, which will never fail to captivate me with his iconic closing statement.
Les Miserables | Victor Hugo
The treacherous journey of Jean Valjean is another novel I never regret reading despite its daunting length. Along with the misfortune of other characters and their ambition for justice within the timeline of the French Revolution, the representation of a cruel world and even more brutal system captures the hearts of many readers for Jean Valjean and his beloved daughter, Cosette.
The historical references were quite long and taxing to remember, but I would admit I shed many tears to say it was worth the read.
To the Lighthouse | Virginia Woolf
My first experience with Virginia Woolf was not a great one. Now, you would wonder, “Then why recommend her on the list?”. Well, that experience itself is the reason why.
When I read the first few pages, it was something that scared me. Yes, I really mean frightened; not because I had a week to finish this book for my college paper, but the writing’s complexity astounded me to the point that it was intimidating. But once I proceeded into the second section, something changed within my impression of Woolf. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I would say that I was left with a great amount of inspiration for my essay topic in the end.
To The Lighthouse was the first book that introduced me to this brilliant author, and challenged me to perceive writing through another lens. The immense intricacy in her representation, the abstract symbolism of themes, and the unpredictability of her stream of consciousness, all encapsulate the brilliant characteristic of Woolf and her artistic mind.
But of course, reading Woolf is not for everyone. However, I do encourage you to at least read one of her books (including this) to diversify your perspective of writing and challenge your ability as a reader to perceive new outlooks. If you need a beginner’s guide into any of Woolf’s work, I would recommend reading The Woolf Reader by Mitchell A. Leaska for a beginner’s course on understanding the author: https://a.co/d/0CVAkLR
Metamorphosis | Frank Kafka
The mysterious thriller of a man who turned into a bug remains as one of Kafka’s iconic demonstrations of alienation and absurdism. The premise may seem like a comical concept, but Kafka’s philosophical ingenuity shifts this bizarre instance into something more profound, and somewhat dark. I remember being immensely captivated by his articulation of alienation, creating a sense of empathy for the protagonist despite his fictional situation. Nevertheless, the unfortunate fate of the man taught me so much more about life than a bug could ever attempt.
Although there are still many classical books that have substantial value, these ten books are a good starter pack to delve into the genre. Several may be quite popular and overrated, but there is a valid reason why their novels have lasted throughout generations. Despite its cumbersome language and abstract details, the classical genre will remain open to the minds of those who wish to gain profound discoveries.
Do you know other great classical books? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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