Must-read Classics for Kids

Reading should always be an integral part of growing up. It should always start in the home and encouraged even until the children are already grown up. It is only in this way that they learn the value of reading which they can carry on until their twilight years and then pass on to their own children and grandchildren.

From the time they are born, children are exposed to nursery rhymes and then to the fairy tales. Once they are a little older and are able to widen their understanding of surrounding, the children's classics should be gradually introduced. These classics are worth reading because they impart lessons relevant to life and insights that will help them comprehend the world they are living in.

There are numerous classic children's books to choose from and we're sharing some of the most well-known stories. These stories never grow old as they can be read over and over again even by adults.

Modern Self Help Classics

Self help or motivational literature tends to hold up a mirror to the society that created it. Victorian sobriety and industry provided us with the robust self-reliance of the Samuel Smiles classic, Self-Help. The Depression age gave us the American archetype of the wandering salesman, making a sincere effort to know and understand others (How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie). The optimism of revivified, post-war America yielded optimistic, motivational classics such as The Magic of Thinking Big, where the power of positive thinking perfectly complemented America's manifest destiny of benevolent global hegemony.

In the 1980s, big goals and instant change were order of the day. This was perhaps the decade where life coaching went mainstream and figures such as Anthony Robbins emerged as motivational superstars. The genre continued to evolve over the next twenty years. The explosion of creative self help literature around the century's end saw a marked divergence between more spiritually focused works and those that celebrated rapid accumulation of wealth. Now that the credit and property bubbles have burst, has a new self help literature emerged that suits these troubled times? A quick review of recent works suggests that we have found a new model.

Modern Day Urdu Literature - A Review

If you are fond of reading and that to of Urdu literature and that to of classical one, you should be aware of the great writers like Shafeeq-ur-Rehman, Tarar, Yousafi, Hijazi, Ashfaq Ahmed, Qudrut-ulla-shahab, Mumtaz Mufti and so many greats of their time. I have read their books to quench my literary thirst again and again, never felt bore. They are legends, who we all are proud to have amidst us in form and theory of books.

A child growing up nowadays would look stunned by the successors of those legends. I mean, what has happened to the new generation of writers? Why did they miss the classical touch, the super duper novels, the commendable style, the effortless writing, the supreme dominance over readers, the magnificent humor, the sweetest of romance and lovely books of our previous breed of writers. What really happened? I discussed it on Facebook as well in a group, "Shua, Kiran and Khawateen Digest" but there was no female writer to say anything about it. The responses came mainly from readers, just like me.

Why You Should Study an English Literature Masters Course

If you're already in the process of studying an English Literature Masters Course, then you'll be well aware of the new knowledge and skills that you'll learn, and the benefits that having an MA can bring. If you're not convinced why you should study English Literature, or stay at university after you've completed your degree, then, this is what you need to know.

* You'll have the time and inclination to be able to study the classic authors that you haven't got round to reading yet. Or, perhaps you've read few books by Shakespeare, Chaucer, Wilde, or Dickens, and want to read more, or want to know how and why these authors are still important and influential today.

* You'll need to read the some of most important books of all time. From the works of Shakespeare and Dickens to some of the more modern classics. If reading is your thing, then surely you'll want to know more about these books and characters.

Introducing Your Child To Literature

Over the past few years I have wondered if this is the last era of fine literature. In fact as a writer I'm wondering if I should even bother to write a novel or anything of that sort, because I'm wondering if anyone will read it. Most people tend to have a very low attention span, and I imagine the next generation coming up and those after that are only going to get worse due to the information flow on the Internet and the speed at which all of this content is delivered. I'm not the only one that thinks this you can ask any English teacher in high school, they will tell you the same thing. Okay let's talk.

As parents, it's important for us to introduce our children to literature. Get them to read more, and even if they start out merely reading Harry Potter, maybe that is a worthy endeavor. No, I don't wish to promote the occult, witchcraft, or anything else, but if the Harry Potter series gets children to read and reading at a very young age, then I would say it's all good. Nevertheless, parents also need to introduce their kids to the classics, all those literary classics that we've read. They may not read them in school, and I imagine that the way our schools and education system is set up today will be different in the decades to come.

Neo Classicism Enlightenment - Treatment of Classic Themes in Modern Style

Neoclassicism is a unique movement in the decorative, literature, classical arts and theatre that originated in the middle of the 18th century. Ancient Greek and Roman culture draw upon the Western classical arts and culture during this era.

