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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA
Article Published on: 10 MAR 2023 | www.vorakamagazine.com
There are some classic novels that have stood the test of time and remain as relevant today as they were when they were first published. These books have become staples of the literary canon and are widely regarded as must-reads for anyone who wants to understand the human condition and the world we live in. Here are five classic novels that everyone should read.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic coming-of-age novel that explores themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence. Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, the novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl who learns about the world around her through her interactions with her father, a lawyer who defends a black man wrongly accused of rape. The novel has become a timeless classic, and its themes of social justice and empathy continue to resonate with readers today.
"1984" by George Orwell
Published in 1949, 1984 is a dystopian novel that portrays a world in which totalitarianism has taken hold and individual freedom and privacy have been eradicated. The novel explores themes of oppression, government surveillance, and the power of language to manipulate and control people's thoughts and behaviors. With its chilling portrayal of a society in which the government has absolute control over every aspect of people's lives, 1984 remains a relevant and thought-provoking read.
"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of love, morality, and the search for identity. Set in Victorian England, the novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned governess who falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester, a brooding and enigmatic man with a dark secret. Through Jane's experiences, Bronte offers a feminist critique of the social norms and expectations of her time and explores themes of individualism and self-realization.
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is a novel set during the Roaring Twenties that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who becomes obsessed with winning back his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, the reader is transported to the glamorous world of the wealthy elite and shown the emptiness and corruption that lies beneath the surface. The Great Gatsby is a beautifully written novel that captures the spirit of the Jazz Age and offers a critique of the American Dream that remains relevant today.
"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte
Published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is a Gothic novel that tells the story of the passionate and destructive love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Set in the moors of northern England, the novel explores themes of love, revenge, and the destructive power of passion. Bronte's hauntingly beautiful prose and complex characters have made Wuthering Heights a classic that continues to captivate readers today.
These five classic novels have become staples of the literary canon and are widely regarded as must-reads for anyone who wants to understand the human condition and the world we live in. From exploring themes of social justice and oppression to critiquing the American Dream and examining the destructive power of passion, these novels offer insights into the complexities of human nature and the societies in which we live. Whether you are a lifelong reader or just starting to explore the world of literature, these classic novels are not to be missed.