The classics have often been defined as old dusty books written by dead Western white men. I think, over time, that view will change. Our discussion over the classics and criteria for classics went so well that I thought we could continue it on the blog. What books have you read that stand out in your mind in this context, either as a certain classic or as certainly not a classic? What part of the criteria relates to your text selection?
Posted by A. Davis at 10:14 AM
I want to use this blog as a multi-purpose blog for my English IV AP class. I will be posting the weekly schedule on here, as well as any assignments. My favorite part is probably to showcase wonderful writing and projects! I also will probably post some school/class news at times. Finally, and the most important part to you twenty-eight over-achievers, is that I will be putting a few postings per unit and the students are required to post a comment (a THOUGHTFUL comment) every unit. These comments should take the form of an online discussion, where you read all of the comments before yours and then make a contribution. Each unit will have a blogging grade attached to it. I am looking forward to the semester both in the classroom as well as online! :)
7 comments:
I'd like to bring up the book Twilight as a book that is definately not a classic. Though the book became popular throughout the months preceding the movie it cannot be considered a classic by any means. There is much truth to it, but it is greatly lacking in significance, multiple levels of meaning, and unique writing style.
Although I have not read Twilight, one of my favorite books is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It is not a classic and probably will never be a classic. It is very relatable to the Bible story Hosea and Gomer, but it does not have enough characteristics to be a classic, such as multiple levels of meaning. However, it is a great book!
I have also read Redeeming Love, and I must say that it has to be one of my all time favorites! I can not argue that the novel will most likely never become a classic, very few love stories ever do. However I would say that it has much more potential, then say Twlight. My least favorite classic was Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. When at the same time was one of the most interesting to discuss. HoD definately exposed a few flaws in our golbal social values.
I struggled to find a book to read for the outside reading assignment for the classic novels. I had finally decide to read the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, but when I picked up East of Eden instead I was glad I did. I really recommend it for anyone who hasn't picked a book to read already. It is also by John Steinbeck and really is a classic.
I definitely agree that Twilight and Redeeming Love are both very good books, but are not classics. A really good classic i recently read was Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. It was probably the most depressing book I've ever read, however the characters show all possible human flaws. I'd go back and read a chapter and get a totally different perspective than when I read it the first time. In the book the characters definitely change and grow. Also, Heathcliff and Catherine are possibly the most selfish, worst, and just horrible people ever. However you find yourself rooting them on and wanting them to finally be together. It's interesting how love can overcome evil in our minds. I really do recommend this book to read as long as the dark and depressing theme won't bother you.
I kind of struggle seeing Beowulf to be a classic from what I read. I think that it has a decent story line, but I also think that it lacks sufficient detail for the fighters and fights. I have also failed to find much significance in the parts of the book that we read. The Iliad is by far the best classic ever.
The Iliad is the best classic ever written by far in my opinion. The action, love stories, and heroic morals that it teaches are just superior to all other "classics". I think that it should be globally recognized as number one.
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