Classics Meme/Fill-In
I'm anxious anxious (wait, I think the correct word is eager) for the classics challenge to begin. Well, maybe not to begin but for it to be closer. I probably should have waited a little to do everything, but I couldn't hold my breath that long. Ha!
Anyway, so, I thought in the meantime I would stir the pot a little bit with a quick fill-in (click here for the meme post on the challenge site to join the fun)
1. My favorite classic is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte--this book turned around my thoughts on "literature" when I was a senior in high school.
2. The classic I had the toughest time finishing is Um...there are several that I haven't finished yet. :) I really disliked Pamela and don't see myself ever finishing it. Another that I had a tough time with was Howards End.
3. I would recommend The Scarlet Pimpernel to someone who doesn't read a lot of classics or who doesn't generally like classics because it is fairly short and a fun, captivating read.
4. To me, a classic book is one that has defined/defines a generation/era, changed or challenged our way of thinking, something that is still relevant in today's age. I generally think about classics being written before 1950, but then again there are some from the 60s that I sort of think about as classics--I'm not sure that there is a good rule of thumb on this one.
5. The type of relationship I have with classics is love hate. I am an impatient reader because part of me is scared to death that I won't be able to read everything I want in this lifetime (yes, I'm 26...I know I have a lot of years ahead of me!). Because of my impatience, sometimes I find it difficult to take the time and effort to really really read a classic--give it my full attention and think about it instead of simply reading the words. I love the language and art I find in classic literature, which is the love part. For me there is nothing better than a book steeped in emotion--a book that brings those emotions out in me.
What d'you say, join me? I'd love to hear how other people feel about classics. In the meantime this is how I plan to spend the rest of my Saturday:
Yes, when I won't allow Maggie to lie on my stomach while reading, she usually settles down on my arm. Such a funny girl (see below post for another picture of Maggie Moo).
14 comments:
Maggie reminds me of our cat Aldo. She absolutely has to be on you if you're reading...around here that often means more than one warm body to choose from at a time. But she can be quite annoying, as her favorite place to be is lying across your neck, which I positively can't stand.
Okay, I must be more classically deprived than I even realized...I've never even heard of Pamela! (But it sounds like I'm not missing much there, huh?) The worst one for me is Babbitt. I still shudder 25+ years later thinking about the sheer exercise in boredom that one was. Oh, but I loved Wuthering Heights, too!
I've never read The Scarlet Pimpernel--I think that will be one of my books for your challenge. I'm going to have to meet Maggie one of these days!
A cat & a book? that's my kind of weekend :)
Great meme, I will definitely do it later on. I agree with you - it's hard to come up with a good rule to define what is and is not a classic. But I like your definition.
*Debi - Well, I've never heard of Babbitt, so I guess we're even. :) I was *supposed* to read Pamela for an 18th century British lit course but could only make it halfway through. It is about a young naive girl who is tempted by some smarmy man to basically test her purity. Lame-O! :) Someone, perhaps Henry Fielding?, made a parody of the book entitled Shamela--that one was a little better.
I don't think I could stand it if Maggie laid across my neck!
*Laura - SP is a little predictable but it is still a fun read! Maggie isn't very much fun (not like Belle), but she is sweet.
*PK - Yup--two of my favorite things: a good book and a cuddly cat. :)
*Nymeth - I look foward to your answers! Even after looking online for a potential definition of what a classic is--people still can't agree. It's been a lot of fun, though, seeing everyone's "should be/will be" classics suggestions.
Ooooh, another Maggie pic! Love it!
What an interesting meme! I still haven't read The Scarlet Pimpernel. I need to remedy that.
I enjoy reading the classics too. I still hesitate before reading one though, which is a shame. Challenges like yours are good excuses to give in to the urge. :-)
Maggie is so adorable! I have a slightly different problem. If I am lying on my stomach reading, with the book on the bed, my cat will come and lie on my book. :-S
Hi Trish! How are you? :)
Check out the comments on this post.
Have a great day!
*Bookfool - I think Maggie was a little annoyed when I was trying to the picture--reaching across and behind my head--probably would have been easier for me to ask someone else to take the picture. Oh well...hope that holds you over for a while. :)
*Lit Feline - I know you're swearing off challenges, but you're welcome to participate in the meme anyway! Just provide a link back to the challenge site, if you don't mind. Scarlet Pimpernel is a definitely a fun read and not very long at all--not like War and Peace. Did you ever finish that??
When it was just me (before I lived with Hubby), Maggie was allowed to sleep in the bedroom and would often sleep on my back. I can't read on my stomach, though...neck krinks!
*Joy - you are such a stinker--acting all nice and innocent!! :) I thought that was the strangest comment ever until I read your post. You can grumble all you want, but if I catch other people in the act--I'm going to blame you!
Loved The Scarlet Pimpernel! I didn't love Wuthering Heights until I was an adult and admire those who love it as a teen. Fun Meme!
Maddy has taken to lying on the back of my love seat, beneath the floor lamp I use to read. I think she likes the heat but I'm not so sure I like the shadow she casts!
cjh
Great meme! I don't think I've joined the challenge just yet but I pretty much can't say no to it. I have loved many a classic, and to feel completely educated, one must read a certain number of classics, right? (Except Wuthering Heights. I will never recommend that one to anyone!!!)
*Nise - I think Wuthering Heights was the only classic I loved when I was a teen! :) Thanks for coming by--and joining the challenge!
*CJ - It must be the warmth--both our cat and dog will lie in the sun from the windows (well, cat usually gets behind the blinds). Hey--did you find some good classics to read for the challenge? Quite a list you got there on your blog!
*Kim - Oh, I think I'm in the minority with WH--but there is just something so romantic to me about Cathy and Heathcliff's strange, haunted relationship. Who knows! I'd love for you to join us! Even if you decide not to do the challenge, feel free to participate in the meme--just mention the classics challenge link, if you dont mind.
Thanks for your comment.
Post a Comment