Five Reasons Why Your Next Read Ought to be a Classic

Classics have a special place on our bookshelves, needless to say, they are a portal to an era bygone. They instantly transport you to a time that stands still for you to delve into the beauty of nature, the richness of prose, and the complexities of human nature. Classic literature from the historical fiction genre familiarizes you with world events and incidents with fantastic depths while mysteries lead you on a trail of dust laden path without the paraphernalia of modern technologies. So, if you are wondering what your next book should be, allow me to offer five reasons why it should be a Classic (and on a lighter, fun note) :

Meet Characters who love to Read

One of the joys of reading Classic literature is finding characters who share your passion for books. Either they are reading or having someone else read out to them. Sometimes even enacting another classic, as it happens in Little Women where the March sisters rollickingly have fun conducting the Pickwick Club proceedings. Or even better, have Marianne from Sense and Sensibility critique people based on their ability to read with proper expressions. Would you like to lose out on the chance to find kindred spirits while enjoying your reading time? 

Trade for the Everlasting Winters

Beat the present summers for a world that is almost always either too cold or drenched in rain. In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the desolate moors and bleak winters draw parallels to the character’s inner journey that resonates with the readers. And, Christmas somehow always knocks around the corner and uplifts the mood, it may be snowy outside but inside there’s the warmth of the family gatherings!

Moreover, if you are a tea lover and are feeling a bit low for not having that piping hot cup as the temperatures soar, pick up a P.G.Wodehouse and enjoy that cup vicariously!

Immerse yourself in the Perpetual Tea parties and Social events

You live in an eternal Cinderella world, there is drudgery and then there is the ball. Playing piano and dancing are an intrinsic part of the characters in classic literature. ‘Cheerio!’ as Wooster would say even when he isn’t able to enjoy a hearty meal owing to some turbulence caused by his own folly but attends every social event that is ever organized. Then there is Mrs. Dalloway where Virginia Woolf weaves an entire novel around her protagonist preparing to host a party at her home.  You can say, what better!

Familiarize with the Social Etiquettes of a bygone era

A sense of elegance and propriety is at the heart of every interaction between characters in the world of Classics. Address your love interest with utmost respect; endearments are to be handed over carefully and elegantly. Respect and salutations matter even when one rejects a proposal. Or string it together in a classic way while expressing affection like in Persuasion by Jane Austen, “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever.”

Experience the Pinnacle of Fashion

While reading classics, you realize how fashion peaks with bonnets and pastel-flowing fabrics. Anna Karenina gives you a glimpse into the Russian elites and Anna’s fashion is forthright in elevating her to an almost revered position, especially when she appears in the black velvet ballgown. Not leaving men behind, one could read The Great Gatsby and all about the tailor-made shirts of Jay Gatsby!

Fashion is also symbolic in portraying the difference within the classes, the inequalities and measuring a character’s social stature in classic literature. Of course, that would lead us on a more serious path so let’s just stick to enjoying plain clothes, exactly why I won’t mention Jane Eyre and her moralist perspective here.

Hope your classic pick is right within arm’s reach!

“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile”