Why 90% Fail at Reading Classics
And How You Can Avoid Becoming One of Them!
Ever wonder why classics feel so hard to get through? Turns out, it’s not you—it’s the traps we fall into while reading them!
✨ Key Highlights:
📖 How to savor the slow read
🌎 Uncovering timeless relevance
🕰️ The power of a little background research
Let’s make reading the classics a success story, one page at a time! Let’s face it—classics are like literary kale. We all know they’re good for us, and we even like the idea of reading them. But when it comes time to dig in, we often end up sidestepping them for something a little less… dense. (Or just flat-out sparkly. We’ve all been there.) But here’s the kicker: there’s a reason nearly 90% of people bail out halfway through their first—or fifth—attempt at War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice, or Moby Dick. And it’s not about intelligence or willpower.
Most readers struggle with classics because they fall into some common traps that can make these timeless books feel, well, timelessly impossible. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on why classics are so easy to abandon and, better yet, how to keep yourself from falling into these traps. Let’s make 90% failure a thing of the past.
Trap #1: The Quest for Speed
Trying to read a classic quickly is like trying to sprint through sand—it’s exhausting and futile. Classics are often packed with complex language, historical context, and literary devices. They weren’t designed to be skimmed. If you’re breezing through them like you would a TikTok caption, it’s only a matter of time before you’re lost in a word fog.
Take Les Misérables, for example. It has 365 chapters—a perfect one-a-day pace if you want to read it over a year without feeling overwhelmed. Just one chapter a day keeps you moving forward and allows time to digest the depth and detail Victor Hugo packed into every page. So remember, there’s no badge of honor for finishing Great Expectations in two days. Slow down and savor the story!
Trap #2: Thinking Classics are “Old News”
People approach classics like museum pieces, thinking, “What could this book say that’s relevant now?” This mindset is a massive reading barrier because it positions these works as out of touch before you even start. But classics are only classic because their themes are timeless—love, war, social justice, betrayal, hope. Approach them with fresh eyes; think of them as universal human stories rather than dry history lessons. Let yourself feel that spark of connection with the author. Believe it or not, you may end up with a literary best friend from 200 years ago.
Trap #3: Ignoring Cultural and Historical Context
Many people dive into classics expecting immediate understanding, which is like diving into the deep end without knowing how to swim. A little background research can go a long way. For example, if you’re picking up Pride and Prejudice, spend five minutes learning about British society in the early 1800s. Wondering why Mr. Darcy’s income is mentioned so much? It’s not just a fun fact—it’s crucial to understanding his social value in that time period. Adding historical context to your reading is like getting a backstage pass to the story.
Trap #4: Relying on the Movie Version
Here’s a pro tip: don’t rely on adaptations. Watching the movie or TV series first might seem like a shortcut, but adaptations often alter key themes, pacing, or even entire endings. This can leave you feeling disoriented when reading the actual book and struggling to connect with the author’s real intention. Treat the book as the main event, and think of the movie as dessert if you’re still hungry for more.
Trap #5: Expecting to Understand Everything
This is the ultimate pitfall. If you’re waiting to understand every single word, reference, and metaphor before moving forward, you’ll burn out fast. Classics are complex, and sometimes they require sitting with ambiguity. If you’re confused about a passage, mark it and keep reading. Re-reading key sections is also part of the journey, and over time, things will start to click. Enjoy the layers—some of them take time to reveal themselves, and that’s okay!
Trap #6: Reading Without a Community
Finally, reading a classic can feel isolating if you’re doing it alone. Why struggle in silence when book clubs, online forums, and even Reddit threads exist to share insights and frustrations? Join a discussion, share your “a-ha” moments, and let other readers help fill in the gaps. Plus, you’ll be more likely to finish the book if you have people to check in with.
Bonus Tip: Hack Your Classics with Audiobooks and Translations!
If you’re finding a text especially tough, try listening to an audiobook version. Some classics are narrated by fantastic actors who bring characters to life in ways you might not expect, making the language easier to digest. And if the original English (or translated) version feels stiff, look for alternative translations. Many classics have multiple translations available, so find one that feels accessible to you.
Bottom Line: Stick with It!
Classics don’t need to be intimidating or incomprehensible. They’re meant to be read and enjoyed, but you’ve got to give them a little extra patience and an open mind. The rewards are worth it. Whether it’s discovering a new perspective on life or understanding your own challenges through an old story, classics bring something valuable to every reader willing to stick with them. So let’s bust that 90% failure rate, one chapter at a time!
Ready to pick up that dusty copy of Jane Eyre? Let’s read together. Leave a comment if you’re diving into a classic, and let’s make this a success story!
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