One’s definition of what makes a classic novel will undoubtedly be influenced by a person’s background. After all, one person’s great read is all too often another’s empty bore. For instance, many books considered classics are not necessarily books that would make many must read lists.Growing up, I decided to be an exception to that rule, and I read everything from Dr. Seuss to Goethe aloud simply because I loved the magic created by lines I could not yet fully appreciate.
To catapult a book from being classified as a great read into being labeled as a classic piece of literature generally implies the work demonstrates high quality and lasting value. It sets a standard for measuring similar works that come after it. In that regard, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath will forever stand as the book I measure all others against.
Yet, who decides?
Classic novels typically belong to the literary canon, and yet literary canons constantly flux as books considered representative of a period or place shift over time. Inclusion to the canon stems from the opinions of respected scholars and critics. A book can then achieve a certain level of status or reputation for continuing to influence trends for years to come. How many times will Shakespeare’s plays be reinterpreted or Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein beget new monster tales?
How a piece of literature will weather the test of time and perhaps enter the canon faces challenges in our modern age. The wildly popular Fifty Shades erotica series by E. L. James will never be able to compete with Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence, and yet, some readers thought E. L. James had created a new genre. It often feels like the power of marketing brings less than stellar books before the reading public simply because the publisher knows the writer’s name will sell books. Jean M. Auel’s final book in the Clan of the Cave Bear series contained dreadful writing, yet sold millions of copies. Even more intriguing, albeit in its infancy, is how the world of self-publishing will tie into traditional criteria for what makes a book classic.
Another way of defining classic literature would be to detail what it is not. Classic literature generally is not found in supermarket check-out aisles. More and more often, it seems popular books will get labeled as new classics so long as it makes the reader’s pulse pound. Generally speaking, classic literature also does not encompass genre literature. Not that such guidelines are set in stone, as J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series will certainly stand the test of time as it represents genre literature with literary elements.
Plus, classic literature need not be fiction, though fiction certainly snags its share of glory. Edward Abbey’s memoir Desert Solitaire will certainly hold up to scrutiny over the years as well as Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. The free verse poetry of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass stands the test of time as well. For me, I suppose it all boils down to whether or not a book makes me think, or in some way enlarges my understanding of humanity and the world. Sorry kiddos, Twilight doesn’t do that for me, but Dracula can.
I hope you’ll add your thoughts below and then make sure to visit some of the others who are taking part in the Classic Reads Blog Hop. Happy reading!
Enter the “Spread the Word” Rafflecopter Draw
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As Madison works on the remodel, she’s drawn into an old love story with dangerous consequences. She unearths buried secrets and discovers herself in the process. Good thing she has three wise, hilarious friends to advise her along the way! Mark of the Loon is the skillful combination of history, mystery, and romance in a novel that explores deep friendship, choices, and how individuals cope with loss.
What makes a classic novel to you?
The images used in this post are for promotional purposes only and comply with fair use guidelines.
Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2013.
I typically do not participate in rafflecopters, but I did this time because you are doing it. 🙂
Thanks for entering!
I agree with your assessment of what is classical literature. There is such a big difference in literature to entertains and literature that stands the test of time. Count me in on the blog hop. 🙂
For me, the best literature is always when it can be entertaining as well as achieve a timeless quality.
The idea of classic versus popular exists in many aspects of our lives, well anywhere that can be affected by a artisan’s hand. In beer and wine it is the difference between the mass market fodder that bears only a minor resemblance to a craftsman made product (picture Boone’s Farm or Budweiser). The same holds true in writing as well.
Writing is the work of the craftsman (or craftswoman but that doesn’t roll off the tongue as well). The ability to craft stories may even be a higher form of art than say painting or architechture in that the only materials that the writer works with come from their own mind. They work within rules and platitudes that define their canvas but still it is the paints from their mind that form the pictures for their patrons.
In the end it is the patron that determines what is art or classic based on their own experiences. Picaso in his Blue Period does more for me than his work during his Cubism Period. Yet, his work is still considered classic composition.
