Classical Literature Should Be Widely Read How does a piece of literature become labeled a classic? Classics are works that have received distinction for exemplifying a literary movement or genre. In other words, they started a literary trend by either doing something first or doing it very well. Another way a book can be considered a classic is by rebelling against established beliefs or ethics (Chen). Classical literature challenges readers’ way of thinking, enhances readers’ knowledge, and is an important part of a country’s culture. Reading the classics has many benefits and should be more common. There are many examples of classical literature that pushed the envelope of what was acceptable when they were published, and some of those classics …show more content…
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, for example, challenged racial prejudice when it was published in 1960, and is still subject to constant threats of censorship due to its strong language, racial slurs, and discussion of sexuality and rape (Little). The book takes the reader back to witness the struggles of a time when racial prejudice was socially accepted and encouraged. The way people treated each other and the skill with which Lee wrote the story to make it feel real brings readers face to face with something that will make most, if not all, of them uncomfortable. Fifty-seven years after “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published, it still challenges its readers’ way of thinking. Additionally, because classical works are often very character-driven they can help readers develop morality (Leigh). A 2009 study found protagonists elicited feelings of fondness and