Dear Lit and Flicks,
Which “classics” are actually worth it?
- Questioning the Quintessential
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Dear Questioning the Quintessential,
Great question! Classics are usually considered to be noteworthy because of the quality of writing, the subject matter, and/or the lasting impact. I will share a few of my favorite classics and a few I did not enjoy as much.
A few of my favorite classics:
The Picture of Dorian Gray (underrated and chocked full of symbolism)
The Great Gatsby (so cliche that I almost don’t want to include it, but it is that good)
To Kill a Mockingbird (incredibly impactful and important)
A Christmas Carol (meaningful story even if you already know the plot and the only Dickens I could get through)
Classics that I didn’t love (maybe not worth it?):
Brave New World (couldn’t relate to the characters and disliked the writing style)
Animal Farm (the symbolism is in your face and repetitive)
Sense and Sensibility (boring and no meaningful takeaway for me)
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Read To Kill a Mockingbird instead)
I can justify reading some classics that I did not particularly enjoy in that I was able to understand the cultural significance and any references to the work. However, I think it is important to read what interests you! I will admit that I absolutely don’t take my own advice and I force myself to read classics because “I should”. However, some classics are boring or may not feel relevant in modern times. Don’t be afraid to try new genres but don’t force yourself to read something just because other people say that you should. To answer your question: the classics that are worth it are the ones that interest you.
Sincerely,
Lit and Flicks
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