A Reader’s Guide
I never read a great deal, back in my high school days. So, you can imagine my dismay when my English teacher landed War and Peace on my desk and said: read this. I almost cried, thinking, great, another boring old book to sludge through. Fast forward to the present day and it’s quite normal to find me, nose deep, locked inside some classic Russian literature—especially if it’s Dostoyevsky, or even Bulgakov’s: Master and the Margherita. These books aren’t simply classics—and despite the bad rap some old books receive—there is always something within them that we can learn.
If you’ve ever claimed, classic literature is boring (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!), you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—what makes a book a classic isn’t just its age. It’s that magical quality that lets these stories explore themes that hit just as hard today as they did centuries ago.
Think about it—Shakespeare’s: To be, or not to be still captures our existential crises perfectly, and even the younger generations mimic those very words—if not only in parody. Jane Austen’s complex characters still remind us of people in our own lives, too. And according to research from Michigan State University, engaging with these works challenges our brains in ways that modern quick reads skim over.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if you’re feeling particularly Victorian), and let’s chat about why classic literature is not only important—but quite engaging, enriching, and worth your time in 2025.
Why People Think Classic Literature is Boring
Let’s be honest – when someone mentions classic literature, you might tend to let out a sympathetic yawn. Been there, felt that! But why do so many of us approach these books with such hesitation?
Old language and unfamiliar settings
Have you ever started reading a classic, only to feel like you needed an accompanying readers guide? Think Ulysses, by Joyce, or the Divine Comedy. Even some William Faulkner. That old-fashioned language creates an instant barrier, and while most historical novels use standard modern English, they’re often sprinkled with unusual or archaic words that give a sense of period.
I remember tackling Wuthering Heights and having to re-read paragraphs because the dialogue felt so foreign. It’s exhausting at first! Plus, these stories unfold in societies with rules and norms that can feel completely grotesque, when pitted against our modern sensibilities.
But here’s a perspective shift that helped me: that olden language… it makes reading harder but can also signal that you’ve touched something sacred. That’s cool when you think about it that way, right?
Slow pacing compared to modern books
We’re living in the age of TikTok and Netflix—our attention spans have adapted to lightning-fast content. Now, consider Charles Dickens. His writing could be considered ‘purplish’, by todays standards. So, is it any wonder many of us struggle with classic literature’s thickish style storytelling!
Modern writing is usually more fast-paced, sweeping the reader along instead of taking pages on end to describe a single tree. Meanwhile, classics typically have extremely slow build ups with extensive exposition before getting to the juicy parts. For example: Proust’s Swann’s Way takes something like 40 pages to describe the main character falling asleep, which, ironically put me to sleep.
This difference is so dramatic that most modern books have much faster pacing than works released 50+ years ago, to the point many of the classics might have a tough time getting picked up by a publisher if they were written today.”
When I first tried reading Middlemarch, I nearly gave up after 50 pages. But once I adjusted my expectations (and started reading before bed instead of during my lunch break), everything changed.
Misconceptions from school experiences
Let’s call out the elephant in the room—mandatory school reading lists have done tremendous damage to classic literature’s reputation.
A big reason for this dislike is the fact that a lot of classic novels rammed down our throats before many of us have the maturity to understand—let alone appreciate—the art. I remember analysing every symbol in The Great Gatsby for a school assignment … up til the point where I wanted to throw the book across the room?
School experiences transform reading from pleasure to a chore … something you did not do because it was fun but … because you teacher told to do it. And do not get me started on trying to appreciate Anna Karenina when you’re 16–with zero real-world experience.
What’s worse, many classics are written for adults with life experiences most teenagers haven’t had—in times many adults would find hard to comprehend. What really makes the classics hit hard for an adult reader is that they are informed by experiences most people don’t have until they’re well beyond their 30s and forty’s.
What Makes a Book a Classic and Why It Matters
So, what’s the magic formula that transforms a regular old book into a capital-C Classic that endures for generations—if not centuries? It’s not just age or fancy language … it’s something much more profound.
Timeless themes and human emotions
At their heart, classics capture something essential about the human experience. These works brilliantly exemplify universal themes, like love, morality, death, adversity; all while offering revelatory insight and clarity to readers of any era.
When I reread Pride and Prejudice last year, I was knocked back by how relevant Elizabeth Bennet’s struggle with societal expectations still felt. Substitute Instagram pressure for Regency marriage markets, and you’ve got the same story!
One researcher explains why these books hit so deep: our emotional engagement in literature stems from our empathy with others and our constant imagining and hypothesising on developments in our interactions with them. In other words, classics give us a safe space to process our own feelings through fictional experiences.
Influence on modern storytelling
Ever notice how many movies follow the same basic structure? Thank classic literature for that! These foundational texts have left an indelible mark on modern writing with their timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and enduring narratives.
From Marvel superhero arcs to Netflix rom-coms, today’s entertainment rides on the coattails of classic literature … to the point where they provide a framework that modern writers use to craft relatable and compelling characters.
A writer friend of mine recently confessed that her debut manuscript was basically Jane Eyre … but with social media. Classic literature is like the source code running beneath all our modern storytelling.
Examples from the classic literature list
Let’s get specific about what makes certain books stand the test of time:
Middlemarch explores every subject of concern to modern life and is still as culturally relevant today as it has ever been. Seriously … George Eliot understood human psychology better than most modern self-help gurus and their monotonous books!
Frankenstein continues to captivate readers because it raises profound questions about humanity, responsibility, and the boundaries of scientific exploration. With today’s conversations about AI ethics and genetic engineering, Mary Shelley seems downright prophetic.
Even Little Women endures because it presents a timeless portrait of sisterhood and familial love—something many still value deeply in our relationships today.