Neo classicism artists do not make dreary reproductions of their creations- be it arts, sculpture or poetry but makes something new and innovative every time. This ensures a high standard. However a neo classical artist runs more chance in churning out mediocre and innocuous stuff in his over enthusiasm to be different. More than just creating something entirely new, neoclassicism is a natural expression of a culture with all its elements and the finesse with which an artist regains the lost elements that might have slipped into the oblivion is what makes a neo classic artist successful and popular.

Neoclassicism has thrown open countless possibilities in interior designing, inspired by the rediscoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, dating back to the 1740s. Intelligent and sensuous application of these styles has resulted in the creation of some of the most enchanting interiors in the Baroque style. The Roman styled rooms of William Kent were actually based on the classic basilica and temple exterior architecture, which was given a different treatment.

When Trying to Emulate Classical Authors is Not a Good Idea

I recently critiqued a spate of unpublished manuscripts that were well written for the most part except for what I refer to as "literary retro," and I thought it might be a good idea to address what my phrase encompasses.

For many readers and writers, the most obvious instance of "dated" writing is material with excess comma usage that mirrors the respective styles of Henry James, Jane Austin, and other Victorian-era authors of classical literature. But the problematic issues with antiquated writing are much more extensive than abundant commas, and include placing a character's thoughts in quotations, combining different tenses, and awkward POV shifts. And many of the worst offenders are recipients of literature's most prestigious awards.

Kafka wrote the metamorphosis approximately 100 years ago. The work's value as a dream-narrative is indisputable, but the author's quoting of thoughts can be misconstrued as an acceptable technique--when it is not. Bob thought, "What can I do now?" is going to rapidly send a manuscript to the slush pile; whereas, Bob wondered what he was going to do next, while not scintillating writing (and flagrant Telling and not Showing), would not in itself most likely discourage an agent or publisher from continuing to read the draft.

Your Summer Reading - Add a Classic or Two

A bibliophile addicted to the smell and feel of a book in my hand, I finally broke down and bought a Kindle, not because I planned to do all my reading electronically, but because I needed a copy of a particular book for an article I was writing and I needed it quickly. Later, after a much considered electronics purchase, I was able to download another book within sixty seconds at no cost to me. Although this no-cost business is obviously a serious advantage in the strain of these economic times, it is the least of the reasons to read, or in many cases, reread the classics. The enduring themes, the eloquent diction and structure of the language, and the knowledge accumulated toward building your own cultural literacy should be enough to convince you to continue reading the classics with uncommon enthusiasm. If you haven't picked up a classic in years, let me urge you to add at least one to your summer reading list. Here's why.

Enduring themes, those ideas about life that transcend time, repeatedly permeate and extend their wisdom throughout the whole of literature today. In essence, they continue to teach us not only that some things never change but also that we have much to learn from them. People everywhere understand these themes on the level that currently relates to the issues with which they are coping. Thus, when we identify with both the problems and the ideals of fiction that essentially illustrate our own familiar dilemmas, our losses and gains, we somehow feel more prepared to make sense of our own lives. In 1624 the English poet John Donne wrote, "Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind," which is precisely why enduring themes strike a chord with all of humanity. Our lives share common threads that bind us together.

Classic Literature List From The Most Versatile Writers

Most lists of classic literature will cover poetry, plays and novels by the most famous exponents of these forms. But this classic literature list will look at things slightly differently because it will only consider popular writers who crossed into different forms of writing.

William Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous writer in the English language. He is known as the creator of tragedies like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet as well as comedies like Much Ado About Nothing and histories like Henry V. But he also wrote poems. Shakespeare's Sonnets collects 154 poems and is sold across the world.

Edgar Allan Poe is another writer who worked in different literary forms. He is known as a writer of gothic short stories but he was also a novelist and poet. In addition he pioneered the detective genre, which would later be popularized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Poe's poetry and short stories can be found collected in one volume and his only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, remains in print. All of his work is in the public domain, so different editions by various publishers can be found on book shelves.

Benefits of Reading Classic Literature

Classic literature is a portal to the human spirit and imagination, a link to our history and development, and a path in which to navigate the educated world. Its benefits include the knowledge of ourselves as human beings, the knowledge of our roots, and the knowledge of how these concepts and realities tie to our current life.

Literature becomes classic by embedding in its pages themes that tie humanity together. It presents conflicts, choices, human nature, character, ethics, morality-elements of life that are as relevant to someone in Beijing as they are to someone in Minot, North Dakota.

"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck is a story of overcoming a criminal past, combating hunger and poverty, fighting to provide for one's family, encountering corruption, and fighting for a cause larger than oneself. "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" by Thomas Hardy depicts the plight of a woman who is seduced, pregnant and unwed, searching for love, fighting for survival in an unequal world, and being rejected. Even Arthur Conan Doyle's stories of Sherlock Holmes remind us that brilliant eccentrics are quirky and, despite their intellect, they sometimes choose a destructive path as evidenced in his cocaine use.

