11 works of English literature everyone should read

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker has compiled a selection of eleven significant works of English literature that will be of interest to both teenagers and adult readers.

1. "Robinson Crusoe", Daniel Defoe

Everyone knows the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel. However, the book contains many other interesting details about the organization of Robinson's life on the island, his biography, and internal experiences. If you ask a person who has not read the book to describe the character of Robinson, he is unlikely to cope with this task.

In the mass consciousness, Crusoe is a smart character without character, feelings and history. In the novel, the image of the protagonist is revealed, which allows you to look at the plot from a different angle.

Why you need to read

To get to know one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.

2. "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift

In the novel, the author gives an objective picture of the social structure of England in the 17th century and reveals its hypocritical, cruel essence.

Swift does not openly challenge society. As a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read like an ordinary fairy tale.

Why you need to read

For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it in order to get acquainted with one of the most famous art satyrs.

3. "Frankenstein, or Modern Prometheus", Mary Shelley

This novel, though not the most outstanding in artistic terms, is definitely a landmark in the history of literature. Indeed, in many ways, he predetermined the development of the science fiction genre.

But this is not just entertainment reading. It raises the problem of the relationship between the creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating the creature destined to suffer?

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the main works of science fiction, as well as to feel the difficult problems that are often lost in film adaptations.

4. Plays, William Shakespeare

It is difficult to single out the best Shakespeare play. There are at least five of them: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. The unique style and deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.

Why you need to read

To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, which is still better: to be or not to be?

5. Vanity Fair by William Thackeray

The main theme of early 19th century English literature was social criticism. Thackeray in his novel denounces contemporary society with the ideals of success and material enrichment. To be in society means to be sinful - roughly this is Thackeray's conclusion regarding his social environment.

After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when the well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow dawns ahead, over which sooner or later all of us will have to ponder.

Why you need to read

To learn to relate easier to life and the opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with "fairground ambitions" that have no real value.

6. "The Portrait of Dorian Gray", Oscar Wilde

The language of the novel is beautiful and the dialogues are examples of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.

This book is about human vice, cynicism, the difference between the beauty of the soul and body. If you think about it, then to some extent each of us is Dorian Gray. Only we do not have a mirror on which sins would be imprinted.

Why you need to read

To enjoy the awesome language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how much the morality can be out of line, and to get a little better. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all mankind.

7. "Pygmalion" by Bernard Shaw

The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation takes on a new, socially significant sound in Bernard Shaw's play. What should a work feel towards its author if this work is a person? How can it relate to the creator - the one who made him in accordance with his ideals?

Why you need to read

This is the most famous play by Bernard Shaw. It is often performed in theaters. According to many critics, Pygmalion is a landmark work of English drama.

8. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

A generally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who does not hear Kaa's lingering hiss at the mention of Mowgli: "Human cub …"?

Why you need to read

In adulthood, hardly anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy the creation of Kipling and appreciate it. Therefore, be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.

9. "Treasure Island" by Robert Stevenson

And again, a Soviet cartoon comes to mind. It's really good, and the dialogues are almost entirely taken from the book. However, the images of the characters and the general mood of the story are different in the original source.

Stevenson's novel is realistic and rather harsh in places. But this is a kind adventure work that every child and adult will gladly read. Boarding, sea wolves, wooden legs - the marine theme beckons and attracts.

Why you need to read

Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is divided into quotes that everyone is obliged to know.

10. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes", Arthur Conan Doyle

Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great thanks to the huge number of film adaptations. Many people are familiar with the classic detective story only from films. But there are many adaptations, and there is only one collection of stories, but what a!

Why you need to read

To find out what deduction is, what Sherlock was in the original version, and why the most famous address in the world is 221B Baker Street.

11. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

H. G. Wells was in many ways a pioneer in the fantasy genre. Before him, people were not at enmity with aliens, he was the first to write about time travel. Without the Time Machine, we would not have seen the movie Back to the Future or the cult series Doctor Who.

They say that all life is a dream, and besides, it’s a nasty, pitiful, short dream, although there’s no other dream anyway.

Why you need to read

To look at the birth of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.