How Classic Literature Lives On in Modern Culture
Think classics only exist in dusty library corners? Think again! These stories are constantly reborn in our modern entertainment landscape in ways you might not even realise.
Movies and TV shows inspired by classics
I binge-watched Bridgerton like everyone else, completely unaware it was drawing from Austen’s romantic comedy blueprint until my friends pointed it out. A true facepalm moment!
Period dramas like BBC’s adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and Ross Poldark have captivated modern audiences with their timeless themes of love and social conflict. Multiple adaptations of Wuthering Heights continue exploring Heathcliff and Catherine’s toxic-but-compelling relationship for new generations.
The fun part? Many viewers enjoy these adaptations without realising they’re experiencing classic literature in a new format. Jane Eyre alone has inspired countless film and television adaptations, each offering fresh interpretations of Charlotte Brontë’s beloved governess and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester.
Have you ever finished a show and felt an urge to read the book that inspired it? That’s the gateway drug to classic literature appreciation!
Music and pop culture references
Classic literature references pop up in music with surprising frequency. Did you know Kate Bush’s haunting Wuthering Heights reached the UK Number One spot in 1978? It introduced countless fans to Emily Brontë’s dark romance, and now it’s inspired a new wave of listeners … thanks to Stranger Things—
Similarly, Metallica’s: One draws inspiration from Dalton Trumbo’s anti-war novel, while Taylor Swift references The Great Gatsby in her song: Happiness, with the line All you want from me now is the green light of forgiveness.
Led Zeppelin’s: Ramble On incorporates Tolkien’s: Lord of the Rings imagery, while The Cure’s: Charlotte Sometimes reimagines Penelope Farmer’s 1969 novel. Next time you’re making a playlist, try spotting the literary references—you might be surprised how many you find!
Modern classic literature adaptations
Contemporary writers constantly acknowledge their debt to literary giants. In modern fiction, characters listen to audio versions of Jane Eyre during road trips, and love interests’ bond over shared appreciation for Pride and Prejudice. Even in Anna Todd’s: After, a character gets Mr. Darcy’s words tattooed on his back. Quite extreme … but I respect their commitment.
These modern interpretations prove that classic works are still the building blocks for what we know literature to be while continuing to evolve through fresh perspectives and contemporary contexts.
What’s your favorite modern take on a classic story? Mine is: Clueless—the perfect Emma adaptation!
Exploring Global Classics Beyond the Usual Names
Confession time: for years, my concept of classic literature was embarrassingly Eurocentric. But when we expand our horizons beyond the typical Western canon, we can discover a whole new world of incredible stories that deserve to sit alongside Shakespeare and Dickens.
Australian classic literature highlights
Australian literature offers perspectives shaped by the continent’s unique landscape and colonial history. Tim Winton’s: Cloudstreet, published in 1991, follows two working-class families in Perth from the 1940s to 1960s with gripping—if not colloquial—narration and vivid characterisation that had me page-turning til late at night.
Helen Garner’s: Monkey Grip offers another essential Australian voice, drawing from her own diaries to paint a lyrical portrait of 1970s Melbourne youth culture. The raw honesty of her writing still feels revolutionary today.
For newer Australian classics, Trent Dalton’s: Boy Swallows Universe took the country by storm in 2018, vividly depicting coming-of-age in crime-ridden 1980s Brisbane.
Hidden gems from around the world
Beyond familiar names, so many overlooked masterpieces await discovery. Have you heard of Mary Seacole’s memoir about her journey from Jamaica to serve in the Crimean War? It is a fascinating classic that should far be more familiar to every one of us.
I recently picked up Nevil Shute’s: A Town Like Alice, whose final act—often omitted from film adaptations—follows the protagonists building community in the Australian outback. It was like discovering a secret chapter to a story I thought I knew!
Movements like #WeNeedDiverseBooks highlight the importance of expanding our classic literature lists beyond homogeneous perspectives. A truly global canon would incorporate works from four broad cultural traditions: Western, East Asian (including literature from China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan), Indic (encompassing ancient Sanskrit classics through modern South Asian works), and Islamic-ate (written in classical Arabic, Persian, or successor languages).
These hidden gems often hold a depth in insight, beauty of language, and richness of storytelling that rival or even surpass more widely celebrated works, proving what makes a book a classic transcends cultural boundaries.
Which global classics are on your reading list? I’m currently diving into Chinua Achebe’s works and wondering what took me so long!
Conclusion
So, is classic literature as boring as its reputation suggests?
Not even close!
Throughout this blog, we’ve seen how these timeless works explore universal human experiences that remain deeply relevant despite their age.
Yes, old language, slow pacing, and traumatic high school English classes might initially push readers away. But understanding what truly makes a book classic helps unlock its enduring value.
Most importantly, classic literature isn’t some isolated relic of the past. These works actively shape our modern entertainment landscape through countless adaptations in film, music, and contemporary fiction. Shakespeare’s characters, Austen’s social insights, and Dostoevsky’s psychological depth continue inspiring creators across media platforms today.
Beyond the well-known Western canon lies an equally rich world of global classics waiting for discovery. Australian voices like Tim Winton, overlooked gems from diverse cultures, and ancient texts from East Asian, Indic, and Islamic-ate traditions all offer profound insights through beautiful language and compelling narratives.
After all, classic literature has survived for generations specifically because it speaks to something essential about our shared humanity. Though these books might demand more effort than a trending bestseller, they reward readers with deeper understanding, emotional resonance, and intellectual growth.
My journey from an eye-rolling schoolboy to passionate advocate proves that with the right approach, these supposedly: boring books can become lifelong companions that enrich our understanding of both literature and life itself.
Have you given a classic another chance recently? Once again, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And if you are looking for your next great read, why not try one of the lesser-known classics mentioned in this article? You might just find your new favorite book has been waiting for you for centuries.
