10 classics every student should read

Lot of students hate reading English classics as part of the curriculum. However, they need to understand that it goes beyond academic requirements; it is a gateway to intellectual growth, empathy, and a profound connection with humanity’s shared heritage. Encouraging students to engage with these timeless literary treasures can have a lasting impact on their personal, intellectual, and emotional development.

Reading English classics holds significant importance for students. Classic novels often feature rich and sophisticated language, exposing students to complex sentence structures, vocabulary, and literary techniques. Engaging with these texts helps improve language skills, vocabulary, and grammar, leading to better communication and writing abilities.

According to Dr Sunit Kaur, Head of Department-English at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) in Jalandhar it is advisable that students read classics as they are timeless and have stood  the test of time.

“Classics hold good for their structural and thematic relevance even today. They are like gold which never gets old or loses its sheen. Students should always make it a habit to draw inspiration, information, enjoyment, and awareness from reading classics which these ageless wonders offer in plenty to their readers,” Dr Kaur opined.

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Classics are like gold which never gets old or loses its sheen. Students should always make it a habit to draw inspiration, information, enjoyment, and awareness from reading classics which these ageless wonders offer in plenty to their readers

–Dr Sunit Kaur, Head of Department-English at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar

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Here are some advantages

Cultural understanding: Classic literature provides a window into the past, reflecting the culture, social norms, and historical context of the time they were written. Students can gain insights into different eras, societies, and diverse perspectives, fostering cultural awareness and empathy.

Critical thinking: Classic novels often explore complex themes and moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to analyse, question, and think deeply about human nature and societal issues. This promotes critical thinking and the ability to form well-reasoned opinions.

Literary appreciation: By reading classics, students are exposed to various writing styles and literary genres, from romanticism to dystopia, from satire to bildungsroman. This exposure broadens their literary appreciation and helps them recognize and appreciate the beauty of different literary forms.

Empathy and emotional intelligence: Classic novels often delve deep into characters’ emotions and motivations, allowing students to empathise with the struggles and triumphs of fictional individuals. This emotional connection enhances empathy and emotional intelligence.

Creativity and imagination: Classic literature is often filled with vivid imagery and imaginative storytelling. Reading these works stimulates creativity and encourages students to envision worlds beyond their own reality.

Academic advancement: Many classic novels are considered foundational in literature studies. Familiarity with these texts can prove beneficial in academic settings, including English literature courses and standardized tests.

Legacy and influence: Classic novels have shaped and influenced countless modern works of literature, films, and art. Understanding these foundational works provides a deeper appreciation for contemporary culture and creativity.

So what are the 10 English classic novels that are highly recommended for students?

1.       Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A timeless tale of love, societal manners, and personal growth, set in Regency-era England.

2.       To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of a young girl in the American South.

3.       1984 by George Orwell: A dystopian novel that examines the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and truth.

4.       Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: A bildungsroman that follows the life of Pip, an orphan, as he navigates societal expectations and personal ambitions.

5.       Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: This gothic romance novel tells the story of Jane, an independent and strong-willed governess.

6.       Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: A dark and passionate tale of love and revenge set on the moors of Yorkshire.

7.       Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: The classic horror story that delves into themes of creation, identity, and morality.

8.       The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: A coming-of-age novel that follows the rebellious Holden Caulfield as he grapples with adolescence and the complexities of the adult world.

9.       Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: An epic adventure tale of Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the white whale, Moby Dick.

10.   Lord of the Flies by William Golding: A thought-provoking allegory about the human condition, society, and the struggle between civilisation and savagery.

Dr Kaur’s favourite classic is Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. “It is a very impactful and gripping novel. It makes a great reading even today while grappling with the writer’s memories of the past. The theme of the novel holds good even for the modern world which is lost in the maze of the incessant hubbub and a materialistic rat race where human values of love and loyalty have conspicuously taken a back seat. Every time I read it, I feel sensitised and illumined,” Dr Kaur shared.

While the selection of classic novels can vary based on individual preferences and academic curriculums, exploring these works will not only enhance literary appreciation but also foster critical thinking and understanding of human nature and society.