Booking Through Thursday #5
This week’s Booking Through Thursday question goes as follows:
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When somebody mentions “literature,” what’s the first thing you think of? (Dickens? Tolstoy? Shakespeare?)
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Do you read “literature” (however you define it) for pleasure? Or is it something that you read only when you must?
When I think of literature my mind immediately drifts to the classics. Dickens, Tolstoy, Hawthorn, and Bronte are just some of the names that come to my mind when someone says “literature.” Lately I’ve been thinking I need to read more literature. It used to be primarily what I read and now I’m missing it. So, for the last couple of weeks I’ve been listening to The Scarlet Letter on my ipod. I also did the book on tape thing when I took classes in Winnipeg and was commuting from Winkler. I find that I enjoy listening to these types of books on tape or on my ipod because I tend to drift when I try to read them but I’m really interested in this type of novel.
What I really should do is give literature another shot. Pick up some Bronte or Austen and read it, no matter how challenging it might be. I’m always up for pushing the limits and perhaps if I do that again it’ll be worth it. I don’t find it a struggle or anything like that, I just feel like I’ve neglected them lately and I’m feeling it.
So, Austen ready or not here I come.
I think majority of us have similar definitions on literature.
I loved the discussions of classics back in school (my teachers were cool and didn’t make them boring), and appreciated them early enough. Happy BTT!
I’m trying that this year; reading a classic a month. I’m getting behind already, though.
I think the language that the classic authors used is what makes the classics challenging to read, but they come up with very good books back then. Now, I’m not an expert since I’ve only read a few but I got lucky that I liked the first classic I’ve ever attempted to read.
Happy BTT!
See… I consider “literature” and “classics” two very different animals. There is plenty of modern literature, too.
I’m beginning to think I’m the only one who thinks this way, tho…
Enjoy your Austen!
I’m also trying to read more classics - the ones I’ve read this year I’ve really enjoyed.
The non-classic literature is great too - how about someone like David Mitchell? I’d be really surprised if his books didn’t end up being classics for future generations.
joanna
http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/
Kat: I also think most of us connect the term classics to literature. I also enjoy the classics when I can get to them. I’ve just been neglecting them lately.
Maree: That’s great that you’ve been able to do that. Anything really go that I should get to?
Den: It’s the language that draws me to them. I used to really love the details in those books. Now, in the modern stuff I get really bothered with a lot of description.
Marianne: Oh yeah, I agree. But when talking about current literature I need the qualifier “modern” in front. Without that I think classics.
Joanna: I haven’t read anything by David Mitchell. But I’ll be doing some research into his work now.
Well, I tend to lean toward the belief that literature encompasses more than the boring ol’ classics (not that they don’t have their place!!) but…to me literature is a living thing and I think we’d all feel better about it if we took the classics for what they are and modern literature for what it is…I would also include oral tradition as literature…why not?! anyway…this is a great question! check out my answer and let me have it!
bethany
http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/2008/04/btt-lit-ra-chur.html
Yes, I would really miss literature if I didn’t get a regular dose, although for me it doesn’t automatically equate with the classics. There is a lot of good modern stuff out there just waiting to become the classics of the future.
bethany: I’ll go check out what you had to say. I’ve never thought of oral traditions as part of literature. I can see how you would, it’s an idea worth more exploration.
Ann: Very true, I would miss modern literature if I left it as well.
I too think of classics when it comes to literature. But I don’t read too much of them.
Btw, I see I’m on your blogroll! Thank you!
I enjoy reading classics but I understand how they can be challenging. My friend often cites the different style of language as her difficulty. Usually though, if I emerse myself in the older language, it isn’t long before I am beginning to think in that older style and reading it becomes like breathing - simply natural.
Which Austen novels have you read?
Nithin: I don’t read a lot of the classics either, I just wish I did read more of them because I like them. And no problem, I enjoy your blog.
Aria: I haven’t read any Austen yet, sad I know. But I did purchase a copy of Pride and Prejudice this weekend. So, it’s now on my TBR shelf.
A word vomit explosion!!! I’m glad to hear about that
There is no such thing as failing at blogging.
I like the style of your writing, however, I do not agree with your opinions.