How Important is Classical Literature to Modern Society?

By: Amelia Torry

Introduction

Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, 1984. Just three examples of outstanding novels that have stood against the test of time and have been regarded as some of the best works of literature. Read for school, entertainment, and information on past society, modern audiences have regarded these books in one common category: Classics. Classic novels are classified by their timeless subjects, interesting characters, and relevant messages; people today use these novels to learn about the past and apply it to the present and future, making it abundantly clear that these books are imperative to the world. Discussions on classical literature prompt questions such as how important they really are to modern society. In this paper, I will deep-dive into this question, and explain how classical literature can be beneficial to the people of today.

The Effects of Going Classic

Reading classical literature may provide a multitude of benefits to its audience. This can be seen through the requirement to read books such as To Kill A Mockingbird or The Great Gatsby, there certainly must be a reason that these books are necessary in education. Many people have observed the perks of classics, and have concluded them to aid in: improving vocabulary, increasing attention span, developing critical thinking skills, becoming a better conversationalist, and reducing cognitive deterioration. These are very enticing benefits, however, the benefits of reading classical literature may not stop there, and it is up to passionate readers to read and discover for themselves

Classic Gone Modern

If you have ever read a classic novel, you may have noticed common themes and genres such as comedy, romance, or dystopian novels that criticize and comment on certain ideals seen in those time periods. These themes are valued and reused even in today’s society, for example, Shakespeare’s sharp comedy parallels many comedy films and books today. Jane Austen’s satirical novels appeal to young audiences now, interested in the dramatic romances and relating to her witty humor. In addition, dystopian novels such as 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, that have accurately predicted modern values and practices are still being written again, with popular books such The Hunger Games and Divergent commenting on social concerns of the 21st century. Overall, it can be seen that while having gone back years, classical literature is extremely relevant to current audiences, and carry themes that we know and love, showing that classical literature is not as foreign as it may seem.

Appeal

While classic literature can be advertised through its benefits, there may be hesitancy from younger audiences to try exploring the genre. However, interest in these works have been garnered through the media, with movies adapting these novels and bringing a light to them that audiences may not have been able to see before. For example, movies like The Great Gatsby (2013) and Pride and Prejudice (2005) have a considerable amount of fans, who have picked up these books out of interest. Additionally, creative adaptations of classic works have also gained popularity in the past, for example, Clueless (1995) is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma; She’s the Man (2006) is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Retellings like these also attract young audiences and provide them context as to what these stories are about. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, reading classical literature promotes the academic and social improvement of the people of today. These timeless novels and enticing stories are ones to be appreciated and studied throughout the years, and it is up to our generation (and those to come) to ensure that we do not let these worlds die with their storytellers. Therefore, next time you are assigned a classic book to read, or decide to pick out one on a whim, embrace it and learn to respect, if not love, the messages of the past.

References

LaVaque, K. (2023, May 3). The Importance of Reading Classic Literature: Why These Books Stand the Test of Time. Medium. https://lavaque.medium.com/the-importance-of-reading-classic-literature-why-these-books-stand-the-test-of-time-6966b0ecb880

Teaching Literature – The Classical Classroom. (2024, November 22). Hillsdale.edu. https://k12blog.hillsdale.edu/teaching-literature/

Das, S. (2024). From Page to Stage: Exploring the Adaptation of Classic Literature for Television and Film. International Journal of Emerging Knowledge Studies, 03(12), 999–1001. https://doi.org/10.70333/ijeks-03-12-009

Rowley, V. (2024). The Importance of Reading Classic Literature: Why These Books Stand the Test of Time. Fis.edu.hk. https://www.fis.edu.hk/bulletin/2024/06/the-importance-of-reading-classic-literature-why-these-books-stand-the-test-of-time/