Diving into classic literature is like opening a time capsule that connects us to the experiences of past generations. These timeless works, celebrated for their artistic brilliance, offer more than just stories — they invite readers to explore society and history of bygone eras.
“These are works of great literature and if one has interest in reading and books, are an essential addition to one’s reading list. There are many reasons to read the classics – for instance everything written today, including the world we live in comes from the past. Then to understand the present one must know the past and what better way than to read these observations and reflections of a bygone era and in great language. These works are written by some of the greatest wordsmiths of each era. Finally, if for no other reason these are absolutely unparalleled in their storytelling,” says Thomas Abraham, Managing Director, Hachette.
Yet, for beginners, the journey can seem daunting, with unfamiliar language, complex plots, and cultural nuances. However there are ways to mitigate that challenge. “Yes, classics may at times be more difficult to read for a starter simply because of the language. However, there are three ways one can begin. The best way would be to find an area of interest and start there. For instance, if one likes detective fiction, then start with Sherlock Holmes, for humour start with Jerome K Jerome. Or come to the cusp – the modern classics segment and start there (Graham Greene, Italo Clavino, PG Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh) and work one’s way backwards. The second route (especially for those used to social media and not used to long form narrative) is via short stories. Try Maupassant, Premchand, Tagore, O Henry, Saki. The third is the graphic route — like the Classics Illustrated comics. This series (being reissued by Hachette in February 2025), which was the inspiration for Amar Chitra Katha were created for this very purpose — to ease the young or struggling reader into the world of classics so that they would then read the original,” Abraham elaborates.
To get you started, this guide provides steps to help you dive in and enjoy the journey.
Know what is classic literature
Classic literature refers to books that are widely acknowledged for their artistic and cultural significance. These works:
Address timeless themes like love, morality, power, and identity.
Offer insights into the era in which they were written.
Have influenced modern literature and culture.
Examples: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (romance and society) and 1984 by George Orwell (political and dystopian themes).
Start with accessible classics
Choose books that are engaging and easier to read:
Shorter Novels:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A brief exploration of the American Dream.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: A poignant and short story about friendship and hardship.
Children’s Classics:
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.
Plays and Short Stories:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.
Stories by O. Henry or Edgar Allan Poe.
See what interests you
Choose classics that align with your favourite genres or themes:
Romance:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Adventure:
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
Fantasy:
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Understand context
Classics often reflect the time and place they were written, so understanding the context can enhance your experience:
Historical background: Research the author and the period. For example, Pride and Prejudice reflects Regency-era England’s social norms.
Annotated editions: Look for versions with footnotes or explanations of archaic language and cultural references.
Introductory essays: Many editions include helpful essays to provide context.
Use modern tools
Audiobooks: Narrated versions can make complex language more digestible.
Adaptations: Watching an adaptation (movie or web series) first can familiarise you with the plot. For example, movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, Emma, etc.
Apps and e-readers: Use apps like Kindle or Libby to access free or inexpensive versions of classics.
Start small
Set small goals: Commit to reading 15 to 30 minutes a day or a chapter per session.
Create a Schedule: Break longer works into manageable chunks. For example, divide Anna Karenina into daily sections over a month.
Be involved
Engage with the text to deepen your understanding:
Annotate: Highlight or underline important passages and write notes in the margins.
Reflect: Pause and ask questions like, ‘What does the author want to convey?’ or ‘How is it relevant today?’
Journal: Keep a reading journal to jot down thoughts, quotes, and themes.
Join a community
Discussing classics with others can provide fresh perspectives and motivation:
Book Clubs: Join local or online clubs focused on classic literature.
Online Forums: Explore communities like Goodreads, Reddit’s r/books, or book blogs.
Don’t be afraid
Classics can be challenging, so it’s okay to: Take breaks if the language or pace feels overwhelming. Switch to a different book if one doesn’t resonate.
Explore diverse voices
Broaden your perspective by reading classics from different cultures and traditions:
African Literature: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
Japanese Literature: The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu.
Indian Literature: Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan.
Foreign classics
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Arthur Conan Doyle
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Indian Classics
The Guide by R.K. Narayan
Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand
Gora by Rabindranath Tagore
Nirmala by Munshi Premchand
Pather Panchali by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
