Classical literature is often seen as dull books that harbour hard to read language and outdated opinions. Although this is very true for some books, there is certainly enjoyable classical literature out there. 

I interview school GCSE students to ask their opinion on classical literature and how it fits into today’s society.

Have you ever read a piece of classical literature and enjoyed it?

‘Yes! Jane Eyre, the odyssey, I am reading Crime and punishment right now, it’s so slow but it’s so funny and I’m getting through it. An inspector calls, Shakespeare in general, I still need to read little women, but I know it’s good.’

 

Is there a piece of classical literature that is manageable and seems modern (or has been adapted into a modern setting)?

‘There are for sure, it just depends on the reader, for example: some people are comfortable with reading heavy books such as pride and prejudice, but many people cannot focus on or enjoy books if they aren’t fast paced and have action in every page. However, most people should find books such as little women, Jane eyre, the picture of Dorian grey, animal farm, 1984, the Iliad and the odyssey, even some of the Russian literature (e.g. crime and punishment, though they are a lot harder to get through) enjoyable. There’s nothing wrong with fast paced modern books, but most of the time it depends on the taste.’

‘Like Clueless is based off of Emma and 10 thing I hate about you is based off of the taming of the shrew.’

In your opinion, is classical literature still relevant in modern day society?

‘Yep. Many female writers have literally revolutionised writing as we know it. For example, the Brontë sisters. Many gothic novels have a significant influence today – Mary Shelley, Frankenstein. Shakespeare has such a big influence – his words are so impactful to our society. Homer has shaped a lot of our literature, and we still use phrases like a ‘Trojan horse’ or ‘my Achilles heal’ … etc. People started writing politics and Philosophy in classics, eg. Priestley and socialism, Herodotus’ histories (not too reliable in terms of fact if I’m honest.) Tacitus, all the ancient historians, we’d be lost without them, like Pliny the elder and his records of Pompeii. We’d have even more if the library of Alexandria wasn’t burnt. There are too many instances in today where classical literature has influenced.’

‘Yes, for example the stories are still used today, and people still enjoy them and take meaning from them.’

‘Definitely as it still teaches us the ideas and beliefs of people from different times.’

A lot of classical literature is actually enjoyable, even in different forms such as film, tv series, book or audiobook. Classical literature also runs along the same or similar themes than those of modern-day literature. For example, the well-known Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic enemy to lovers romance trope that many Roman books run along now.