Unfinished person over at Just a (Reading) Fool tagged me for this meme in celebration of the all-new LitGuides.com.
What is the best classic you were “forced” to read in school (and why)?
The best assigned classic you ask? Let me see . . . it was probably “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” or An Ideal Husband. I read both of these works in AP English, and they were my first experiences with a deep literature discussion lead by an experienced teacher. Thus, I don’t think it was really the works themselves that made the difference, but the ability of the teacher to help me see the “literature” in them.
What was the worst classic you were forced to endure (and why)?
Perhaps my least favorite assigned classic was The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I just don’t really enjoy Mark Twain’s style. Gasp. I don’t really like very many early American authors – Nathaniel Hawthorne being the most notable exception to that rule.
Which classic should every student be required to read (and why)?
Required reading? Hmmm . . . this is hard because each person will come to a book with different perspectives and experiences, but . . . if forced to choose, I’d pick Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Monsters, ethics, Gothicism, ill-fated love – who could ask for more? While there are other classics that I enjoy more, I think fairly simple classics should be selected for the classroom so students are not overwhelmed and develop a hatred of reading.
Which classic should be put to rest immediately (and why)?
I can’t really think of any that should be summarily executed. I thought Beowolf was kind of a yawn, but, as the first known written story in English, I think it’ll be around for a while. Also, I thought Wuthering Heights was a heinous book, but many disagree with me and I’m not so pretentious as to think that a book should be euthanized based on my opinion.
Why do you think certain books become classics?
I think classics last because their themes are universal and therefore can be appreciated by successive generations of readers.
I hereby tag all of those who have not yet completed this meme and would like to. It really made me think about my reading in high school.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!
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Gasp. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?!? It’s one of my favorites…okay, not really, but still I’m mildly shocked. I also really like Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works, especially for some reason The House of the Seven Gables.
I love Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. The best epic poem ever.
I liked most of the classics I had to read in high school – they were at least better than the required contemporary novels.
Thanks for playing! I just read Frankenstein for the first time and LOVED it… But I also loved Wuthering Heights :)
I enjoyed your answers and am glad I found your site!!
I enjoyed the story of Huck Finn but I’m not a big fan of Twain’s style. I agree with putting to rest Wuthering Heights, or at least take it off the high school reading list. It’s too violent.
I love The Grapes of Wrath. The subject matter is mildly dark, but the theme of hope permeates throughout. Love this website!
These are all excellent questions. I ask these same types of questions on my blog. I am very interested in the variety of answers that are given. One persons favorite classic is one that another person would never read. I find that infinitely interesting. Thanks for posting about classic literature. I really enjoyed the post.
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