overrated classics meme
I was tagged for this one by Kristen from Book Club Classics (thanks, Kristen!). Here goes:
What is the best classic you were “forced” to read in school (and why)? Interestingly enough, I didn’t read too many classics in school… at least, not that I can really remember. I did read many of Shakespere’s plays in one of my lit classes, and I LOVED Macbeth. I also read The Hobbit (does this count as a classic?) for the first time in my sixth grade reading class. It was the first time I was exposed to any type of fantasy writing, and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I plan to read this book again soon (it’s been oh, about 13 years since sixth grade and I haven’t read it at all since…).
What was the worst classic you were forced to endure (and why)? Hmm… like I mentioned, I can’t remember being forced to read too many classics (which is probably why I have such a hard time with them now… not enough exposure), but I did choose to read some Jane Austen on my own and did not enjoy either one (Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility). I think I simply am not an Austen type of a girl. I also remember reading The Great Gatsby in one of my lit classes and finding it incredibly boring.
Which classic should every student be required to read (and why)? I am a HUGE fan and proponent of 1984. It is just such good writing, and with the current political climate in the US, it’s creepily similar to the type of lives/government/country some people are nervous we may be getting ourselves into in the nearish future.
Which classic should be put to rest immediately (and why)? Jane Austen. I’m sorry, guys, I just can’t stand the writing and the silliness and everything. Just, ick.
**Bonus** Why do you think certain books become “classics”? Definitely superior writing. Also, classics tend to be stories that can stand the test of time – that people can continue to relate to, generation after generation, even if they are “outdated” we can still relate to the basic premise and ideas behind the stories.
Annnnd I will now tag Eva, Chartroose, Nicole, Care, and Trish. Have fun, ladies!
Wow, thanks for tagging me. I’ll get on this one in the next couple of days.
Um…..I’ll definitely do this soon….but right now I’m trying to block out what you said about Jane Austen…….lol………..I’m totally cool with people not liking her, but calling her icky……I’m in shock!
Thanks for tagging me, Heather! I’ll get to this next week. I’m looking forward to it! I’m already forming the answers in my head.
Thanks for playing, Heather! I’m surprised by how many people have cited Jane Austen as their least favorite — interesting! I’m a fan of Jane, personally… but I love reading all of the different opinions! Thank you!
Thanks! I’ll do it next week. I agree with you about the Jane Austin “silliness.” I just can’t get into her writing. Several months ago I wrote a post about my puzzlement at the Jane Austin craze that is happening right now and got some really nasty hate e-mails!
I almost said 1984 when I did this meme, but I think you’re absolutely right (unfortunately) about the political climate today.
I’m currently reading 1984, so I hope I like it as much as you did. I think I felt a collective gasp from the majority of the blogging community with your Jane Austen answer!
No, really what makes these memes interesting to me is seeing how similar or different people’s book tastes are. (I’m not a big fan of Shakespeare (gasp!))
No gasps from me about Jane Austen More like an hallelujah.
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Hi,
The problem in this forum is, not that people hate Jane Austen. It is that whenever anybody says that “they” think Jane Austen was crap, everybody blasts them for it – “How dare you?” types. The point is I dare. Nonsense. Who is anybody to ask you, how you can “dare” say Austen is crap. I will say it because, I want to say it. Its MY view. Everybody has a right to express their view. And if Austen lovers don’t like it, that’s their problem. They have no right to bash others from expressing their view. We don’t bash them for loving Austen, do we? Everybody has their rights & please mind your own business.
What Austen “haters” really have an issue with is Austen “lovers” claiming that Jane Austen is still relevant today. This is an individualistic issue. I personally cannot relate to Austen’s concerns or characters.(I am a woman, btw). People live in different segments of society & Austen lived in a particular segment & time. What really gets my goat is why “every”body says Austen is so relevant today. She is not. For some people maybe, not for all. And Austen lovers need to accept this & not breathe down people’s necks just because somebody criticizes a classic. It may be a classic, but its not applicable to everybody. Some get it & some don’t. Or maybe Austen lovers are themselves guilty of behaving like Caroline Bingley & Lady Catherine – “Don’t say anything against a work, because it is so… important, it has been hailed as Great, a classic”, or as in Ms Bingley & Lady Catherine’s cases “Don’t dare say something, against people who are powerful & rich”.