Antiquated language is one hindrance. There are no classics with modern words. It is tiring to decipher everything when you
just want to enjoy. I am sure there are
modern interpretations but, if I wanted that, I could just watch the movies
based on them. It is cheating.
Many classics are also BORING! Oh yes, I’ve said it. Yawn-fests are more common than anything
remotely intriguing in classic literature.
I don’t care if something is a testament to the customs of Victorian
life or an animal is a metaphor. If the
story isn’t compelling, no symbolism makes me dig out my intellectualist’s hat
and ponder.
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I tend to feel guilty that I haven’t read many of
literature’s prized older works. I can
just see a group of snobs in a parlor somewhere, swirling their brandy while
discussing Tolstoy, and looking down their noses at me.
Yes, I admit I am more a fan of genre fiction but I like
literary works as well provided they have compelling story.
One modern work that should be a classic is the play Copenhagen. It's based on science, but still is what I would consider one of the best "modern classics".
ReplyDeleteI haven't read most classics either, and I understand some of the boredom. But, I do enjoy a good dose of Dickens!
Well, I have read Dickens before so I am not TOTALLY lost.
DeleteI don't think I have ever heard of "Copenhagen".
I have not read many classics. Only the ones I'm forced to read in school :)
ReplyDeleteI adored Shakespeare when I was thirteen. After that age, I was over him. Oh how brief love affairs are!
DeleteI love some of the classics. Others are boring. I really just depends on the books itself. A lot of the appeal of classic lit for me is getting to see a little window into the past. It's like a snapshot of how things use to be (or how someone wanted things to be.) But I love my genre fiction as well. It's fun and easy and sort of like eating candy. Not a lot of substance, but delicious.
ReplyDeleteSome genre has substance but I do enjoy fun. A lot of people encourage me to read books like Pride and Prejudice but I just can't...
DeleteI know, horrible of me.