There is no simple or universally agreed-upon definition of what makes a book a classic; however, there are some common factors to consider. These include: artistic quality, enduring relevance and universal appeal.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Other criteria to consider include the significance of the book’s cultural contribution and its historical record or influence.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Although a universal classic book definition proves elusive, and each book should be considered on a case-by-case basis, diving into the general factors that influence a book’s staying power can prove useful. Reading the classics can immerse you in different perspectives and broaden your view of the human experience.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Classic literature are works that stand the test of time; that have artistic quality; that have universally appealing or universally applicable themes; or that record history or influence the course of history.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

A work of classic literature generally meets one or more of the following criteria:^{(See disclaimer 1,2)}

• Timelessness: Generally, classic literature isn’t contemporary; it encompasses works that were published in times gone by. In the case of the classic writers from ancient Greece, for example, classic works can be centuries old. The reason why classic literature is old is that to be considered a classic, a work must stand the test of time. It must continue to remain as relevant to current generations as to its contemporary generation.
• Artistic quality: Age isn’t the only factor in determining what comprises classical literature, of course. The artistic quality and literary merit of a work is difficult to define, as quality is highly subjective and writing styles go in and out of fashion. Generally, however, an artistic work of literature is well-constructed, with compelling characters and attractive prose.
• Universal themes: Works of classic literature tend to have thematic appeal because their themes are universally applicable to people of different cultures, eras, values and backgrounds. Themes like love and hate, identity loss, personal growth, fate vs. free will and tradition vs. change are those that can resonate in some way with virtually anyone.
• Cultural significance: Authors don’t write in a vacuum. They are influenced by culture and current events, and in turn, their books can have an impact on the culture itself. Consider, for example, “Catch-22,” which is now a well-recognized idiom.
• Historical significance: This factor is similar to cultural significance, as a book can both record history — the current events the author experiences — and influence the course of human events. Consider “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” for example, which played a role in the push for the emancipation of slaves in America.

What are the classics in literature? There are so many examples to consider from around the world. The British and Irish canon features writers and works such as: 

• Oscar Wilde: “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
• Jane Austen: “Mansfield Park”
• Charlotte Brontë: “Jane Eyre”
• Emily Brontë: “Wuthering Heights”
• Mary Shelley: “Frankenstein”
• George Orwell: “1984,” “Animal Farm”
• Aldous Huxley: “Brave New World”

Beyond Britain’s borders, you’ll find:

• Hermann Hesse: “Siddhartha”
• Gabriel Garcia Márquez: “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
• Chinua Achebe: “Things Fall Apart”
• Abdulrazak Gurnah: “Paradise”

Note that not all authors of classic literature set out to create published works, as in the case of Anne Frank. Stretching back further in time, you’ll find Homer, Sophocles, Sappho and Plato.

There are plenty of examples of American authors who produced classic literature, as well. These include: 

• Toni Morrison: “The Bluest Eye”
• Harper Lee: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Mark Twain: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
• Harriet Beecher Stowe: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”
• Ralph Ellison: “Invisible Man”
• Maya Angelou: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”

For students earning an English degree, it can be a fun exercise to imagine which contemporary works might stand the test of time and one day be considered classics. Reflect on what makes a book a classic and consider whether any of the recently published books you’ve read could be considered part of the canon of classic literature someday.

Do these classics still have a place in a modern curriculum? Why should students labor through Spenser’s “The Faerie Queen,” with somewhat cumbersome lines like “So slyding softly forth, she turned as to her ease.”

Even if you do not plan on becoming an English teacher, you may one day find yourself defending the relevancy of these great classics in today’s digital world, and there are plenty of persuasive points in favor of them.

Reading the classics introduces you to lessons about ethics and morality, and how people might navigate ethically complex situations. Classic literature can even trigger character development and personal growth, as it expands your perspective and encourages empathy with people from all walks of life. The classics can also provide key insights into history and other cultures.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Other reasons why you might want to read classic literature include:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• To improve your vocabulary
• To combat cognitive decline over time
• To enhance your writing skills
• To increase your attention span
• To better understand literary references and improve your conversational skills

Of course, you can also read classic works of literature simply for the enjoyment of the experience. In doing so, you’ll introduce yourself to the following:

Enduring Relevance Through Universal Themes

Works that were written centuries or decades ago contain references and language usage that can be unfamiliar to a modern audience. But no matter how much life has changed, certain things stay the same: People continue to suffer loss, hardship, self-doubt and societal conflicts.

In every era, literature is an attempt to make sense of a confusing world. The timeless themes of the classics guide modern readers with morality stories and serve as a reminder that humans are not alone in their struggles. For proof, take a look at these examples:

• “Les Misérables” explores social injustice and the humanity of those less fortunate.
• “The Odyssey” recognizes that different cultures have varying values, beliefs and social mores.
• “Frankenstein” teaches that one must take responsibility for one’s own creations or actions.
• “1984” explores the blind acceptance of what one has been told is truth.

Whether a reader is turning a critical eye inward or outward, these universal themes exploring the roles of the self and the “other” are not likely to ever grow irrelevant.

Emotional Resonance and Character Interpretation 

Another timeless aspect of studying the classics is what they can teach about emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of healthy interpersonal relations. It refers to emotional self-awareness, self-control, self-management and the ability to recognize the emotional inclinations of others.

Emotional intelligence breeds empathy and the capacity to be kind and caring toward others. Many classic works either celebrate these human traits or explore the folly of ignoring them.

Structural and Cognitive Complexity in Classical Works

Books and plays that were written a long time ago can require some work to interpret that can in turn strengthen your critical thinking skills, build new neural pathways and protect your cognitive health.^{(See disclaimer 3)} For example, in “Young Goodman Brown,” Nathaniel Hawthorne writes, “I have scruples touching the matter thou wot’st of.” Today, a modern writer might simply write, “I have ethical concerns.” The language of the older classics is as complex and enriching as it is beautiful, and the mere act of interpreting it stimulates your brain.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

While you earn your English degree at Grand Canyon University, you will explore the beauty of written expression in America and cultures around the world. Our College of Humanities and Social Sciences invites you to learn about earning your Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education degree, which you may follow with the Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Education degree.