http://www.articlesfactory.com/article s/education/qualities-of-classic-liter ature.html > What is classic? What is classic? (from Cambridge Dictionary)
Having high quality (a piece of writing, a
musical recording or a film which is well- known and of a high standard and lasting value The classics: the famous works of literature classics: the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture, esp. for the language and literature What is classic? (--2) Mark Twain: “Something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read” Qualities of classic literature (Susie Wilson)
1. Timely – it is an expression of and influence on times
in which it was written Examples: a. Uncle Tom’s cabin was “the book that started the great war” in America b. Oliver Twist revealed to England the plight of the homeless children c. Anne Frank: a firsthand account of a family hiding from the Nazis during the occupation of Netherlands Qualities of classic literature (Susie Wilson)
2. Endure the test of time – it is still recognized
for its literary value long after it is first published. Examples: Shakespeare’s works. Qualities of classic literature (Susie Wilson)
3. Readable in its style – the author does not tell
you how to feel or what conclusions to draw. It will not preach a moral, but will illustrate a lesson by hiding it in the story. Examples: Romeo Juliet Qualities of classic literature (Susie Wilson)
4. Timeless – deal with themes that touch all
periods of history, all societies, all cultures. -- show the value of resisting temptation to compromise in order to reach the goal. (the hero overcomes one or more major obstacles at the climax of the story Examples: Pride and Prejudice