One might say that to be considered a classic novel, it must also be unanimously classified as a great literary creation. I disagree. I believe that classic novels are those that you are able to make a connection with, and after reading they have shaped you in such a way that you start to question the world around you. They are the ones that even fifty years after publication, people are still picking them up to read and falling in love with them all over again. Along with being able to stand the test of time, a classic novel must also be easily readable. Sure, there can be some parts that are just downright confusing, but for the general public, who are not English Lit majors, the novel itself should be at least at a 9th grade reading level. Today, I am sharing ten of my favorite classic novels that every one should read once in their lifetime.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in the Jazz age during prohibition, The Great Gatsby is about the wealthy Jay Gatsby, his long lost love, Daisy, and the extravagant parties that he throws in hopes to reunite with her. The book explores the world of social politics, resistance to change, and of course, the American dream.
2 | Great Expectations (1861)
Charles Dickens
Written in First person, Great Expectations is a about an orphan named Pip, and showcases his personal growth and development through the years. The book puts a lot of focus on love and rejection and the triumph of good over evil.
2 | Great Expectations (1861)
Charles Dickens
Written in First person, Great Expectations is a about an orphan named Pip, and showcases his personal growth and development through the years. The book puts a lot of focus on love and rejection and the triumph of good over evil.
3 | Pride & Prejudice (1813)
Jane Austen
Austen writes about Elizabeth Bennett, a lively, intelligent, twenty year old with four sisters, living in England, in the 19th century. The book puts a great deal of focus on manners, the fact that even though she does not want to, Elizabeth must adhere to certain societal expectations, and of course, putting pride and prejudice aside to succumb to love.
4 | To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
Harper Lee
A fixture on all high school reading lists, To Kill A Mockingbird is set in a small town in Alabama in the 1930s, and makes readers question their own humanity while the narrator, six year old “Scout”, explains southern racism from the eyes of a child.
5 | Animal Farm (1942)
George Orwell
At first, Animal Farm seems like it's going to be a story about a farm full of animals, and that it correct, but there's a twist. The animals hate humans, they revolt, and drive the drunk farmer from the farm. A lot happens after, and according to Orwell uses the story to reflect the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. Simply the book is about communism. Communism portrayed by animalism.
At first, Animal Farm seems like it's going to be a story about a farm full of animals, and that it correct, but there's a twist. The animals hate humans, they revolt, and drive the drunk farmer from the farm. A lot happens after, and according to Orwell uses the story to reflect the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. Simply the book is about communism. Communism portrayed by animalism.
6 | Of Mice & Men (1937)
John Steinbeck
In less than 200 pages, Steinbeck tells the story of mentally disabled Lennie and his best friend/ somewhat caretaker, George. Set in 1930s California, the two are migrant workers, who aspire to be more than "help". The story focuses on loneliness, compassion, and
7 | The Scarlet Letter (1850)
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Set in 1642, in a Puritan Boston, the main character Hester Prynne concieves a daughter through an affair, and well, let's just say, no one is very happy about it. Even though Hester's husband was presumed to be lost at sea, she was technically still married. The story evokes one's morals, ideas about religion and purity, and above all, love.
8 | Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865)
Lewis Carroll
A popular children's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland tells the story about a girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a world and meets a variety of talking creatures. The book is full of nonsense, imagination, and fantasy.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Set in 1642, in a Puritan Boston, the main character Hester Prynne concieves a daughter through an affair, and well, let's just say, no one is very happy about it. Even though Hester's husband was presumed to be lost at sea, she was technically still married. The story evokes one's morals, ideas about religion and purity, and above all, love.
8 | Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865)
Lewis Carroll
A popular children's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland tells the story about a girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a world and meets a variety of talking creatures. The book is full of nonsense, imagination, and fantasy.
9 | Charlotte’s Web (1952)
E.B.White
A popular children's bedtime book, Charlotte's Web, details the relationship between a pig, Wilbur, and a barn spider, Charlotte. The story truly evokes magic, imagination, and child like understanding, while exploring humanity, compassion, and love.
10 | The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)
Mark Twain
The story is about a young boy growing up in a small town along the Mississippi river in Missouri. The boy, names Tom Sawyer, is always up to no-good. He skips school, runs off with his friend Huck Finn and the town thinks they're dead, and more. A book that is equally enjoyable by children and adults, the main theme is growing up in nineteenth century rural America.
Mark Twain
The story is about a young boy growing up in a small town along the Mississippi river in Missouri. The boy, names Tom Sawyer, is always up to no-good. He skips school, runs off with his friend Huck Finn and the town thinks they're dead, and more. A book that is equally enjoyable by children and adults, the main theme is growing up in nineteenth century rural America.
What's your favorite classic novel?
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