not sure but I don't believe in instant classics
random thoughts Send a noteboard - 02/10/2010 05:22:07 AM
Though there are things like Harry Potter that I suspect will become one given time. If my grandkids like then maybe.
I think it matters which modifier you put on it. If you just say literary classic then it needs to be a book that has been in continuous print for an extended length of time (say over 75 years) and is recognized as having literary value.
You can modern classic which would be the best books written in the 20th century and I would say they need to have remained popular for at least 30-40 years. 1984, Hemingway, To Kill a Mocking Bird ect. Again they should have some recognized literary value.
When you start talking genre classics like classic science fiction or classic westerns I think the rules become looser. They should still be relatively old for the genre and they need to be good examples of the style the represented. They don't need to have literary significance but it helps if they were at least nominated for some of the top awards in their genre.
That was pretty much off the top of my head and I am sure their are classics that would fit but it think it is a starting place.
True classics? Not many to be honest. I really think writing has evolved for the better in the last 100 or so years. I like some of the old poetry (which would include Shakespeare) but I really don't find a lot of appeal in Dickens or Dante. Some are interesting stories and they have value but they don't typically read that well.
Now more modern classics. Run Rabbit Run, Brave New World, Slaughter House 5, LotR, To Kill a Mocking Bird. I even liked Tom Sawyer.
The Sound and the Fury, so you can explain it to me.
I would say Little Woman but I read that to my daughter so i will go with Moby Dick.
I tired and it sucked. Long and boring.
There are really only a handful that are truly well read so I wouldn't worry to much.
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.
This may be more of a survey than a discussion, but I think it would be interesting none the less, especially with the amount of literature buffs around this board. Anyway, here we go...
How do you define a classic work or author?
I think it matters which modifier you put on it. If you just say literary classic then it needs to be a book that has been in continuous print for an extended length of time (say over 75 years) and is recognized as having literary value.
You can modern classic which would be the best books written in the 20th century and I would say they need to have remained popular for at least 30-40 years. 1984, Hemingway, To Kill a Mocking Bird ect. Again they should have some recognized literary value.
When you start talking genre classics like classic science fiction or classic westerns I think the rules become looser. They should still be relatively old for the genre and they need to be good examples of the style the represented. They don't need to have literary significance but it helps if they were at least nominated for some of the top awards in their genre.
That was pretty much off the top of my head and I am sure their are classics that would fit but it think it is a starting place.
What are your favorite classic works?
True classics? Not many to be honest. I really think writing has evolved for the better in the last 100 or so years. I like some of the old poetry (which would include Shakespeare) but I really don't find a lot of appeal in Dickens or Dante. Some are interesting stories and they have value but they don't typically read that well.
Now more modern classics. Run Rabbit Run, Brave New World, Slaughter House 5, LotR, To Kill a Mocking Bird. I even liked Tom Sawyer.
If you had to suggest just one, which would it be and why? (please not, "because it's good" )
The Sound and the Fury, so you can explain it to me.
What have you staunchly refused to read that might be considered a classic?
I would say Little Woman but I read that to my daughter so i will go with Moby Dick.
Why don't you want to read it?
I tired and it sucked. Long and boring.
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!

There are really only a handful that are truly well read so I wouldn't worry to much.
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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Re: Cliff's notes
05/10/2010 09:21:06 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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not sure but I don't believe in instant classics
02/10/2010 05:22:07 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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