Do Classics Improve Your Reading Comprehension?

In a word: no. The primary reason for this is the significant time difference between when a classic was written and the society in which we currently live. This gap can make understanding the work challenging without additional context. However, delving into classics can enhance your overall literary appreciation and critical thinking skills if approached correctly.

The Problem with Classics

The time discrepancy between the creation of a classic and our current era poses a significant barrier. For example, if you read Dickens, you might find yourself lost in a world long past. Reading works like Dickens or H.G. Wells often necessitates the use of reference guides to understand the society and vocabulary of their respective times. Yet, engaging with their literary styles and narratives can still be highly enriching.

H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, often considered the "fathers" of science fiction, provide excellent examples. Wells was seen as a predictor of socialism and was quite pessimistic, whereas Verne was an optimist. Both writers projected ideas and articles they read in scientific publications into the future. However, to truly grasp their works, one must often rely on reference to explain the conditions and heartbeat of their societies.

The same applies to Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. These books are now classics and are associated with the horrors and fears regarding death and reincarnation of the bodily self. Understanding these fears is crucial to fully appreciate the stories. Similarly, War and Peace is complex, with a significant portion being political commentary that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Civic and historical background is essential to derive the author's intended meaning.

Modern Classics and Their Challenges

Books like The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy are another example. These works hold importance but can be quite difficult to comprehend. However, with a reference guide, especially with regards to the underlying motives and the author's experiences, these stories can indeed become classics. They require a deeper understanding to fully appreciate their literary value.

The Value of Context and Reference

The problem with classics is not inherent but contextual. Simply reading them won't necessarily improve reading comprehension. However, using effective reading and analytical tools can significantly enhance your understanding. This approach can be applied to any book, whether it's considered a classic or not.

It used to be that only quality manuscripts that met high standards could be published. Publishing houses were dedicated to maintaining literary ideals, ensuring that stories appealed to a broader audience. Today, with the widespread availability of self-publishing, almost anyone can publish anything. While this democratizes publishing, it also means that much of what is published is of poor quality or merely rubbish. Books that end up on bestseller lists often reflect a marketing gimmick rather than literary merit.

Ultimately, while reading classics won't automatically improve your reading comprehension, critically analyzing them and using appropriate reading and learning tools can significantly enhance your overall comprehension and appreciation of literature.

Conclusion: No, simply reading classics won't strengthen your reading comprehension. However, using the tools of literary dissection and critical analysis will undoubtedly enhance your overall reading comprehension and appreciation of literature.

Addendum: Many fans adore the series "Game of Thrones," but I found the first written chapter by George R.R. Martin to be deeply lacking in explanation and reference points, making it nearly incomprehensible. This makes the books and the series challenging to follow. It's a testament to the current state of modern publishing, where anything, even incoherent writing, can be published.

Peace.