Your five definitions of a classic sound absolutely spot on. Universality is the big one to me because it seems to lead to the other definitions. Works that are universal endure, so they stay in print, remain in our conversations, and remain relevant. If the work is universal, you feel compelled to return to it, reread it, and always get something new out of it depending on where you are in your life. Thanks for the beautifully insightful discussion. 😊
As a Harvard graduate student of literature I read a LOT of classics. Doing so comes with the territory. I completely endorse your definition Benjamin. And yes, I am an “expert on this topic.” 😉
I used to be intimidated by the word 'classic' but now I find the definitions so beautiful and important. I find them to require slowing down a lot more though so I mostly read them when I have a lot of quiet evening time. Anna Karenina was the book that made me fall in love with classics and change my approach to them!
For a really long time I thought Life of Pi, Shadow of the Wind and The Kite Runner were classics. Then I realized they were written in 2001-2003. They may not be considered classics yet but I feel pretty confident that they will be considered classics in the future.
I want to read more modern classics which I define as post-WWII-1999. My favorite is a A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which feels criminally underrated in the 21st century. I'm also thinking of those god awful tiktoks of "books that will be classics in the future" when it feels like very few books these are truly influential and transformative with staying power
You are a pleasure to watch and listen to. The classic that I return to nearly every year is Walden by Henry David Thoreau. Many people have claimed it to be boring which is probably true for some parts, however, I learn something new from it every single time I read it. Just like your Little Prince (which I love, too), I have several different copies of Walden. That is how much I enjoy it. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on what a classic is or could be.
I'd say skillfully written needs to be added to the "read by many" category. Otherwise, 50 Shades will be considered a classic in my lifetime and I don't want to live in a world like that. I'd also add Groundbreaking to the list. You touched upon it in the Pride and Prejudice portion. Tolkien and Austen did things that no one had done before and that is one reason they are still beloved.
Jeffrey Brenzel, Ph.D. of Yale University stated that there are five marks of a classic: Addresses permanent and universal human concerns; Game-changer; Influences other great works; Respected by experts Challenging yet rewarding
Rule 1 (what I use) is one thing, “game changers”, recommended by experts, and difficult books are another. Trendy, modern, advocating modern “philosophy” can be problematic.
I agree. A lot of books put on reading lists at universities are vetted for political correctness. 4th rule is therefore problematic too. For example, The Lord of the Rings has had enormous cultural impact, with many admirers amongst intelligent people, but is looked down upon by English departments because it is socially conservative and is not in the so called realist genre.
@@JohnSanders-hc8zv These are marks, not rules. This list is the opinion of one man. I do not know for sure, but I bet Professor Brenzel is not of the opinion that every “classic” must check the box of each of these marks. They may not. Ultimately, the determination as to whether a book is a “classic” is a subjective one. I only used those five marks as a touchstone. If someone finds it useful, great; if someone disagrees with it, fine. To highlight the subjectivity involved, I point to the definition of “expert.” Based on your response, it *appears* you interpreted that as university professors and/or university administrators-or at least incorporating one or both of those. I think we are free to decide who we consider to be experts. These experts do not even have to be alive. Some works become more or less accepted/respected/admired by academia over time. In a generation or two (i.e. as the people who dislike Tolkien pass away and are replaced by younger persons), I expect Tolkien’s work to be admired in English departments. And if I am mistaken, I will still admire the work of Tolkien and consider many of his books to be “classics.” Again, this is subjective. Take what works and leave the rest. Feel free to private message me (if that is even possible on RUclips) if you would like to continue this conversation. I am interested to hear what works you consider to be “classics” so that I may be inspired to read a few of them.
A classic in whatever cultural medium bears the hallmark of genius,stops you in your tracks,so that you are wholly engaged with it for the duration of what will become an indelible experience.💮
Books that have been time tested and (for me) provide insights into human nature. Thus for my book club I chose Tolstoy , Somerset Maugham, Steinbeck, Austin, etc.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if you did a video asking everyone what is their most famous or a memorable quote from a classic or modern classic they have read.
Definition of classic book notebooks that gives an important message and or Spurs on discussion. Therefore I would you consider classic books like Uncle Tom's cabin cabin and Fahrenheit 451. One book so I had to read in school but I don't think should be considered a classic because frankly it is a great example how you should not right is old man and the sea Ernest Hemingway.
