Classic literature stories come from different eras including countless characters and authors. This lesson will guide you through what classic literature is, where you will explore key features of classics, highlight some famous works and authors!

What is Classical Literature?

"Classic literature" (also called classical literature in some contexts) refers to books, plays, and poems that have stood the test of time and are widely recognized for their artistic merit. These are the works that generations of readers keep coming back to – the stories that never go out of style. In simple terms, a classic is a work of literature that remains relevant and enjoyed long after its original publication​. 

Classic literature often has a few defining characteristics: it tends to have universal themes, significant cultural impact, and lasting literary quality. In other words, classics speak to human experiences that many people can relate to, they influenced other literature or society, and they're usually well-written and thought-provoking.

Key Features of Classical Literature

What makes those old novels and plays so special? Here are some key features and common qualities of classic literature:

• Timeless Themes: Nearly all classics explore themes that never age – love, conflict, friendship, ambition, injustice, freedom, fate, and so on. For example, Romeo and Juliet explores young love and family rivalry; Animal Farm explores power and corruption. These themes are "relevant to all cultures and societies," which is a big reason the works endure​. 

Readers from any era can see reflections of their own lives or communities in these stories. Classics often grapple with fundamental questions of the human condition: What is the right thing to do? How do we handle loss? What makes us human? Because such questions are universal, classic stories remain meaningful even as times change.

• Universality and Human Emotions: Hand in hand with timeless themes is the ability of classics to evoke emotions we all recognize – whether it's Elizabeth Bennet's pride and vulnerability in Pride and Prejudice or the sense of doom and rebellion in Orwell's 1984. A hallmark of classic lit is that it makes readers feel and think. 

As one literature guide notes, these works deal with "love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and the search for meaning in life," all of which readers can relate to​. The characters experience joys and struggles that remind us we're not alone in our own feelings​. (Have you ever felt like an outsider in society? Then you might connect with Holden Caulfield's angst or Jane Eyre's search for belonging.)

• Cultural and Historical Significance: Classic literature often serves as a window into the past. Because many classics were written in or about earlier periods, they reflect the social norms, values, and conflicts of those times​. For instance, The Scarlet Letter (1850) by Nathaniel Hawthorne critiques the strict moral code of 17th-century Puritan society​. By reading it, we learn about that historical context and we consider themes of sin, guilt, and hypocrisy that still matter today. 

In this way, classics have a dual role: they teach us about history and culture, and they comment on issues that may still be relevant. Reading a classic is like time-traveling with a guide – you not only get a story, you also gain insight into the era and society that produced it.

• Complex Characters and Plots: Another feature of classic literature is rich storytelling. Classics are known for memorable characters – think of the tormented Prince Hamlet, the witty Elizabeth Bennet, the idealistic Don Quixote, or the vengeful Heathcliff. These characters are often complex and multi-dimensional, not simple "good guys" or "bad guys." They have strengths, flaws, and undergo development (or tragic downfalls) that fascinate readers. 

The plots of classics can also be intricate, with subplots and twists. This complexity is one reason classics are studied; there's a lot to analyze! It also means you might need to read more slowly or even re-read sections to catch all the details – and that's okay. The depth of classic stories is what allows them to be interpreted in new ways by each generation.

• Enduring Literary Style: Many classics pioneered new literary techniques or styles, or they are exceptionally well-crafted in terms of language. For example, James Joyce's Ulysses pushed the boundaries with stream-of-consciousness narrative, and Shakespeare's plays are renowned for their beautiful poetry and wordplay. 

While sometimes the language of classics (like Shakespeare's Early Modern English or Dickens's Victorian prose) can be challenging for a modern reader, it's precisely this distinctive style that makes them classics. Readers continue to find beauty in the language and cleverness in the storytelling of these works. Classics are admired not just for what they say but how they say it.

• Longevity and Influence: Finally, a key feature of classic literature is that it has endured over time and often influenced later works. Many classic authors inspired future writers or even entire literary movements. For instance, the gothic horror elements in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein paved the way for modern science fiction and horror stories​. 

Jane Austen's novels of manners influenced countless romance and drama novels that came after. When a book is consistently read and found meaningful 50, 100, or 300 years after it was written, you can bet it's a classic. These works provoke thought and discussion across generations​. They are frequently adapted into movies, plays, and modern retellings, which is a testament to their lasting appeal. (How many versions of Sherlock Holmes or Emma have you seen on Netflix or the big screen? Classics truly live on in pop culture.)

Take This Quiz:

Can You Guess These Literature Classics?

Notable Works and Authors

When you think about classic literature, a few big names probably come to mind. These are the authors whose works you've likely heard of. When we hear classic literature, a few names shine brightly. Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy. 

Indeed, certain authors are practically synonymous with classic lit. Below is a list of some notable classic authors and their famous works, to give you a sense of the landscape:

That's a lot of names and titles! Don't worry –Take these quizzes to memorize and test your knowledge!

Can you Identify the Famous Classic Literature Authors?

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Classic Literature?