If you've ever been in a bookstore or library or even just browsed book titles online, you know that there have been thousands—perhaps even millions—of books published. Out of all those books, how do people decide what the best books are? How do classics become classics? This video should help you understand a bit more about this topic.
Although most people think of great literature as those classics that were written a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away—OK, maybe not a different galaxy—great literature can actually come from any time period. There might be someone writing the next great novel right now as we speak. Let's go over ways to recognize great literature.
When we talk about great literature in the traditional sense, we mean that it must meet certain criteria. No, it doesn't have to be overly dramatic, use big words, and be epic in scope. However, it must have relevant themes and messages, stand the test of time, and cause an emotional response in its audience. There will never be a 100% consensus on what makes a piece of literature great, but if you look for those three key points, you will find greats in every genre and from every time period.
When we say relevant themes and messages, we are talking about universal issues anyone can understand and appreciate, regardless of their background. For instance, you don't have to have slayed 50 killer whales in order to appreciate "Moby Dick." Some universal themes deal with issues like good vs. evil, coming of age, and identity.
When we say "stand the test of time," we aren't talking about a competition to see which book can balance on one leg the longest. For starters, books don't have legs. Shocking … I know. What this phrase means is that they remain relevant and beloved even after many years. This means that audiences from all over the world and from different backgrounds can relate to the work. The works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Alexandre Dumas (pronounced: Do-Ma) are all examples of writers whose work has stood the test of time.
When we say emotional response, we are talking about feelings that a piece of literature elicits in its reader. These emotions can range from happy to sad feelings and everything in between. It's just important that you feel something. The best works touch your hearts and make you think about and love the characters.
Classic literature can be any form of literature that has met this criteria. Whether it is an old dusty book you find at the library, a new comic book you buy at the store, or the bedtime story your parents read to you when you were 5, classic literature has relevant themes and messages, stands the test of time, and causes an emotional response.
Question
What are the characteristics of books that are considered great literature?
