How do you define a classic work or author?
Most of the time, I just take the "accepted" definition of this. What's in the stack at Barnes & Noble say or what was assigned in English Lit Class? That's, loosely, what I'd consider classic literature. That tends to span significant periods of time and types of work, from Homer to Vonnegut and everyone in between.
According to Amazon's "classic" list, it also includes Lord of the Rings, The Eye of the World, and Game of Thrones.
What are your favorite classic works?
There's a lot to list out here, but the basics. Enjoyed the Iliad / Odyssey, (most) of the standard Shakespeare titles, Paradise Lost, almost anything by H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and the standard Brave New World, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Animal Farm. Had some revelations with Dickens, because I didn't want to read him initially and ended up enjoying his work very much. Liked Mark Twain in the earlier school years when we read him.
If you had to suggest just one, which would it be and why? (please not, "because it's good" )
I would go with some Shakespeare here. I mean, he's kind of a cornerstone for other literature and fun to read. It's a good place to start at least. Maybe Macbeth? It really is hard to just say one thing.
What have you staunchly refused to read that might be considered a classic?
This is really what made me want to post this. I have never read Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte. Despite requirements in multiple literature classes, etc. and I still cringe at the site of them. Never is a strong word though, I did get a few pages into Jane Eyre before I shut it and never looked back. This is apparently a well known fact to my friends as I am frequently gifted with the book on public occasions (where embarrassing me is required). I think I have 3 copies now, but I had more like 6 until my last trip to trade them in.
Why don't you want to read it?
Well those first few pages were horrid and the Cliff's Notes that got me through class were dull too. I think at this point it’s more of an ingrained habit of avoidance. Am I missing something?
There are a bunch of classics that I just haven't read yet, but need to. Bronte and Austen may be last on the list...
This message last edited by StormCrow on 30/09/2010 at 10:01:53 PM
The Classics - general discussion / survey
30/09/2010 03:52:53 PM
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My own answers.
30/09/2010 04:38:33 PM
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Re: My own answers.
30/09/2010 09:02:08 PM
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Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 09:23:51 PM
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Re: Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 09:34:06 PM
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Re: Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 10:07:20 PM
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Well, have you seen any of the Austen TV/movie adaptations, then?
30/09/2010 10:25:58 PM
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Oh yes. I even made the mistake of purchasing the new Pride and Prejudice for her.
01/10/2010 12:10:05 AM
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Cliff's notes
05/10/2010 08:05:56 PM
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A classic is really any book with enduring value.
30/09/2010 05:33:35 PM
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Re: A classic is really any book with enduring value.
30/09/2010 06:46:02 PM
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Re: A classic is really any book with enduring value.
30/09/2010 10:57:23 PM
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Re: A classic is really any book with enduring value.
30/09/2010 11:39:16 PM
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I really need to read Kundera. I've heard nothing but praise for Unbearable Lightness. *NM*
30/09/2010 08:46:18 PM
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I could post you over a copy to borrow.
30/09/2010 08:58:08 PM
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That is very kind, but I have far too much to do to read non-school books, unfortunately.
30/09/2010 10:53:23 PM
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Haven't read any other Kundera, but yes, that one is very enjoyable. *NM*
30/09/2010 09:50:30 PM
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I found his other books to be pale copies of The Unbearable Lightness of Being. *NM*
30/09/2010 10:51:55 PM
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I study them, apparently.
30/09/2010 08:44:40 PM
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I wish I could do that.
30/09/2010 09:49:57 PM
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Less fun than you'd think.
30/09/2010 10:52:10 PM
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More admiration of your discipline than assuming you were having fun with it.
01/10/2010 12:31:06 AM
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Re: The Classics - general discussion / survey .. edited.
30/09/2010 08:58:14 PM
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I knew you would have a rather lengthy list. I was worried until the edit came through.
01/10/2010 02:26:34 AM
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Good survey.
30/09/2010 10:23:18 PM
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Agreed. edited
30/09/2010 10:37:48 PM
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But but but Milton is beautiful
30/09/2010 10:46:06 PM
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Sometimes.
30/09/2010 10:47:28 PM
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I'm glad you approve on the whole.
30/09/2010 11:12:00 PM
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I generally do.
30/09/2010 11:19:05 PM
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Excellent. Might as well include a Hooft poem anyway, in case anyone's interested...
30/09/2010 11:40:24 PM
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Re: Excellent. Might as well include a Hooft poem anyway, in case anyone's interested...
30/09/2010 11:43:20 PM
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Ah Cliff, I bow to thee
30/09/2010 11:30:41 PM
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Re: Ah Cliff, I bow to thee
01/10/2010 03:18:58 AM
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Re: Ah Cliff, I bow to thee
01/10/2010 05:20:10 AM
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Re: Ah Cliff, I bow to thee
01/10/2010 02:05:35 PM
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I will not list 300+ books here, I promise
01/10/2010 12:36:17 AM
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O'Connor is wonderful. But I am not sure many can appreciate her.
01/10/2010 02:50:54 AM
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Criminy, I thought I was done with essay questions years ago.
01/10/2010 01:39:56 AM
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the bf and I are going to do a "Paradise Lost" book club...
02/10/2010 08:29:38 AM
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