That has been a question I have been wondering. It’s just crazy that in a few years that books that are contemporary today will be considered “timeless” classics! Nice idea for a video!
🎯Greetings Carolyn Marie!! That's a wonderful way to define a Classic.A Classic perfectly depicts universal themes,both social & psychological & I think it perfectly highlights the writer's superior creativity & play with speech,wit &humour,imagery &characterization that surpasses common styles of writing!! A classic has timeless beauty & appeal for anyone who enjoys reading.A wonder ful upload from You & I appreciate your work.Much Love & Goodwishes To You. Good Day.!! 👍♾️💐
I’m so excited to see how you specifically define a classic book!! Also I’m so happy I get to watch you and Emma both this morning!! Thank you for this wonderful video! 💞
You would probably enjoy C.S. Lewis' essay The Art of Writing and the Gift of Writers if you haven't read it yet; it covers some smaller details of a lot of the elements that define a classic which you outlined so well here in your video.
I love your definitions of classics. Since you asked, I will share some of my favorite classics: 1) Travels With Charley (my favorite book), 2) Cannery Row, 3) The Sketch Book by Washington Irving, and 4) A Christmas Carol. Thank you for your excellent channel.
For me, a „classic“ is a book written before 1900 and a „modern classic“ after that, but before 2000. My favorite book of all time is a classic, it’s Peter Pan, it ever was, since i know. Like you, everytime i reread it, i gain something new from it. (And I read it uncountable times through my life)
Not sure if you take video suggestions, but would you consider making a video talking about different editions of classics? I really want to start collecting my favorite classics in the same edition but there are so many and I find it a little overwhelming sometimes 😅 since you own a lot of different editions I would love to hear which publishers and editions you like best and would recommend🤍
So I’m currentl re reading Forever Amber by Kathleen Windsor…written in 1945 and I consider it a Classic historical book. I read this many years ago but don’t remember a thing lol…I do remember I loved it and I’m really enjoying again. Favorite Classics…anything by Dickens and P&P by Austin. Dickens is my all time favorite author…I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far by him which is a lot. I feel about him as you do Tolstoy. I too love Anna Karenina and War and Peace too but Tolstoy comes in after Dickens for me. To me Dickens writes the most memorable characters and I love his humor.
Hi Carolyn , just come across your channel , a big hello from sunny England , really enjoyed your video , look forward to seeing more in the future , take care x .
Great video✨✨, some spot on definitions🔥😊. I actually have another definitions that can define classics 1.A thing that can define a classic but doesn’t have too is a familiar plot or an iconic scene that being considered as general knowledge. Like my father is Russian and he haven’t read Anna Karenina but he does know the end of Anna Karenina. Or in Romeo and Juliet everyone knows how it ends without even read it.🤭 Another way a classic can be defined is by a name that being defined as general knowledge. Like lots of people know the titles Crime and Punishment or Jane Eyre without even knowing what’s it about, I can give lots of examples for that. And last definition that I have is that a book that has a message to the reader/teach about the society and the time of the same era/critic a subject🧐🧐🧐 Like lots and lots of books were written at every time but the ones that still being read has some messages to the audience. Little Women talks about women in society, Picture of Dorian Grey talks about pride and morality, Great Expectations critic all the classes in society. They’re always more than just a story, they has a message to the readers. I don’t have a favorite classic 😱I’ve got a top 5 Wuthering Heights The picture of Dorian Grey Great Expectations Jane Eyre And Dune (which can be considered as modern classic🤨)
Carolyn, i agree with all your definitions of a classic book, specially the number five. My favorite classics are: In Search of the Lost Time, by Proust; Anna Karienina, by Tolstoy; and Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll.
