Introduction
Nowadays, the idea that the classics are antiquated, stale, and disconnected from modern culture has become widespread. Indeed, it is a common opinion that contemporary novels are more engaging and relevant for a modern reader. One can even say that, at this point, the classics are hopelessly overrated. However, there is an argument to be made regarding the relevancy of the classics. The classics are not overrated; not only that, but they have a wealth of value that makes them worth reading today. The way the classics have withstood the test of time makes them valuable cultural cornerstones that offer numerous benefits to the reader and insightful perspectives on not only the past but also the present.
Timelessness of the Classics
One of the key reasons why the classics can hardly be called overrated is the fact that they are timeless. Many famous works of literature, such as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, are being read and enjoyed today, many decades after they were first published. This can be explained by the fact that they address such universal topics as love, loss, power, and human nature. Because these classic themes touch on aspects of the human condition, they transcend generations and cultures. For instance, Pride and Prejudice explores the themes of social class, love, and relationships that are still relevant today (Glover & Al-Tekreeti, 2018). Furthermore, Hamlet’s themes of righteousness, truth, and justice are similarly ageless and universal (Pauline & Alexander, 2020). The timeless quality and continuing appeal of the classics’ themes are evidenced by their enduring popularity. Even though these novels were published decades ago, readers still find them compelling today, which is solid evidence that they are not overrated.
Historical Relevance of the Classics
What is more, the eternal themes of the classics are complemented by the insightful historical perspectives that they offer. The classics, by their nature, showcase the cultural, social, and historical settings in which they were written. For instance, Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick, which is set in the middle of the 19th century, allows the reader to explore the whaling industry and the views toward whales at the time (Dengler, 2019). Likewise, Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace allows one to understand its time period by describing the battles of the Napoleonic Wars (Koroliov, 2020). This quality of the classics can aid in developing a deeper understanding of the characters’ viewpoints, experiences, and the setting in which they lived. Reading the classics can help with comprehending the perspectives and experiences of people who lived in different periods and places, as well as the cultural circumstances in which they were written.
Moreover, it needs to be said that the classics have laid the groundwork for contemporary literature. It is apparent that all of modern literature has its roots in the classics. For this reason, reading the classics helps develop a greater understanding of the literary innovations and traditions that have influenced the way we read and write now. For instance, the writings of classic writers like Dante, Erasmus, Joyce, Mann, and Nabokov have had a significant influence on many modern writers (Kramer, 2019). These authors have influenced the evolution of contemporary literary styles and techniques, shaping the literature of today. The classics provide a sense of cultural literacy, as by reading the classics, one can gain a better understanding of the cultural and literary traditions that have shaped our world. Being familiar with the literary tradition allows the reader to grasp the cultural context of modern works.
Furthermore, the classics not only have an impact on modern writing but also provide important historical perspectives on literary developments and traditions. It is only by reading the classics that one can explore the impactful literary traditions and innovations of the past. As the classics were written in various eras, their authors employed an array of literary idioms and devices, providing a unique link to the language of the past. Therefore, a reader of the classics can develop a deeper appreciation for the literary accomplishments of the past.
Benefits for the Reader
Besides their cultural relevance, the classics are remarkably useful for their readers, as exploring them provides valuable benefits. Namely, as the classics frequently deal with difficult issues and concepts, they aid in developing critical thinking. It shows in the way they lend themselves to improving the reader’s analytical abilities and extending their perspective, which can be beneficial in many facets of life. For instance, Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment tackles complicated themes like poverty, injustice, and morality, forcing the reader to reflect carefully on these dilemmas and weigh alternative viewpoints (Cicovacki, 2021). By doing so, one can improve their analytical abilities and deepen their awareness of the world. In addition to aiding in the development of one’s analytical abilities, reading the classics can also broaden one’s viewpoint. Reading writings from various historical eras and cultural milieus exposes the individual to fresh perspectives and modes of thought that may contrast their own, contributing to the reader’s accepting and inclusive worldview. Overall, it is evident that reading classic literature improves critical thinking skills and extends one’s perspective, both of which can be beneficial in many areas of life.
Another benefit of the classics is that consuming them stimulates one’s imagination and creativity. Numerous works of literature are renowned for their vivid and imaginative descriptions, and they can stimulate one’s imagination and encourage one to think creatively. A famous example of a classic novel with imaginative and fanciful themes that encourage readers to think creatively and outside the box is Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland (Kérchy, 2019). By reading such oeuvres as Alice in Wonderland, the individual is exposed to fresh and unusual viewpoints, which can inspire original thoughts. By reading diverse literature from other eras and cultural contexts, one is exposed to new ways of thinking and perspectives on the world. Overall, reading the classics can stimulate creativity and imagination, introduce the reader to fresh viewpoints, and encourage their own original thought.
Conclusion
To conclude, the classics can hardly be called overrated, as they evidently provide many benefits to the reader. There is no doubt that the readers of today have an incentive to read the classics. Numerous classic literary works have endured the test of time and are still read and enjoyed extensively, as they are well-written, stimulating, and provide enduring insights and views on the human experience. They have laid the groundwork for contemporary literature and provided insightful historical perspectives. For all of these reasons and more, they are timeless, worthwhile to read, and should be valued as an essential component of our literary heritage.
References
Cicovacki, P. (2021). Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment: Philosophical perspectives. Slavic Review, 80(1), 177–179. Web.
Dengler, M. (2019). Melville’s Moby-Dick: A lesson in reading. Pro Rege, 47(4), 5–8. Web.
Glover, P. & Al-Tekreeti, A. S. S. (2018). Form and meaning in literature: Deixis and the portrayal of personal, social and financial relations in Pride and Prejudice. Cankaya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 12(1–2), 1–16. Web.
Kérchy, A. (2019). Meta-imagination in Lewis Carroll’s literary fairy tales about Alice’s adventures. In S. Praet and A. Kérchy (Eds.), The fairy-tale vanguard: literary self-consciousness in a marvelous genre (pp. 55-76). Cambridge Scholars Publishing. Web.
Koroliov, S. (2020). The impossibility of deliberate action in Tolstoy’s descriptions of battle in War and Peace. In J. Luggin and S. Fink (Eds.), Battle descriptions as literary texts (pp. 305–315). Springer VS. Web.
Kramer, L. S. (2019). Threshold of a New World. Cornell University Press.
Pauline, V. N., & Alexander, A. T. (2020). The skull and the cross: Biblical elements in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 8(12), 2864–2867. Web.