I spent some time earlier today thinking of some works in literature that to me are classics but by the standards they are quite simply, pulp. A big one for me is the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs. The John Carter of Mars series is by definition pulp fiction. But its message will still resonate through time because of the fantastic tapestry that Mr. Burroughs wove within the minds of his readers.
Is Miller High Life really the champagne of beers? That like classic literature, is something that the reader needs decide for themself.
John, I couldn’t agree more. Your comment could stand as an entry in the blog hop itself!
Hi Jeri — I entered the sweepstakes even though I don’t understand it. My definition of a classic is a piece of literature that moves me in an indescribable way. I will put down the book and know that I have read something great. The books I consider classics may not fit anyone else’s definition, but that’s OK with me.
The widget isn’t showing up correctly for the rafflecopter, but I’m glad you clicked on the link to enter. It’s for one of two $50 Barnes & Noble gift cards. I agree that a classic read in one that makes the reader feel they’ve read something great. When that feeling is multiplied across numerous readers, the buzz catches on.
I like your in depth and well reasoned approach to the subject. I agree that the test of time is a critical element and I agree that genre fiction need not be excluded. One of my all-time favorite short-stories is a western. I would compare it easily to Poe or O. Henry. I also think childrens’ books can be classic – The Cat in the Hat is three generations of “classic” meter, style, and enjoyment.
One of my favorite books is a western as well. I could read Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove time and time again!
I like your post. Twilight didn’t do it for me, either, but it might have been Kristen Stewart’s pissy face that kept me away from those books. It’s interesting to hear what we all think a classic is. It shows that the definition of classic is as individual as the books we choose. Thanks for the post. New follower by twitter. Java With Jambor
It certainly is interesting to see how all of our definitions vary, and yet, also find common ground.
Jeri, I love your comparison of popular vs. classic reads, and although I applaud her success I have to wonder if people will re-read James’ Fifty Shades fifty times? Lord of the Rings gets my vote for a classic that transcends time, economics, even culture and language. Thanks so much for such a gorgeous post. I deeply appreciate your support and generosity!
Happy to help spread the word! This is my first blog hop too 🙂
Excellent post, Jeri.
I agree that there are big differences between a classic novel and a popular one. Twilight and Fifty Shades may have sold many millions but I don’t believe they will be remembered in the years to come.
I tend to find, like films, that the best ones are those that are somewhat low-key and don’t earn a lot of money. It seems the priority for publishers is sales. So long as a book sells millions, quality is insignificant. I prefer to dig deeper and find the finest novels though even though I know I’ll be left despairing that the author and their work have not had more recognition.
David, I also often wonder how readers become discerning? As a former English teacher who has tried to expose students to a variety of literature, I still don’t have a clue! I think readers will move on to higher-caliber work the more they read, but not all will, and I guess that’s okay too 😉
Fascinating post, Jeri, particularly the comparisons between Lady Chatterley and Fifty Shades, and Dracula and Twilight. It’s true that the popularity of certain themes will ebb and flow but it would be sad to begin to overlook the forerunners! Thank you for taking part!
My best,
Terri
It was a pleasure! The topic of what makes a classic had me thinking for days and days before I sat down to write the post.
Jeri – you have written a very thoughtful post. Happy new year.
Hi Jeri…
Great post… I agree with you When you said that a classic should be influenced by a person’ s background… The personal approach is really important and probably one of the reasons why a book which has been considered classic to us will remain being so in the future… As the song says:” the fundamental things apply as time goes by ” …
That’ s a classic ‘ legacy…
By the way, you may like this article by Italo Calvino… Worth reading…
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/1986/oct/09/why-read-the-classics/
Best wishes, Aquileana 🙂
Aquileana, thanks for the link to Calvino article. I remember reading it at some point in the past. I’ve been meaning to re-read Hamlet one of these days. I’m sure I could read it every year and take away new things each and every time.