Literature through the ages: the must-reads

Literature has always been an integral part of culture and the list of ‘classics’ has become steadily more extensive as each century passes by. If you don’t know where to start, I’m here to provide you with a whistle-stop tour of what are, in my humble opinion, some of the most influential literature to make a mark on their respective centuries and beyond.

17th century: Othello by William Shakespeare

In typical literature student fashion, the world’s most famous playwright cinches this one. Othello prompts audiences to reconsider what they thought they knew about race, gender and class whilst also introducing us to arguably the greatest antagonist of all his plays. Give yourself the task of (re)reading it – or watching a performance of it – with an open mind, free from the horror of analysis.

18th century: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift 

A biting satire of England combined with a fantasy adventure, Gulliver’s Travels is aimed to be a lot more thought-provoking than the film adaptation. The tiny citizens of Lilliput serve as a mockery of the English upper class and you are taken on a journey prompting a reconsideration of the preconceptions of society. If you were unlucky enough to only watch Jack Black’s take then I’d recommend reading the novel, if only as a way to block out the memory of the movie.

The actual ‘monster’ (in quote marks because arguably the real monster is Frankenstein himself) is an intelligent, eloquent creature

19th century: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The first novel of its genre, the image of Frankenstein’s monster is usually a Halloween cartoon of a groaning, green zombie waddling around in a cemetery. The actual ‘monster’ (in quote marks because arguably the real monster is Frankenstein himself) is an intelligent, eloquent creature who is abandoned by his creator, leading to questions about existence, humanity and morality in the first example of Gothic science-fiction.

20th century: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Attwood

This novel shot back up the bestsellers list following the popular TV adaption last year and, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the series, nothing can recreate the tension captured in the novel. A dystopia of rigid patriarchy where women are valued purely for their ability to reproduce and are treated like the property of the regime is so powerful because of how eerily relevant you realise it is.

20th century: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I couldn’t choose between Lee and Attwood so the 20th Century gets two mentions. This coming-of-age story tackles race relations, the human condition and the importance of protesting injustice, all things which I undervalued when I first read it for GCSE. This novel will remain relevant, the reason for which is encompassed within the lesson we learn, or are yet to learn, from the quote: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

These two very different examples have made a mark in their own ways and both deserve recognition for their effects

21st century

The era of sparkly vampires and metaphorical cigarettes (I have to admit that I was the typical tween girl who was a fan of both of these book crazes and I refuse to be shamed about that dark past), the century we are all most familiar with has so far produced some works which I predict will continue to be people’s highlights of the century for ages to come.  These two very different examples have made a mark in their own ways and both deserve recognition for their effects.

The Harry Potter series – J.K Rowling

The Harry Potter books have become a staple of this century, loved by many as an integral part of our childhood. The magical world of Hogwarts existing alongside us Muggles led to many disappointed 11 year olds waiting for their admission letters and is a series that is bound to survive the test of time.

The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini

Warning – this will make you cry, fear for the state of the world and despair for humanity and that’s exactly why I think it’s so important. Books which make you uncomfortable make you think about your place in the world and its injustices and I think that is integral now, more than ever.