The Classics Are Those Books Essay

   A classic literary work has been defined as a work "that lasts through generations because of its universality of theme, ageless symbolism, word choice and the ordering of detail."  A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway should be considered a classic literary work due to the universal themes, ageless symbolism, word choice, and story detail.

I highly recommend this classic because it was a page turner and it really kept you on the edge. Personally,

A much more accurate definition was coined by Louise Cowan, a former chairmen of the English department at the university of Dallas. Louise Cowan defines a classic as a book that, “Portrays life as complex and many sided, depicting both negative and positive aspects of human character in the process of discovering

Reading novels is my answer to every obstacle and every complication that I ever experience. I recall my elder’s claiming I will not understand anything at all The Great Gatsby says when I first bought it. I was ten the first time I read The Great Gatsby, and till now I have read it thirteen times. At the end of each book I read I analyze them, and if they come to be one of my favorites, I even write a paper for myself. Reading novels taught me to understand people, it inspired me to learn more. Every book I finish leaves me longing for

Thomas Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor begins with an introduction that provides a framework for the next five chapters. The author explains that any story can fit into a general, archetypical theme, and he spends the first five chapters of his book speaking on these critically prevalent themes.

There are a numerous amount of books that have been placed on the “classic” book list. Classical literature is generally associated with well-known novels, however, it is frequently a book that marks a turning point in history. Warriors Don’t Cry, written in the 1990’s, by Melba Pattillo Beals is scrutinized as a “classic” book because it incorporates morals and educational uses.

What does it mean for a book to be a classic? When something is a classic, it has been judged over a long period of time and come to be considered one of the best of its kind. So a classic book is one that has tested time, teaches a lesson, entertains many audiences, and changes your perspective or values after reading the book. Some examples of classic books would be Moby Dick, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Hobbit. The Maltese Falcon, an exceptional book written by Dashiell Hammett, is filled with mystery, crime, and adventure. The Maltese Falcon should be a classic because the characters are very interesting, it makes the reader reconsider the acts of good and bad, and it was one of the first unique detective books.

In this day in age, classics range from movies such as Titanic, to books such as Moby Dick, or even television shows such as I Love Lucy. But what does that mean? What even makes something “classic”? The definition of classic includes descriptions like “traditional”, “enduring quality”, “literary work of the first rank”. So what makes these works of art timeless or classic? Herman Melville, a classic author himself, stated that “To produce a mighty book you must choose a mighty theme.” Theme, in literature, is the main idea or underlying message of the book. The reason why theme is, in my opinion, the quality that makes a story classic is because it reaches the reader intellectually and emotionally. Good themes, more often than not, churn

Throughout high school students have to read novels that are American Classic, but what even makes a book be considered a classic? A classic is when a novel is relatable throughout decades of being made and it makes the reader intrigued.

Many old books compose the classical literature, which still influence nowadays writers. Many people work studying books from classical literature and school also teach students how to interpret the classics. Some of the appreciated books are Don Quixote, The Odyssey, Animal Farm, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Hobbit and many others. When reading Don Quixote and The Odyssey, the reader notice that the books have many similarities developed throughout the stories, such as fighting for love, fighting monsters and being structured in non-linear plot; however, as the stories are developed, specific detail shows how one story differs from the other.

What makes a seemingly normal book a classic? Literary lenses. One of those classic books, Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds, shows the reader justice, difficult choices, and allows the reader to discover how it uses literary lenses to become a classic. By studying the novel through various literary lenses, the reader can see different perspectives which is important because it brings more depth and dimension, making Shiloh a children’s classic.

“A Classic is a book that doesn’t have to be written again.” – W. E. B. Du Bois

Classic literature is something that is seen as a work of art, a piece that is valued and a text of highest quality. They are outstanding and recognised for years, centuries and decades as they resonate through time. These books or texts are influential and hold importance throughout times. These texts should be taught in the school curricula as the views that are represented are similar to those that are important in todays society, therefore they should be an important part within with school curricula. One classic text, ‘The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn’, written by Mark Twain in 1884 and one classic movie, ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’, produced by Blake Edwards in 1961 are great examples of Classic literature that have similar themes and views as those that we face today. Their relevance keeps these books seeming new and fresh as the audience connects to their characters and their idealisations.

A quote from The Secret Life Of Bees that I feel explains what makes a classic is, ¨ That was when the dealer lifted the flashlight over his head, then down, smashing it into Rosaleen´s forehead. She dropped to her knees. I don't remember screaming, but the next thing I knew, Mr. Gaston had his hand clamped over my mouth...¨ (page 35) This quote from The Secret Life Of Bees helps readers connect to the book. Rosaleen is a free african american woman. She was arrested for standing up to those who were being rude to her. This passage connects readers to the society and history of the 1960´s and to the emotions of Lily, who is the main character. The Secret Life Of Bees has many writings that others can connect to. For example, ¨Every person on the face of the earth makes mistakes, Lily. Every last one. We're all so human. Your mother made a terrible mistake, but she tried to fix it.¨ Most individuals- including myself- probably felt emotion while reading this. In classics, being able to connect to the book in necessary- the passage above helps people connect to the novel. Italo Calvino says, ¨ The classics are books which exercise a

There are different forms and examples of exemplary and classic literature which have been deemed as significant works that are highly esteemed worldwide. These examples of literature would awe the world with how much literary skill they entailed when they were composed and written: attention to details as to formation of characters, the most crafty of plots, the most eloquent speeches and lines, the most astounding of twists of scenes, and most of all, the most universal and meaningful of themes. The theme of any literary work is what makes it great as it should be able to encompass the immense diversity of the world and as it would be able to transcend the boundaries of religion, age, race, gender, etc. Two examples of this great and