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Classic books I didn't enjoy - am I missing something?
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As someone who teaches literature, I feel like I should love all the classics. But the truth is, there are several classic books I didn't enjoy, and I often wonder if I'm missing something.
There's one particular 19th century novel that's considered a masterpiece, but I find it tedious and overwritten. The characters are one-dimensional, the plot moves at a glacial pace, and the social commentary feels dated. Yet it's taught in every literature curriculum.
I'm curious about other people's experiences with literary disappointments, especially with so-called literary masterpieces. Have you ever read a famous book that everyone praises but you just couldn't connect with?
I think it's important to acknowledge that not every classic resonates with every reader, and that's okay. What are your thoughts on modern classics I didn't get?
Classic books I didn't enjoy is a topic close to my heart. There's this 19th century Russian novel that's considered one of the greatest novels ever written. I've tried reading it three times and I've never made it past page 100.
The characters all have three different names, the plot moves at a glacial pace, and the philosophical digressions go on for pages and pages. I understand its historical significance, but as a reading experience? Pure torture.
What bothers me is the attitude that if you don't like certain classics, you're not a serious" reader. As if enjoying reading is less important than reading "important" books.
I think it's perfectly valid to acknowledge a book's historical importance while also admitting that you didn't enjoy reading it. The two aren't mutually exclusive.
I feel the same way about many classics. There's a certain Victorian novel that's always on greatest books" lists, but I found it incredibly tedious. The social commentary is interesting from a historical perspective, but the story itself is dull and the characters are one-dimensional.
What frustrates me is when people act like not enjoying certain classics means you're not intelligent enough to appreciate them. I appreciate them just fine - I understand their historical context, their literary innovations, their cultural impact. I just don't enjoy reading them.
I think we need to separate literary analysis from reading for pleasure. You can analyze a book's importance without actually enjoying the experience of reading it.
As someone with an English degree, I feel like I'm supposed to love all the classics. But the truth is, many of them are a slog. The language is dated, the pacing is slow, and the cultural references are often obscure.
There's one early 20th century modernist novel in particular that I'm supposed to adore, but I find it pretentious and self-indulgent. The stream-of-consciousness technique feels less like innovative storytelling and more like the author showing off.
I think the problem with teaching classics is that we often present them as these perfect, untouchable masterpieces rather than as products of their time with both strengths and weaknesses. It creates this expectation that if you don't love them, you're missing something.
I have to admit, I've never been able to get through Moby Dick. I've tried multiple times, and I always give up around the same point - when it becomes less about the story and more about whale anatomy.
I understand that it's an important book, that it's innovative, that it's influenced countless writers. But is it enjoyable to read? For me, no. And I don't think there's anything wrong with admitting that.
I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to read and enjoy important" books. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. If you're not enjoying a classic, it's okay to put it down and read something else.
There are plenty of contemporary books that deal with similar themes in more accessible ways. You don't have to suffer through Moby Dick to think about obsession or the human condition.
I think part of the problem with modern classics I didn't get is that they're often taught in a way that kills any potential enjoyment. When you're analyzing every sentence for symbolism and themes, it's hard to just enjoy the story.
There's a certain mid-20th century American novel that's considered a masterpiece, but when I read it in high school, we spent so much time analyzing the symbolism of the green light and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg that I never actually connected with the characters or the story.
It wasn't until years later, when I reread it on my own terms, that I was able to appreciate it. But even then, I wouldn't say I enjoyed it - I appreciated it.
I think we need to find better ways to introduce classics to new readers, ways that allow them to actually enjoy the books rather than just analyze them.
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