Defining a "classic" in any medium is something I keep as simple as I can: it's the passage of time plus the awareness of the general [reading] populace. The time part is at least objective. 20+ years seems reasonable. Popularity, on the other hand, is at the mercy of filters on the definition "popular". You can't feasibly count the number of fans of something in the world. The most help we have in this context might be Goodreads, which tallies the people who say they've read it and averages the reviews into a score. Unfortunately it's an imperfect system. As for the extra criteria you came up with? Universal themes feel more like a helpful boost, through which most (but not all) classics have gained respect. Not going out of print would seem a given, but as physical copies are now competing with the digital world, I'm on the fence how to approach this. Appeal to non-readers is ... more of a synonym than a symptom. Required reading in a class can indeed make a classic, but the string attached is polarizing your readers into two camps based on whether they buy the didactic hype. Cultural references are tricky because they remove a snippet of the artistry from the work as a whole, which doesn't prove to you if a source is good or bad, but on a technicality it gives the source a stronger case. Layered ideas ... I'll refer you back to my universal themes comment.
The one thing I don't understand is why are classics always about the books written in England or America. And even in these, I've read some books that are a little problematic. There are so many deserving books from other countries yet I don't see people reading them. More importance should be given to such books too.
This isn't related to the video, but I wanted to leave a comment to say I finally caved in. After hearing you talk about Heartstopper so much I decided to try watching the first episode and ended up watching through the whole season 🤦😂 So thank you. I love it 😄 I keep thinking about that blue Kraken backpack now ( I know its Kanken but I always want to say Kraken ) lol
i think it's also important to point out that classics are always linked to a cultural canon. this means that what the western canon might consider a classic, probably won't apply to other countries/regions.
Takeaway from the video to describe a classic book 1) A book that has stood the test of time(pride and prejudice ) 2) an older book that is still being printed today (old classic was printed before 1950 )(to kill a mockingbird is an old classic) 3 older book that is read by many people (little woman) 4 A work if literature that is rederenced in modern culture (phrases, words etc)(Shakespeare's play) (charles Dickens). 5 A book that i can return to and gain something new from it everytine i return to it (the little prince)
I would agree to everything, only that I have a different time span. For me, a classic was published before WWI and everything after would be a modern classic
Basically comes down to age, continuity in print, and reputation. The longer something has been continuously in print, the more likely it is a classic. I reject the idea of a “modern classic.” It strikes me as an oxymoron. Reputation is as important, but it can be slippery. For a while, people were rediscovering a lot of old, overlooked literature. Thus, neglected writers seem to have regained popularity. I think Elizabeth Gaskell might be an example of this, or Fanny Trollope. On the other hand, reputations can also wane (like Anatole France, or Edmund Spenser), or be subject to cancellation (Kipling). And then there are books that are classics because of their borrowed reputation - an example is Clarel, which is the longest epic poem in the English language. Almost no one has read it. Most have never heard of it. It has not been continuously in print. And yet it’s a classic, largely because it’s by Melville (same sort of goes for Pierre). When I was in college, in the early eighties, the English department had a seminar on Melville, which read all of his works, except Clarel. That would likely have changed since then, since Harold Bloom has championed the book. Thus, it seems to be gaining some on the reputation front. An interesting question is whether impact RUclips, and the internet’s democratization of literary criticism will have on what is classic.
Well thought out; I agree completely. But so very few books meet this definition, in my opinion. I feel that any attempt to create a definition for a "classic" is bound to be overly dogmatic. If we are going to use any such a definition to give some books the honorific "Classic", then we will need to understand the following: _Great books are not necessarily "Classics"._ Take the books by Elizabeth Gaskell. She is well-known and beloved by "readers", but she is not well known to the public-at-large, at least not to the American public. (I'm not aware of her fame to the UK public.) I'm afraid Mrs. Gaskell didn't write any "classics" recognized by the American public today, _according to your definition._ The last book I read was _The Master of Ballantrae_ by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stevenson is not well-regarded as an author, as witnessed by this excerpt from his Wikipedia page: _Stevenson was seen for much of the 20th century as a second-class writer. He became relegated to children's literature and horror genres, condemned by literary figures such as Virginia Woolf (daughter of his early mentor Leslie Stephen) and her husband Leonard Woolf, and he was gradually excluded from the canon of literature taught in schools. His exclusion reached its nadir in the 1973 2,000-page Oxford Anthology of English Literature where he was entirely unmentioned, and The Norton Anthology of English Literature excluded him from 1968 to 2000 (1st-7th editions), including him only in the 8th edition (2006)._ As far as _The Master of Ballantrae_ is concerned, not too many people are aware of it or read it anymore, it's not Stevenson's most famous work, and it has no famous quotes. It's a sensational story, though. It's a tale of the conflict between brothers, one an "immortal", invincible rogue. It's universal in that that theme has been repeated, recently in the book _Blood Meridian,_ where the Judge resembles The Master in many ways. _The Master of Ballantrae is an example of a great book that does not meet the definition of a "classic"._
Hey Carolyn - you've got a little kerfluffle there you may want to amend. Check the bio of Shakespeare. Sorry to be that guy today, but it's very nice to see you. Enjoy.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Your five definitions of a classic sound absolutely spot on. Universality is the big one to me because it seems to lead to the other definitions. Works that are universal endure, so they stay in print, remain in our conversations, and remain relevant. If the work is universal, you feel compelled to return to it, reread it, and always get something new out of it depending on where you are in your life. Thanks for the beautifully insightful discussion. 😊
You would be an expert on this topic!