Such shared human experiences cut across national boundaries, ages, languages, religions, ethnicities and gender. They bring us together to realize we all bleed red and we all struggle on earth although the circumstances may vary.

Tutoring and Teaching Methods to Improve Reading Comprehension in Classic Literature

Many high school students have a difficult experience with their first classic literature assignment. The archaic prose of works by Dickens, Melville and Shakespeare can prove difficult to understand and seem like a whole other language. So how do we break the barriers between literature and learning?

There are a variety of ways that we can increase comprehension when reading literature. Using these techniques increase the comprehension of a classic novel in a variety of students and can result in successful comprehension of the piece of literature.

One of the top ways to increase comprehension of literature in the classroom, and with tutoring tactics, is to compare the text with a modern day interpretation of the literature. Learning by comparison can be helpful. Comparing the literature to modern situations assist the theme or the classic. Often younger generations will be more adept to learn the themes of classics they are able to identify with. If the tutor is able to provide some mirroring within the classic to modern day situations, the student is more likely to learn the information.

Providing a translation for texts written in poetry can also prove helpful. Since poetry is a language all it's own, especially with Victorian authors such as Byron, Keats and Shelley, providing a text with a contemporary translation under or opposite of each line in the poem increases comprehension for the student.

Reading the Father of Modern Chinese Literature

To read foreign literature in the original language is the ultimate goal for many foreign language students. Requiring knowledge of a few thousands of characters for reading Chinese literature, the challenge is particularly immense for students of Chinese. Lu Xun is China's most famous author and is frequently referred to as the "father" of modern Chinese literature. To read Lu Xun is to experience living in China during the decline of the Qing dynasty and the rise of the Republic of China. His characters are poignant, his style is sarcastic, and his stories are unforgettable. While his stories are laced with difficult Chinese phrases, allusions to Chinese Classics, and historical references, his stories are too important not to read. With a little help and a historical introduction, students of Chinese can enjoy his stories and have the satisfaction of reading one of the world's greatest authors in the original language. In this article, I will be exploring my experience with reading Lu Xun in the original Chinese and hopefully will inspire you to do the same.

Mastering a foreign language is like mastering another culture. When you begin to learn a foreign language, you open yourself up to another way of life and another way of thinking. When you have truly mastered a foreign language you have also mastered the history and culture of that language. How many people can say they are fluent in English without having read some of the best English authors like Shakespeare or Mark Twain? Too many idioms and cultural references come from literature. Without having cultural frames of reference when you are learning another language, you will find yourself lost on certain topics.

Why Classic Literature Is No Longer Relevant to Tech

English teachers and librarians frequently lament the disinclination their students feel toward classic literature-specifically, anything written before the twentieth century. Not only, do they believe, that today's young adults need the short-snappy-immediate prose (if one can call it thus) of cell phone texts, but they will no longer read classic literature on their own, for pleasure's sake, unless it's assigned-and even then, teachers are forced to test against Cliffs Notes and scan for the internet for proof of plagiarized papers. With random predictions forecasting the doom of paper and the downfall of traditional libraries, is it a waste of time to subject teens to the likes of Homer and other historic authors during this Information Age when bite-sized information is the rule of the day?

For many students, who do not hesitate to complain, the language of past writers is too hard. Since people no longer speak or write the way Shakespeare and Jane Austen did, it makes little sense for them to study these archaic modes of communication. After all, they could be developing Power Point presentations which will surely be something more relevant to their futures. Of course, the "too hard" theory is something English teachers should never succumb to or accept when they rush to defend centuries-old literature. The vast majority of students may not go on to become experts in Medieval Literature, but they can each benefit from the self-discipline a reading of Othello, Beowulf, or Crime and Punishment provides.

Pun In Sanskrit Literature - A New Approach

The book under review titled Pun In Sanskrit Literature - A New Approach is a fantastic book.

All Sanskrit lovers and pun lovers should read this book without fail.

The book was first published by Mysore University, India in 1982. The author Gurupad K Hegde is a great scholar and has written this book after intense study of Sanskrit literature for many years.

The book has nine chapters.

The first chapter deals with the pun as alankara in Sanskrit literature.

The origin of pun starts with the first kavya (adi kavya) of the world written by the world's first poet, sage Valmiki.

