The Most Overrated Classics

[Nati Jiniya]

For me that was Jane Eyre. I was young when I read it, and my confusion as to why it was so popular was huge. I might need to give it another try.

[mwtzzz]

OVERRATED:

1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. I didn't find this funny, except at rare moments, and I thought it was rambling, over-long and poorly structured.

It's not supposed to be funny, it's a criticism of the absurdity of war.

5. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Another revered author who, I think, is set on too high a pedestal. Though I do enjoy much of Dickens' writing, this is one of my least favourite of his novels - far too sentimental for my taste!

This is definitely not overrated. It's a beautiful book, as are all of other Dickens' books. He was a genius. He's in my top three favorite authors of all time (the other two being Victor Hugo and Gabriel Marquez)

I never read any of your underrated books, I'll have to check them out.... After I finish reading Martin Chuzzlewit

[Debra Juarez]

The classics are classics because they masterpieces of language, thought, and storytelling. They are introduced to students because they represent outstanding literature. Unfortunately youth don’t always appreciate the stories mostly because many young people haven’t yet learned how to enjoy reading. Many in today’s culture don’t even read and comprehend at grade level which unfortunately makes reading a classic much more difficult. I believe that classics should be introduced to school aged students because they represent the beauty and knowledge of human culture and civilization.

[Joelle Olechno]

I completely agree with you- there's way too many people that don't read now and it's leading younger people to not like classics a lot more, simply because they're not engaged and not understanding it either.
By no means should anyone just say a classic is good because it's a classic, but they're considered to be in that category for a reason and they all have meanings behind them, subjectivity aside on who likes them or not. Schools should be focusing a lot more on literature as I feel like it's slowly becoming the norm to have poor literacy skills now for kids.

[tayeb imane]

"I couldn't agree more! It's heartbreaking to see a decline in reading habits and literacy skills among younger generations. Classics offer so much more than just entertainment - they provide a window into the past, help us understand different perspectives, and foster empathy. Let's hope that educators and parents can work together to revive a love for reading and learning in our children.

[Benita Ogarekpe]

I think I could agree that Hamlet was a tad bit overrated. Maybe it’s because I read it as a school project when I was a teenager, but I found it a bit depressing to be honest. I couldn’t find a relatable theme to it, and that just made it harder to appreciate. Maybe I should give it a reread now that I’m older though. My view of it might be quite different now.

[vhkeber]

I have to agree that Catch-22 is overrated in terms of readability. It's one of the few books that I couldn't finish. To be blunt, nothing happens, and I found I was wading through it without being invested.
However, this doesn't mean it isn't an important book, in terms of breaking new ground with style.

I definitely have to disagree that To Kill a Mocking Bird is overrated! The issues raised and the authenticity of the characters made it a real page turner.

[vhkeber]

For me that was Jane Eyre. I was young when I read it, and my confusion as to why it was so popular was huge. I might need to give it another try.

I had the same with Pride and Prejudice. I think sometimes it can be worth reading some literary criticisms of older classics, just to get a sense of the context. Nineteenth century satire won't necessarily translate, especially without a knowledge of the historical context.