As a Harvard graduate student of literature I read a LOT of classics. Doing so comes with the territory. I completely endorse your definition Benjamin. And yes, I am an “expert on this topic.” 😉
I used to be intimidated by the word 'classic' but now I find the definitions so beautiful and important. I find them to require slowing down a lot more though so I mostly read them when I have a lot of quiet evening time. Anna Karenina was the book that made me fall in love with classics and change my approach to them!
For a really long time I thought Life of Pi, Shadow of the Wind and The Kite Runner were classics. Then I realized they were written in 2001-2003. They may not be considered classics yet but I feel pretty confident that they will be considered classics in the future.
Both Carolyn AND Emma have uploaded at the same time! Today is looking up.
I know right!!!!!
I know they are both my favorite book vlog on RUclips
Two favorites indeed! ❤️❤️
can you give me the name of Emma's channel?
@@alfiyahadhwaaa yes it's * e m m i e *
I find that classics transcend time, and all lessons that can be derived historically can remain applicable today!
I want to read more modern classics which I define as post-WWII-1999. My favorite is a A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which feels criminally underrated in the 21st century.
I'm also thinking of those god awful tiktoks of "books that will be classics in the future" when it feels like very few books these are truly influential and transformative with staying power
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was also a great old classic movie, very hard to find now though.
I just read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn this year and it is a new favorite of mine. Criminally underrated is right!
It’s not like I know a lot about classics but for me a classic is anything that was published before I was born 😂 (2000)
You are a pleasure to watch and listen to. The classic that I return to nearly every year is Walden by Henry David Thoreau. Many people have claimed it to be boring which is probably true for some parts, however, I learn something new from it every single time I read it. Just like your Little Prince (which I love, too), I have several different copies of Walden. That is how much I enjoy it. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on what a classic is or could be.
I'd say skillfully written needs to be added to the "read by many" category. Otherwise, 50 Shades will be considered a classic in my lifetime and I don't want to live in a world like that.
I'd also add Groundbreaking to the list. You touched upon it in the Pride and Prejudice portion. Tolkien and Austen did things that no one had done before and that is one reason they are still beloved.
Thats something i love about reading classics, seeing how it influences us today in our phrases and media
Jeffrey Brenzel, Ph.D. of Yale University stated that there are five marks of a classic:
Addresses permanent and universal human concerns;
Game-changer;
Influences other great works;
Respected by experts
Challenging yet rewarding
Rule 1 (what I use) is one thing, “game changers”, recommended by experts, and difficult books are another. Trendy, modern, advocating modern “philosophy” can be problematic.
I agree. A lot of books put on reading lists at universities are vetted for political correctness. 4th rule is therefore problematic too. For example, The Lord of the Rings has had enormous cultural impact, with many admirers amongst intelligent people, but is looked down upon by English departments because it is socially conservative and is not in the so called realist genre.
