Classic literature is often referred to as boring or stuffy, with many young readers today choosing to step away from this period of literature. However, this reputation is unfair. Beneath their age and formal language, classic books are filled with humour, emotion, and deeply human experiences that remain relevant today. Far from being “stuffy,” classic literature can be heartfelt, surprisingly silly, and meaningful for readers of any generation.
Some of my personal favourite classics include Maurice by E.M. Forster, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
While some of these books are often considered serious and academic, novels like Alice in Wonderland and Pride and Prejudice have a very modern appeal. The stories and characters are filled with humour and relatability, despite being written hundreds of years ago.
That is, in my opinion, the best thing about classics. No matter how long ago a tale was written, there are always elements readers can relate to, or societal issues that still exist today.
For example, one of the many reasons people, including myself, love the novel Frankenstein is because Frankenstein’s monster, known as the Creature, is extremely relatable if you are part of a minority group or have issues with your parents.
The Creature is seen as undesirable and hideous; his own creator takes one look at him and turns away. This feeling of being monstrous or ashamed is something many people can relate to, and it is a key reason why so many readers continue to adore this story.
Classics are so much more than the “stuffy” books read in school. They are full of heart and humour, and they offer a strong sense of human connection. To me, classics feel like someone reaching out a hand from hundreds of years ago and saying, “I understand you, I feel this way too,” with Frankenstein being an excellent example of that connection.
Because of this, I recommend that more people explore classic literature so they can experience that same level of understanding. Another benefit of reading classics is their affordability. While many contemporary novels sell for around twenty dollars, classic books are often much cheaper, with some selling for as little as fourteen dollars at Indigo. If cost is still a concern, thrift stores are full of classic novels. While there is no guarantee they will have exactly what someone is looking for, searching from store to store can be fun, even if it is time-consuming.
If both time and money are limited, local libraries are also a great option, including our own at Wilfrid Laurier University. Most libraries carry a wide selection of classic literature.! Which makes finding these novels much easier than many contemporary works.
There are classics available for nearly every preferred genre. For romance, try Pride and Prejudice; for fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia or The Hobbit; for science fiction, Frankenstein; for horror, almost anything by Edgar Allan Poe, especially The Fall of the House of Usher; and for dystopian fiction, 1984.
Classic literature is more than a school requirement or a relic of the past. These stories are full of heart, humour, and emotional honesty. They feel like a hand reaching out across time, offering understanding and connection. For many readers, that connection can be comforting, validating, and even life changing.
Classics deserve to be read not because they are old, but because they still speak to who we are today.
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