Of course, there's a rather different definition going on there.
Ah, I like to use required reading as a tool to make me read books I think I should. I'm strongly considering taking one of the required "great books" classes at my university (I tested out of enough things that I used another track to satisfy gen eds) just so I can finally nail down some good books I've been putting off. I have terrible self-discipline when it comes to reading old books.
Classic? One that has been historically recognized as important. Very different from literature, which I think has to do with themes of humanity. Most classics are literature, but the two aren't one and the same. And of course there is a lot of literature that does not fall into the realm of classics; I don't think anyone would call a late 20th century book a "classic," regardless of its quality.
I unashamedly love Shakespeare, and I don't particularly care that everyone loves Shakespeare. He is wonderful. Milton is wonderful. So is Chaucer. Dante is good, but I think actually a little overrated (at least in the English. I have heard that the Italian is spectacular, but I wouldn't know). The Odyssey and the Iliad, at least in translation.
Can you tell I'm a fan of the epic? I actually probably read more poetry, but that doesn't seem to be what you're looking for.
And of course Vergil. Vergil, Vergil, Vergil. The Aeneid is an unqualified masterpiece. I adore Ovid's Metamorphoses as well. Most of the Greek tragedies are enjoyable, but I really ought to reserve judgment until I read them in the original.
I hesitate to suggest the Aeneid, because it loses so much in translation. I know I sound like an elitist prick, but it's probably more true for that work than for any other I've read. Nevertheless, it's such a seminal work in the Western canon; countless novels reference it. The Iliad and the Odyssey are of course also influential, but more people are familiar with them.
I haven't staunchly refused to read anything, but I've yet to manage to finish more than a chapter or two of an Austen. She's not a bad writer at all, but I find the depicted world absolutely mind-numbing.
See above.
Legolas' post about Emma and Rebekah's challenge got me thinking that there are a lot of "classics" floating around out there that certain people (myself included) may never have given a chance. This will be true, regardless of what you consider a "classic" to be. I leaned a little too heavily on a man named Cliff during school to avoid getting too far out of my comfort zone. Also, making something "required" reading usually took away some of it's appeal for me.
Ah, I like to use required reading as a tool to make me read books I think I should. I'm strongly considering taking one of the required "great books" classes at my university (I tested out of enough things that I used another track to satisfy gen eds) just so I can finally nail down some good books I've been putting off. I have terrible self-discipline when it comes to reading old books.
How do you define a classic work or author?
Classic? One that has been historically recognized as important. Very different from literature, which I think has to do with themes of humanity. Most classics are literature, but the two aren't one and the same. And of course there is a lot of literature that does not fall into the realm of classics; I don't think anyone would call a late 20th century book a "classic," regardless of its quality.
What are your favorite classic works?
I unashamedly love Shakespeare, and I don't particularly care that everyone loves Shakespeare. He is wonderful. Milton is wonderful. So is Chaucer. Dante is good, but I think actually a little overrated (at least in the English. I have heard that the Italian is spectacular, but I wouldn't know). The Odyssey and the Iliad, at least in translation.
Can you tell I'm a fan of the epic? I actually probably read more poetry, but that doesn't seem to be what you're looking for.
And of course Vergil. Vergil, Vergil, Vergil. The Aeneid is an unqualified masterpiece. I adore Ovid's Metamorphoses as well. Most of the Greek tragedies are enjoyable, but I really ought to reserve judgment until I read them in the original.
If you had to suggest just one, which would it be and why? (please not, "because it's good" )
I hesitate to suggest the Aeneid, because it loses so much in translation. I know I sound like an elitist prick, but it's probably more true for that work than for any other I've read. Nevertheless, it's such a seminal work in the Western canon; countless novels reference it. The Iliad and the Odyssey are of course also influential, but more people are familiar with them.
What have you staunchly refused to read that might be considered a classic?
I haven't staunchly refused to read anything, but I've yet to manage to finish more than a chapter or two of an Austen. She's not a bad writer at all, but I find the depicted world absolutely mind-numbing.
Why don't you want to read it?
See above.
I considered myself relatively well read, until I started hanging out around here at least. I will answer the questions in the next post to get it started, despite what it might reveal about my literary experience (or lack thereof). Thanks!
"We feel safe when we read what we recognise, what does not challenge our way of thinking.... a steady acceptance of pre-arranged patterns leads to the inability to question what we are told."
~Camilla
Ghavrel is Ghavrel is Ghavrel
*MySmiley*
~Camilla
Ghavrel is Ghavrel is Ghavrel
*MySmiley*
The Classics - general discussion / survey
30/09/2010 03:52:53 PM
- 1324 Views
My own answers.
30/09/2010 04:38:33 PM
- 913 Views
Re: My own answers.
30/09/2010 09:02:08 PM
- 934 Views
Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 09:23:51 PM
- 956 Views
Re: Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 09:34:06 PM
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Re: Powdered Soup!
30/09/2010 10:07:20 PM
- 896 Views
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
- 888 Views
Re: A classic is really any book with enduring value.
30/09/2010 06:46:02 PM
- 916 Views
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
- 508 Views
I could post you over a copy to borrow.
30/09/2010 08:58:08 PM
- 738 Views
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
- 887 Views
Less fun than you'd think.
30/09/2010 10:52:10 PM
- 776 Views
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
- 954 Views
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
- 933 Views
But but but Milton is beautiful
30/09/2010 10:46:06 PM
- 868 Views
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
- 898 Views
I generally do.
30/09/2010 11:19:05 PM
- 892 Views
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
- 911 Views
the bf and I are going to do a "Paradise Lost" book club...
02/10/2010 08:29:38 AM
- 1028 Views