@@JohnSanders-hc8zv These are marks, not rules. This list is the opinion of one man. I do not know for sure, but I bet Professor Brenzel is not of the opinion that every “classic” must check the box of each of these marks. They may not. Ultimately, the determination as to whether a book is a “classic” is a subjective one. I only used those five marks as a touchstone. If someone finds it useful, great; if someone disagrees with it, fine. To highlight the subjectivity involved, I point to the definition of “expert.” Based on your response, it *appears* you interpreted that as university professors and/or university administrators-or at least incorporating one or both of those. I think we are free to decide who we consider to be experts. These experts do not even have to be alive. Some works become more or less accepted/respected/admired by academia over time. In a generation or two (i.e. as the people who dislike Tolkien pass away and are replaced by younger persons), I expect Tolkien’s work to be admired in English departments. And if I am mistaken, I will still admire the work of Tolkien and consider many of his books to be “classics.” Again, this is subjective. Take what works and leave the rest. Feel free to private message me (if that is even possible on RUclips) if you would like to continue this conversation. I am interested to hear what works you consider to be “classics” so that I may be inspired to read a few of them.
Ivan Bunin wrote a classic book of short stories in the 1920s called "Dark Avenues". I think "Love for Lydia" by H.E.Bates is an absolute classic.
A classic in whatever cultural medium bears the hallmark of genius,stops you in your tracks,so that you are wholly engaged with it for the duration of what will become an indelible experience.💮
Books that have been time tested and (for me) provide insights into human nature. Thus for my book club I chose Tolstoy , Somerset Maugham, Steinbeck, Austin, etc.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if you did a video asking everyone what is their most famous or a memorable quote from a classic or modern classic they have read.
What an amazing idea ! It could be fun if she tried to guess which books the quotes would be from !
i just watched this a second time, and i literally have nothing to add. in my book world, you nailed it
Definition of classic book notebooks that gives an important message and or Spurs on discussion. Therefore I would you consider classic books like Uncle Tom's cabin cabin and Fahrenheit 451. One book so I had to read in school but I don't think should be considered a classic because frankly it is a great example how you should not right is old man and the sea Ernest Hemingway.
That has been a question I have been wondering. It’s just crazy that in a few years that books that are contemporary today will be considered “timeless” classics! Nice idea for a video!
🎯Greetings Carolyn Marie!! That's a wonderful way to define a Classic.A Classic perfectly depicts universal themes,both social & psychological &
I think it perfectly highlights the writer's
superior creativity & play with speech,wit
&humour,imagery &characterization that surpasses common styles of writing!!
A classic has timeless beauty & appeal for anyone who enjoys reading.A wonder
ful upload from You & I appreciate your
work.Much Love & Goodwishes To You.
Good Day.!! 👍♾️💐
I’m so excited to see how you specifically define a classic book!! Also I’m so happy I get to watch you and Emma both this morning!! Thank you for this wonderful video! 💞
I agree. New videos from Carolyn and Emmie on the same morning. How fantastic.
@@anthonyskrobul3726 I know right! It made my day
You would probably enjoy C.S. Lewis' essay The Art of Writing and the Gift of Writers if you haven't read it yet; it covers some smaller details of a lot of the elements that define a classic which you outlined so well here in your video.
You should read The Posthumous Memories of Brás Cubas by Machado de Assis, it's a Brazilian classic and we study it in high school here in Brazil.
I love your definitions of classics. Since you asked, I will share some of my favorite classics: 1) Travels With Charley (my favorite book), 2) Cannery Row, 3) The Sketch Book by Washington Irving, and 4) A Christmas Carol. Thank you for your excellent channel.
For me, a „classic“ is a book written before 1900 and a „modern classic“ after that, but before 2000. My favorite book of all time is a classic, it’s Peter Pan, it ever was, since i know. Like you, everytime i reread it, i gain something new from it. (And I read it uncountable times through my life)
I just read the heart of the dog because of you! the introduction to that book about the relationship between JS and Bulgakov blew my mind!
Oh i vlogged about it too, Im new lol cringe
I think a classic stands the test of time like you said
Pride and prejudice
Little women
Anne of green gables
Jane eyre
I enjoy and appreciate your insight. I also love your hair texture, it’s gorgeous.
Not sure if you take video suggestions, but would you consider making a video talking about different editions of classics? I really want to start collecting my favorite classics in the same edition but there are so many and I find it a little overwhelming sometimes 😅 since you own a lot of different editions I would love to hear which publishers and editions you like best and would recommend🤍
Your definition is spot on. So glad to see a response also from Benjamin McEvoy a tremendous booktuber!
