The Secrets Behind What Makes a Literary Classic

The Secrets Behind What Makes a Literary Classic

What are some of your favorite literary classics and why? It’s hard to define what classifies a book as classic literature, as there are many definitions. In this post, we will look at a few elements that could classify writing as classic literature, such as memorable characters, the exploration of the human experience, and standing the test of time.

Memorable Characters

The plot of a narrative is important, but it’s the characters that keep us motivated. We want to see their struggles and transformations. We root for their success or wish for their downfall. For instance, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t be a classic without Sherlock’s wit, humor, and sharp mind. These memorable characters are also relatable and imperfect. They keep us intrigued and wanting more.

Exploring the Human Experience

The second element that can classify literature as a classic is the exploration of the human experience. A lot of YA and coming-of-age stories do this well. Characters like Holden Caulfield take us through adolescence and young adulthood. He struggles with universal themes such as grief and loneliness. Another character who explores the human experience well is Atticus Finch. He grapples with his moral integrity while striving to be a great father. This exploration of the human experience allows us to empathize with the characters. It also serves as a mirror of society, reflecting the values and conflicts of the time.

Standing the Test of Time

What defines a work of literature as a classic is debatable, but one element they all share is high-quality writing. Classics are well-crafted, with authors using distinctive writing styles and unique, expressive language. This is something I think a lot of modern-day and self-published works lack. It is crucial to have a great cover, correct grammar, and excellent writing. Unfortunately, self-published authors often don’t have access to these tools.

Classical literature also stands the test of time because it is timeless. These works can be reread several times. When I’ve revisited books as an adult, I’ve noticed how the message resonates differently. These pieces also have universal themes that we can still relate to, even though they were written in the past. They offer insights into how society once was and continue to influence how society is shaped today.

Conclusion

While what classifies literature as a classic is debatable, a few elements are important to consider, such as quality, great characters, and universal themes. It’s interesting to see how the idea of a classic will change over time and which modern-day literature will be considered classics in the future. Do you agree with these criteria?

sources:

- MasterClass. "How to Recognize and Write a Classic Novel." MasterClass, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-recognize-and-write-a-classic-novel.

- Estess, Victoria. "What Are Classics in Literature? Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo, https://www.thoughtco.com/concept-of-classics-in-literature-739770.

- Pan Macmillan. "What Are Classic Books?" Pan Macmillan, https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/classics/what-are-classic-books#:~:text=A%20classic%20brilliantly%20articulates%20universal,it%20particularly%20significant%20or%20memorable.