*coughs* So, the classics!

[starrylizard]

There's something that I've been bemoaning lately. Apparently, back in high school and even in college (that's yr 11 and 12 here in Canberra), they didn't teach the same stuff in English as everyone else. Why yes, looking back through my English notes, I have waxed lyrical about The EarthSea Trilogy, learnt all about puberty via Judy Blume and even (wait for it!) written an essay about Aliens comparing the Director's cut to the screen version and discussing the subtle ways in which the movie pointed out the inhumanity of the android character found therein.

While all of these things were reasonably entertaining, I now find I have never studied Shakespeare, never picked up a Dickens or even a Jane Austen. (I did manage to get one term worth of Greek Tragedies, which was pretty darn fun!) So, now I'm thinking that perhaps I should try to fill this little void in my education.

I haven't a clue where to start though. So, please suggestions, my wonderful learned flisties! Tell me which Penguin Classic I should pick off the bookstore shelf.

I want something with a reasonably happy ending. Something not too bogged down with slow bits. You know, just for a starting point. I don't want to be put off right away.

I loved Hornblower on TV. Are the books good to read? The BBC adaptations of Jane Austen are awesome and right now I'm watching Our Mutual Friend, which appears to be very twisty-turny and fun! Don't laugh too hard, but I didn't know that was a Dickens book until it popped up in the opening titles. *doh* Oh yes!

So (*rubs hands*), please be giving insightful knowledge over now? :)

Comments

[merlins-sister.livejournal.com]

I'm not a big classics fan but definitely go with the Pride and Prejudice recommendation - it is not possible to adapt that book and do justice to it. Also with the Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream still my favourite.

For others you could give Chaucer a go - always good for a bawdy giggle, and how about Greek Comedy - Aristophanes rules that. :D

The trouble I find with most books considered classics is that they tend to be tragedies - people don't seem to appreciate the art of the comic. But you could try P.G. Wodehouse, and of course the lovely Oscar Wilde.

If you can cope with some tragedy Brave New World by Aldous Huxley still stands out for me.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Thanks! \o/
I've heard of Chaucer, but actually wouldn't even know what genre he writes in. Oscar Wilde's stuff always sounded like an interesting read. I'll look P.G. Wodehouse up.

[smuffster.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, Wilde. Importance of Being Earnest is hilarious.

Also, Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw which is what My Fair Lady was adapted from.

Hmmm, just looking at the bookshelf. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is great. And if you want something a bit weird, Methamorphosis by Franz Kafka.

Oh, and if you can get hold of it, Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto is perfectly beautiful. It was made into a film years ago.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Banana? O_o

Thanks! I'm kinda overwhelmed with choices, but that's just awesome! I'm just hoping the store has some of these on Saturday when I go searching! :)

[merlins-sister.livejournal.com]

Chaucer is in a genre of his own. Medieval English tales around a group of people on a pilgramage. I had the joy of reading them in olde English for school, but they are in modern translation. And unlike Shakespeare I don't think you lose anything by doing that. My English Lit teacher would probably disagree. :P