Classic Literature Essay

A classic has usually proven to stand the test of time, that is, the work is considered to be a representation of the past (period in which it was written) and holds enduring qualities still relatable many years later. Classics express artistic qualities representative of the period through truths, life and beauty. Themes in classic literature range from love, hate, life, death, faith and good vs evil. These provide emotional responses from the reader. Classic literature has a universal appeal which allows it to be understood by readers from a large variety of experience and backgrounds. The universal appeal of a classic is that it relates to other works of literature and in doing so influences other pieces of literature. Classics are based on history and often show a look into the time period in which they were written. These can be specifically or unconsciously added to the text by the author. Quite often, there are comments on society and politics of the period and these help to define the context in which the literature is written. By doing this, it allows the reader to travel to that time period and immerse themselves in society of the time. Charles Dickens in particular added societal and political constructs into his works. His use of vivid imagery, description and characterisation leads to the creation of a mini-society that allows the reader to question and challenge society just as Dickens himself has done.

Charles Dickens grew up in Kent but moved to London when he was nine. When he was twelve, his father was put into debtors’ prison so Charles was forced to work in a blacking factory. For three months he worked here and became traumatised from the separation from his family. He saw himself as ‘too good’ among the othe...

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...ectations is bildungsroman, a novel of moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. It depicts personal growth and development as Pip grows up believing he is better than the folk in his town. He is embarrassed about his common family and humble background and has a strong desire to fit into the upper classes and make something more of himself. Pip becomes a ‘snob’ before realising the pain he has caused to those he loved, namely Biddy and Joe in his search for an unrequited love with Estella.

A classic sustains its impact over time despite having the ability to be adapted and changed. Many classics have been adapted to suit a modern audience such as Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet by William Shakespeare; and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald to name a few.