The origin of Ramayana is from a sloka of pun! The verse starts with 'ma nisada' is a curse on the hunter that he should never attain salvation for he killed the beautiful krauncha bird which was absorbed in love. And wonderfully, the verse also means that the great Lord Vishnu may attain a position for ever as he killed the demon Ravana and Valin.

Free Classic Audio Books - A Deal That's Not Too Good To Be True

With free classic audio books, you can listen to some of the greatest literature ever written-for free!

It's true. Today's technology makes it possible for publishers to deliver classic audio books for free. When publishers do not have to pay for media like compact discs (CDs) or paper and bindings to publish their books, they save a fortune on publishing expenses, and they pass a portion of their savings on to their listeners.

Once a publisher uploads a copy of a free classic book to its web site, it costs the publisher next to nothing to make that book available to the public. The audio book listener merely downloads a series of mp3 files on to their own hardware or listening device.

Free audio books are available only by download. If you get these books on CD, you should expect to pay a fee for hardware (the CD), shipping, and handling.

It's not only technology that makes it possible for publishers to give away free books. Old classic novels, literature, and non-fiction books are extremely affordable for publication, because the copyrights have expired, and the books are royalty free. Publishers provide a much needed public service by making these well-loved, best-selling classics available in free audio book format.

Preparatory Crash Course in Literature for High School Students in the Philippines

In the Philippines today the length of Primary and Secondary schools is being debated whether to add another two more years in the usual six years primary and four years secondary, making secondary also six years for a total of twelve years in preparation to college education. School principals and teachers alike are divided. Paying parents in the privates schools are resistant while even non-paying parents in the public schools raise their brows on the plan of the government. Many sectors question the program for that would mean paying more and staying longer in school. Parents want their kids to finish school right away so that their children can help them alleviate their poverty. So what's the use of adding years in the 100-year long educational system when Filipino graduates all over the world are competitive. Below is a proposal based from a study the writer conducted on the Language and Literature program of Famy National High School Laguna, Philippines on the possible solution to help the lack of students preparation and exposure to Literature before they go to tertiary or higher education sans the issue of adding number of years in the secondary school.

Reviewing Classic Teen Literature

Traditionally, young adult lit involves themes like forging your own identity and building self-acceptance. Recently, however, we've seen a noticeable increase in themes of forsaking your family to become undead, changing your personality to the point of unrecognizability, and feasting on human blood to nourish a fetus that your husband will eventually have to chomp out of your womb. (No, we aren't making this up). For those of us who miss the good ol' days when reading teen lit made you feel better about life (as opposed to in need of a long shower), it might be a good investment to pick up some of the following classic reads.

Despite the countless ways in which Ray Bradbury can put us ill at ease, his 1962 coming-of-age novel Something Wicked This Way Comes actually has a wholesome message at its core. Beneath all the carnies and funhouses, that is. The story follows two thirteen-year-olds named Will and Jim, whose visit to the traveling circus gets them involved with a wicked witch, a magic carousel, and a guy who has tattooed both their faces on his hands. (Clearly, this predates the cameraphone.)

For whatever reason, Jim is drawn to all things dangerous, creepy, or both, and desperately wants to ride the carousel that can instantly turn him into an adult à la Tom Hanks in Big. Will, on the other hand, enjoys being thirteen and has absolutely no desire to pursue adulthood through unnatural means. (Clearly, this predates VH1.) With the help of Will's father, the two learn how to kill evil with a smile - literally - and laugh in the face of insecurity, even when that face is your own. Only Ray Bradbury can pull off something like that while still managing to scare the crap out of you.

Ten Literature Classics That Should Be On Every Child's Bookshelf

Many parents and grandparents ask me "Which classics should I buy for my kids?"

Every teacher, librarian or parent has different ideas about what makes a book a classic.

I do have favorites, and I use a certain criteria to judge which books I consider classics! I look at how old the book is. A newly written book may be well written, and popular, but I don't consider it a classic - yet. A classic will stand the test of time. It will still be popular and people will want to read it many years after it was written. A classic should be part of our cultural literacy. In other words, you've grown up knowing about it. If someone mentions Winnie the Pooh, you should know who they're talking about!

Four Authors of Classical Contemporary Literature Defined the Craft of Writing Perfect Prose

From academicians to book critics to lay readers, each is often eager to recommend a list of authors who will provide aspiring writers with a sound foundation from which to build. Any suggestions should be revered, and it would be ridiculous for one person to state that her/his idea of quality prose is better than another's.

However, there are four aspects of the craft of writing that many who understand literature would argue have never been better addressed: Steinbeck's perfection with dialogue, Faulkner's depth of characterization, Hemingway's precise narrative, and Fitzgerald's palpable creation of mood.

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