Reading Rescue, April 2007: Enjoying the Classics
By Anne Allen and Mary Anne Fulmer
 When
I was in middle school, I had to read the "classics." The opportune word
is "had" to read. As we were given the assignment, everyone groaned. Who
wanted to read great literature? It had to be boring, but it wasn't long
before we all knew that reading these "classics" was going to be fun.
Having good and interesting literature teachers did help because they
made all the characters come to life.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a book for all ages because it
has timeless elements such as fantasy, growing up, crushes, excitement
and danger. Even though it was published in 1876, we can still see
similar characteristics of then and today. Didn't we all want to be like
Tom who cons his friends into painting the fence and then getting them
to pay him? Many of us are familiar with our younger siblings getting us
into trouble with our parents and in Tom's case, his aunt! If you
haven't read this book, you are in for a treat! Reading about pirates,
witnessing a murder, and finding buried treasure is sure to be a story
you will always remember.
Another of Twain's must reads is A Connecticut Yankee
in King Arthur's Court. This book is vastly different than any of
Twain's other books. In this story, Twain transports a Connecticut shop
foreman twelve centuries into the past to Camelot and King Arthur's
Court. The author gives a scathing criticism of the English monarchy
that was bolstered by the Established Church. He is resentful of the
Church which "turned a nation of men into a nation of worms."
The story contrasts the Reign of Terror of the French
Revolution with centuries of slavery, serfdom, and poverty. He had
written about slavery before, but this is different. "He challenges you
to follow his gaze, considering whether today's societies, monarchical
or not, will endure the scrutiny."
In keeping with this theme, George Orwell's Animal
Farm teaches us a lot about human nature. The story is about workers
revolution gone wrong. Orwell was fueled by his intense disillusionment
with Soviet communism. When the downtrodden beasts of Manor Farm get rid
of their drunken, mean master and take over the farm, they are all
happy. All the animals are equal. That doesn't last very long. Before
much time passes, the pigs think they are the "brainworkers." (Can you
see problems?) The pigs felt they should take over the farm. Soon it
becomes evident that the workers are no better off than when the human
had control. This is a genuine masterpiece, and even though funny at
times, there are many scenes that you will never forget.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn's One Day in the Life of Ivan
Denisovich is about a single day in a Stalinist prison camp. The
advantage of this book covering only one day is that it helps those
reading it to better understand how when conditions are so terrible, you
think of one day at a time. A lot can happen in a mere twenty-four
hours, and sometimes it seems it will never end. This particular day
includes a trip to the doctor, scavenging for food, and finding a
treasure, a piece of a saw that may just come in handy on another day.
He tries to make the best of a situation that would make many quake in
their shoes. The survival instinct takes over in these kinds of
conditions. It is really amazing that this novel was even allowed to be
published in the post-Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. You will be
deeply touched by this novel.
Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott
Fitzgerald is a book that was given a lukewarm reception because
Fitzgerald was already considered an alcoholic. It wasn't until the
1940s, after his death, that critics and readers began to re-discover
and re-assess the book. The Great Gatsby has been described as
"the great American novel." It has everything -- romance, suspense, wit,
humor, and of course, someone dying for his love. This is a simple story
of a man from humble beginnings, Gatsby, meeting a wealthy mentor who
dies and leaves him a fortune. He falls in love with Daisy but before
they marry, he is called to war. Daisy you would think would wait but
she finds Tom and marries him. What happens? Is Daisy a frivolous
beauty? Should she have waited? Read this great novel and find out. I
promise you will love it!
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray is
also a book about money and love. Becky must use all her wit, charm, and
considerable sex appeal to escape her drab existence as a governess.
Does Becky get all she deserves and is she happy? Can money buy love and
respect? You'll have to read the book to find out!
The opening line of the book Moby Dick by Herman
Melville "Call me Ishmael" is as famous as "Nevermore" in the poem by
Edgar Alan Poe. This book is one of the most strange but wonderful books
ever written. You don't meet Moby until late in the book, but that adds
to the anticipation. The book starts out like any plain sailing yarn,
but it changes into so much more. You may find it difficult at times but
persevere! This book will leave you with many questions but do try it.
Who hasn't heard of the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson? I had seen so many versions played
on television, but there is nothing like the original story. It is not
really a horror story but a psychological study of man's dual nature and
the relationship between civilized man and uncivilized man. We all have
our dark side that we attempt to hide.
Stevenson originally wrote this story as a chilling
shocker, but his wife's advice was to rewrite it as it stands today -- a
deeply complex tale. We can all see some of each character in ourselves
and especially in others!
John Steinbeck wrote a great classic in 1937, Of Mice
and Men. This is the story of two lonely and alienated men who work
as farm laborers. Lennie is a gentle giant, physically strong, but
mentally challenged. George guides and protects Lennie. They dream of
owning their own farm and living happily ever after, but as suggested by
the title, this doesn't happen.
Steinbeck's narrative voice throughout the novel is
simple, but you can sense the tension in every word. You will find
yourself holding your breath and waiting for the other shoe to drop!
This is a memorable book and you will enjoy it.
Some claim that Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath
is his best but I feel Of Mice and Men is much better. The
Grapes of Wrath is infused with politics, and you soon have no doubt
that Steinbeck hates capitalism. You will have to read them for yourself
and then decide.
In conclusion, we have many great classics in the
library. They may have been written before you were born, but they are
nevertheless great literature and many pertain to today. I highly
recommend them and hope that you will all try at least one.
Please remember the Friends of the Library are hosting a
book sale until April 18th. There will be a Students with Disabilities
Workshop at the library on April 23rd at 6:30 pm. Mary Ellen Beres and
Beth Graham will be speaking. As always enjoy your
library.
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