So I’m currentl re reading Forever Amber by Kathleen Windsor…written in 1945 and I consider it a Classic historical book. I read this many years ago but don’t remember a thing lol…I do remember I loved it and I’m really enjoying again. Favorite Classics…anything by Dickens and P&P by Austin. Dickens is my all time favorite author…I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far by him which is a lot. I feel about him as you do Tolstoy. I too love Anna Karenina and War and Peace too but Tolstoy comes in after Dickens for me. To me Dickens writes the most memorable characters and I love his humor.
Hi Carolyn , just come across your channel , a big hello from sunny England , really enjoyed your video , look forward to seeing more in the future , take care x .
this is such a cool concept for a video, i feel like we never really talk about what constitutes (or what we mean by) a classic!!
Great video✨✨, some spot on definitions🔥😊.
I actually have another definitions that can define classics
1.A thing that can define a classic but doesn’t have too is a familiar plot or an iconic scene that being considered as general knowledge. Like my father is Russian and he haven’t read Anna Karenina but he does know the end of Anna Karenina.
Or in Romeo and Juliet everyone knows how it ends without even read it.🤭
Another way a classic can be defined is by a name that being defined as general knowledge.
Like lots of people know the titles Crime and Punishment or Jane Eyre without even knowing what’s it about, I can give lots of examples for that.
And last definition that I have is that a book that has a message to the reader/teach about the society and the time of the same era/critic a subject🧐🧐🧐
Like lots and lots of books were written at every time but the ones that still being read has some messages to the audience. Little Women talks about women in society, Picture of Dorian Grey talks about pride and morality, Great Expectations critic all the classes in society. They’re always more than just a story, they has a message to the readers.
I don’t have a favorite classic 😱I’ve got a top 5
Wuthering Heights
The picture of Dorian Grey
Great Expectations
Jane Eyre
And Dune (which can be considered as modern classic🤨)
this is so insightful! thank you, carolyn. 📚🌸
My favourite classic, and my favourite book of all time is The Waves by Virginia Woolf.
Carolyn, i agree with all your definitions of a classic book, specially the number five. My favorite classics are: In Search of the Lost Time, by Proust; Anna Karienina, by Tolstoy; and Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll.
Defining a "classic" in any medium is something I keep as simple as I can: it's the passage of time plus the awareness of the general [reading] populace. The time part is at least objective. 20+ years seems reasonable. Popularity, on the other hand, is at the mercy of filters on the definition "popular". You can't feasibly count the number of fans of something in the world. The most help we have in this context might be Goodreads, which tallies the people who say they've read it and averages the reviews into a score. Unfortunately it's an imperfect system.
As for the extra criteria you came up with? Universal themes feel more like a helpful boost, through which most (but not all) classics have gained respect. Not going out of print would seem a given, but as physical copies are now competing with the digital world, I'm on the fence how to approach this. Appeal to non-readers is ... more of a synonym than a symptom. Required reading in a class can indeed make a classic, but the string attached is polarizing your readers into two camps based on whether they buy the didactic hype. Cultural references are tricky because they remove a snippet of the artistry from the work as a whole, which doesn't prove to you if a source is good or bad, but on a technicality it gives the source a stronger case. Layered ideas ... I'll refer you back to my universal themes comment.
I would define classic books is they have different unique of stories and I'm starting getting into classic
The one thing I don't understand is why are classics always about the books written in England or America. And even in these, I've read some books that are a little problematic. There are so many deserving books from other countries yet I don't see people reading them. More importance should be given to such books too.
Your voice is just miraculous, angelic..... and just indescribable
Great video once again.
Still waiting on your classics bookshelf tour
This isn't related to the video, but I wanted to leave a comment to say I finally caved in. After hearing you talk about Heartstopper so much I decided to try watching the first episode and ended up watching through the whole season 🤦😂
So thank you. I love it 😄
I keep thinking about that blue Kraken backpack now ( I know its Kanken but I always want to say Kraken ) lol
I love your channel!
i think it's also important to point out that classics are always linked to a cultural canon. this means that what the western canon might consider a classic, probably won't apply to other countries/regions.
