Classic literature

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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