Well, the truth is at the moment I'm not. For the past few weeks I've barely been reading at all. And I'm miserable. I feel so uninterested and uninteresting. So I guess that's why I'm reading the classics: without them life is incredibly dull.
I think the common misconception is that classics are classics because they're difficult. Like they're some sort of entrance exam to an elite group of 'the educated'. But what I've found is that they're not. They're classics because they say something new about life and the way we live it. They're thought-provoking, they're inspiring and yes: sometimes they are challenging. But they are challenging for a reason, because it's difficult for something to challenge your views and to change the way you see about the world. The 'classics,' in my opinion are not, or shouldn't be, a definitive list - but an evolving compilation of the books that really change people.
'Books' are an escape, but true 'classics' are life altering. So I guess that's why I'm reading them.
"I think the common misconception is that classics are classics because they're difficult."
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more. Many people I know shudder upon the name Shakespeare, but if they would read just one comedy, they would laugh.
I love reading classics and yet I'm still surprised that they are so approachable. There is always a slight hesitation when I begin one: Will I understand the story and will I relate to it. So far, the answer is yes and yes. Humans haven't changed all that much, but storytelling has.
ReplyDeleteI know, I always used to assume that I wouldn't relate to something written a long time ago. But how can I not relate to humans? They may be from a different time or in a different place, but in the end despite the different contexts we all seem to face pretty much the same dilemmas! (Though perhaps on different scales..)
Delete:) Some classics are approachable and some aren't. I'm having my third go at Paradise Lost, for instance, because I know it's worth it to understand, but it is very difficult for me. Others, like Austen are light and fun reading for me. They're classics because they've resonated with people's emotions throughout the ages...not because they are challenging to read. :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully you find the time to read soon!
Yes, that is very true.
DeleteI hope so too! If not, I'll MAKE time :)