BOTNS #283: What Makes a Classic a Classic?

[Michael]

Share your thoughts on how to define a "classic" book.

[Tina]

My theory behind classics is that the plot stands the test of time. If societal mores have changed since the book was written, there will still be a lesson learned from it.

If it moved you, it's your own classic.

This is a loaded question & coming to agreement may be difficult.

[Kalen]

There has to be a longevity that spans generations. The subject/story/message needs to be universal enough that it speaks to different generations.

This is what I posted on the blog this morning:

To Michael's question about We by Yevgeny Zamyatin, it is definitely a classic and is read by every student taking a college Russian lit class. It is seen as classic of dystopian lit and is widely credited as having influence Orwell.

Rather than The Goldfinch, I think The Secret History stands a very good chance of becoming a classic. I read it when it first came out and it's heartening to see that every few years it bubbles up to the surface again and a new generation of readers gets to experience it.

[Janet]

I agree with Kalen that The Secret History is destined to be a classic. But I'm not sure about the generational aspect. It seems to me that a lot of schools have stopped teaching the books they did when I was a student. Titles that come to mind, The Scarlett Letter, Winesburg Ohio, The Sun Also Rises, A Tale of Two Cities, Of Mice and Men come to mind. Does this mean they are no longer classics? They're classics to me.

[Linda]

Janet wrote: "I agree with Kalen that The Secret History is destined to be a classic. But I'm not sure about the generational aspect. It seems to me that a lot of schools have stopped teaching the books they d..."

Janet, I stopped teaching 10 years ago, but Of Mice and Men was read by every sophomore class. I taught that book through 3 school districts.

I, embarrasingly admit that I have never read either Winesburg, Ohio (even though I'm from very, very near the actual city) or The Sun Also Rises. Both books are on my TBR list (at least mentally).

I was horrified, yes, horrified when my son was in high school and, although, scheduled, he never read To Kill a Mockingbird. The year ended before the class got to it. I rectified that omission by having us listen to it on a trip to Minneapolis.

I will vote for Wonder to be a future classic.

Kalen may have something. If I loved a book, I'm going to urge others to try it, whether that's my child or my friends.

[Janet]

Linda,
I loved the audiobook version of To Kill a Mockingbird narrated by Sissy Spacek. Was that the one you listened to? I don't even know if there are other versions out there but her reading was stellar.

[Linda]

Janet wrote: "Linda,
I loved the audiobook version of To Kill a Mockingbird narrated by Sissy Spacek. Was that the one you listened to? I don't even know if there are other versions out there but her reading w..."

Yes, Janet. That was the one. It was very good.

[Dree]

I don't think we can even guess what will be considered a classic in the future. Look what has happened to Stoner--suddenly, it is popular. I have not read it (yet), but something about it is striking a chord now. Does that mean it is "a classic"? Who knows. I often wonder what else is out there that has been forgotten. I recently read the 1931 Pultizer novel winner--Years of Grace--and it was wonderful. But it is completely forgotten now.

But The Secret History, really? This is one of those books I just don't get. I tried to read it 4 or 5 times, and never made it past page 50. I consider it unreadable.

[Janet]

Dree wrote: "I don't think we can even guess what will be considered a classic in the future. Look what has happened to Stoner--suddenly, it is popular. I have not read it (yet), but something about it is strik..."

It's a slow starter....I read it to page 50 twice. Once I got to page 100, it really took off.

[Janet]

What do you think of A Prayer for Owen Meany? I read that it's considered a modern day classic and I found teacher guides online for classroom use so it must be taught in some schools.