Selecting English classics to read means you\u2019re selecting some of the finest English literature written in history. When I was a student, I enjoyed exploring classics as they are timeless and have common literary themes that are the foundation of many modern pieces of writing. Later, when I did GCSE and A-Level English Literature, I discovered that my earlier interest in reading was useful for my studies. English Classics form a large part of the English Literature GCSE and A-Level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are interested in studying English, or if you\u2019re thinking of taking English Literature at GCSE or beyond, then take a look at these English and American classics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald <\/strong>Short Read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Great Gatsby<\/em> explores the idea of the American Dream. When Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, he meets a mysterious neighbour, Jay Gatsby, who throws extravagant parties at his mansion. Over time, Nick becomes part of a new crowd and eventually becomes disenchanted with the materialistic and shallow lives of the inhabitants of East and West Egg. The Great Gatsby is filled with symbolism (e.g. the green light and Dr Eckleburg\u2019s eyes) and with elements of tragedy, so it serves as a great springboard for critical analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen <\/strong>Long Read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pride and Prejudice<\/em> is a popular English classic studied by English Literature students. Written in 1812, the novel begins with one of the most famous opening lines: \u2018It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife\u2019, which sets up the importance of marriage in the story. Both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy must overcome their pride and prejudice to develop their self-knowledge and acceptance of each other. Through their story, you can learn about points of view, setting, foreshadowing and irony. Although the novel is over 200 years old, Austen\u2019s witty and ironic style is appealing even today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck <\/strong>Short Read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Two workers arrive at a ranch in California during the Great Depression in search of a job. Lennie is big and childlike, while George is small but smart, and together they form an unlikely friendship, working towards owning their own ranch. At the ranch, they meet Curley, the boss\u2019 son, and Curley\u2019s troublemaking wife, who threatens their dream. The story explores the impossibility of the American Dream as well as loneliness and innocence. This is often studied at GCSE level in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frankenstein by Mary Shelly <\/strong>Short Read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A gothic horror written in 1818, a time of great change and scientific discovery, Frankenstein <\/em>tells the story of an ambitious young scientist who, through dangerous experimentation, brings to life a hideous creature known as \u2018the Monster\u2019. The story is a fantastic starting point for exploring the themes of gothic fiction and science fiction and to understand the importance of social and historical context in understanding a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Expectations by Charles Dickens <\/strong>Long Read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Great Expectations<\/em> is a bildungsroman (coming-of-age) story about a young orphan named Pip who rises up the social classes. He meets the jilted Miss Havisham and beautiful Estella as well as many other richly-described characters, like Magwitch and Jaggers. As this is a long and more difficult read, you may want to watch the many film adaptations to support your understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To explore more English classics and dramas, sign up for online English tuition with our team of expert tutors. If you are preparing to study English Literature or Language at GCSE or A-Level, our 1-to-1 and small group tuition is ideal for developing the critical reading and writing skills tested at these levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Selecting English classics to read means you\u2019re selecting some of the finest English literature written in history. When I was a student, I enjoyed exploring classics as they are timeless and have common literary themes that are the foundation of many modern pieces of writing. 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