Literature is a pillar of the world. For centuries, humans have turned to written words to learn and understand our shared history. Classic literature refers to works deemed significant in understanding the evolution of storytelling as we know it. Such classics include works like Beowulf, Great Expectations, and Pride and Prejudice. When any of these titles are mentioned, people immediately recognize their influence on life and literature. However, no matter how important these pieces are, they cannot escape the perennial debate about whether today’s youth can read and understand the literature of the past.
No generation is truly a stranger to the criticism of not being “able to read the classics” or fully “interpret” them. However, today’s young people have become high-priority targets for this discussion. Due to their increased access to the internet and their use of phones, people assume that classic literature isn’t on their radar. Whether it’s believed they lack the attention span to read these works or the capacity to appreciate them, some argue that the classics are fading into obscurity. Yet the same social media platforms often blamed in this argument may actually be encouraging young people to engage with classic literature—and to explore any writing that sparks their interest.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and even X (formerly known as Twitter) have seen surges in discussions about books and reading. Whether the conversation involves criticizing a work or encouraging others to pick up a book, these platforms frequently spotlight classic literature. They provide a way for people to share their love for these timeless works and introduce them to those who might otherwise remain unaware of their existence. Some fail to understand that reading a classic isn’t about meticulous analysis or pretentious critique; it’s about experiencing and empathizing with the emotions of the author and the characters. It’s about finishing the book and reflecting on it for days, marveling that someone once lived, breathed, and poured their soul into the words now in your hands.
Reading a classic shouldn’t be a competition to showcase intelligence or pretension. Instead, it should serve as a balm for the soul, offering guidance and encouragement on life’s journey. A classic isn’t something you read and forget in a day. As Italo Calvino wrote, “A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.”