Takeaway from the video to describe a classic book
1) A book that has stood the test of time(pride and prejudice )
2) an older book that is still being printed today (old classic was printed before 1950 )(to kill a mockingbird is an old classic)
3 older book that is read by many people (little woman)
4 A work if literature that is rederenced in modern culture (phrases, words etc)(Shakespeare's play) (charles Dickens).
5 A book that i can return to and gain something new from it everytine i return to it (the little prince)
A classic for me is an old book that has stood the test of time
timeless & popular, yes. not sure about universal themes & characters?
AMAZING VIDEO 💗
This may fall on deaf eyes...I would define a classic as a prose that's good enough to be criticized.
I would agree to everything, only that I have a different time span. For me, a classic was published before WWI and everything after would be a modern classic
Basically comes down to age, continuity in print, and reputation. The longer something has been continuously in print, the more likely it is a classic. I reject the idea of a “modern classic.” It strikes me as an oxymoron.
Reputation is as important, but it can be slippery. For a while, people were rediscovering a lot of old, overlooked literature. Thus, neglected writers seem to have regained popularity. I think Elizabeth Gaskell might be an example of this, or Fanny Trollope. On the other hand, reputations can also wane (like Anatole France, or Edmund Spenser), or be subject to cancellation (Kipling).
And then there are books that are classics because of their borrowed reputation - an example is Clarel, which is the longest epic poem in the English language. Almost no one has read it. Most have never heard of it. It has not been continuously in print. And yet it’s a classic, largely because it’s by Melville (same sort of goes for Pierre). When I was in college, in the early eighties, the English department had a seminar on Melville, which read all of his works, except Clarel. That would likely have changed since then, since Harold Bloom has championed the book. Thus, it seems to be gaining some on the reputation front.
An interesting question is whether impact RUclips, and the internet’s democratization of literary criticism will have on what is classic.
A good portion of Shakespeare's plays are romantic comedies
Lovely.
Hello Carolyn, how are you feeling these days?❤️
Well thought out; I agree completely. But so very few books meet this definition, in my opinion. I feel that any attempt to create a definition for a "classic" is bound to be overly dogmatic. If we are going to use any such a definition to give some books the honorific "Classic", then we will need to understand the following:
_Great books are not necessarily "Classics"._
Take the books by Elizabeth Gaskell. She is well-known and beloved by "readers", but she is not well known to the public-at-large, at least not to the American public. (I'm not aware of her fame to the UK public.) I'm afraid Mrs. Gaskell didn't write any "classics" recognized by the American public today, _according to your definition._
The last book I read was _The Master of Ballantrae_ by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stevenson is not well-regarded as an author, as witnessed by this excerpt from his Wikipedia page:
_Stevenson was seen for much of the 20th century as a second-class writer. He became relegated to children's literature and horror genres, condemned by literary figures such as Virginia Woolf (daughter of his early mentor Leslie Stephen) and her husband Leonard Woolf, and he was gradually excluded from the canon of literature taught in schools. His exclusion reached its nadir in the 1973 2,000-page Oxford Anthology of English Literature where he was entirely unmentioned, and The Norton Anthology of English Literature excluded him from 1968 to 2000 (1st-7th editions), including him only in the 8th edition (2006)._
As far as _The Master of Ballantrae_ is concerned, not too many people are aware of it or read it anymore, it's not Stevenson's most famous work, and it has no famous quotes. It's a sensational story, though. It's a tale of the conflict between brothers, one an "immortal", invincible rogue. It's universal in that that theme has been repeated, recently in the book _Blood Meridian,_ where the Judge resembles The Master in many ways.
_The Master of Ballantrae is an example of a great book that does not meet the definition of a "classic"._
Hey Carolyn - you've got a little kerfluffle there you may want to amend. Check the bio of Shakespeare. Sorry to be that guy today, but it's very nice to see you. Enjoy.
can you recommend books/classics by people of color? we need some diversity on this RUclips channel.
Hello
How I define a book as old: if it is first published 10 years or more ago.
My only way is that the books 📚 have to be at least a minimum of 50 years old for me to consider it xxx
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Hate to be a pedantic smart***, but "Macbeth was written in 1606 not 1623. In 1623 Shakespeare had been dead for 7 years!
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