IN modern world There are fewer and fewer people reading. Sad but true. If you meet earlier public transport A person with a book was something in the order of things, but now it is a real rarity. Gadgets are crowding out literature, leaving it somewhere in the margins. After all, it’s much easier to turn on a toy or climb into in social networks than to immerse yourself in a complex fantasy world. Reading has become work, not affordable entertainment. It is sad. After all, books form a point of view on the world, religion, politics, art, love. They allow you to broaden your horizons and gain experience from the mistakes of others, and foster humanity and compassion. None computer game or Facebook won’t do this.
Therefore, to expand the boundaries of your own consciousness, you need to read. At least worldwide famous works, the so-called classic books that everyone should read.
Russian literature
Not everyone can wade through the jungle of ancient Greek or Roman cultural heritage and understand the works of Socrates, Aristotle or Plutarch. Therefore, it is better to start with what is closer in mentality: books of Russian classics that everyone should read. These can be works known since school curriculum, but perceived completely differently in adulthood, when no one forces you to read under pressure. So are books recognized as modern classics.
"Eugene Onegin"
First love, mental anguish, jealousy, choice - all this is on the pages famous novel in verse. And what previously eluded will sparkle with new colors and make you empathize with the heroes.
In addition, the novel perfectly conveys the spirit of its time and describes the realistic life of the nobility.
"Crime and Punishment"
One of the first psychological novels, enjoying worldwide popularity, was written by Dostoevsky back in 1866. This work is included in the list of “100 Classics Everyone Should Read.”
Anyone can decide that they have the right to administer justice, but what is the cost of these actions? Is it internal freedom or crime? The lines between evil and good are so blurred that it is easy to slip. And the hand will be given by the one who himself is considered beyond the bounds.
"Fathers and Sons"
Turgenev’s novel touches on the issue of generations: “they are not like us” and the desire to prove that the new is better than the old. However ideological struggle fades when feelings come into play. What will he choose? main character: following ideals or love for a woman, the desire to change the world and rebuild it, or a quiet life in your native village? After all, maybe the ideals of fathers are not as bad as they seem.
"Master and Margarita"
If you are interested in more modern novels with elements of mysticism and fantasy, pay attention to Bulgakov. This is a classic that everyone should read. It has everything: partings and meetings, atrocities and retribution, execution and resurrection. Several parallel lines, one more interesting than the other, ambiguous characters... The novel has been filmed several times, and theatrical productions have been staged based on it. And debates around the meaning and main characters are still ongoing.
"Quiet Don"
Which everyone should read are so varied and diverse that you can find something to like. Those who are interested in history will be interested in this work by Mikhail Sholokhov. Together with the main characters, the reader will live through the First World War and the Civil War, and will see the events through the eyes of the participants.
“Not on the lists”
The story by Boris Vasiliev tells about a simple Russian guy who, instead of the easy path, chose the difficult one and put his civic duty to the Motherland first.
"We"
Now the dystopian genre has become popular, but few people remember that Russian authors have works of this kind.
However, such a work was written by Yevgeny Zamyatin back in 1920 and has not yet lost its relevance. It is also on the list of “classics that everyone should read.”
Thirty-second century. A society with strict totalitarian control over everything and everyone. There are no names - numbers instead. There is no freedom of choice, even in clothes - instead of it there is a uniform. There is no personal space. Even in your own home it is impossible to find salvation from all seeing eye- glass walls do not hide anything. There should be no place for love or attachment to anything. But what to do if they arise? Either inform, or join the opponents of the existing system. However, can a small group resist a huge and well-functioning machine?
Foreign literature
"Romeo and Juliet"
A young girl and a young guy from opposing families should have a priori hated each other, but instead they fell in love. Instead of obediently following their parents' will, they decided to go against tradition and fight for their happiness.
"Dracula"
The cult book has been filmed several times, but nothing can overshadow the impression of the printed source.
The main character travels to Transylvania to sell a house to his client - a strange, eccentric old man, Dracula. Not listening to the warnings of random fellow travelers, the young man finds himself in the midst of terrible events, which he himself initiated. But who could have guessed that his client was the real Evil. Miraculously escaping from captivity, the young man returns home. But the nightmare does not stop even in London.
"1984"
George Orwell's work is suspiciously reminiscent of Zamyatin's book. The same atmosphere of hopelessness, the same attempts to break out of control, doomed to failure in advance.
In a world where every step of a person is known almost in advance and the future is predetermined, it is difficult to resist the system. It's difficult and scary. What happens to those who go against the grain? They disappear... And then they appear brainwashed. The main character tried to be like everyone else, allowing himself only a little dissent. Maybe because he knew a little more than others. Meeting an unusual girl completely changed his life. She brought new colors into it and became a catalyst for many events.
"A little prince"
The list of “books - classics - that everyone should read” includes this one. unusual fairy tale for adults. Saint-Exupéry talks about his adventures Little Prince, about his acquaintance with the Earth, but at the same time it also speaks about more important things: love, friendship, fidelity.
"Three Musketeers"
The adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas is known to many thanks to numerous film adaptations. But nothing can better convey the atmosphere of medieval France than a book. On its pages, beloved characters come to life again and details that the films are silent about are revealed.
Young D'Artagnan comes to Paris from the provinces in search of better life and finds her by enrolling military service to the privileged part. And at the same time, true friends long years, no less loyal and insidious enemies, and, of course, adventure.
"Catcher in the rye"
Salinger's novel is considered by some, but not every teenager can understand it.
The story is told from the perspective of an ordinary seventeen-year-old guy, Holden, a student at a closed American school. One day he was kicked out for his behavior and had to spend a few days alone in New York.
It's hard to say what this novel is about. About everything and nothing in particular. The hero reflects on the meaning of life, his place in it, his goals and aspirations. His thoughts are mostly depressive. However, the story pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end.
For children
There is no point in reading or giving to younger children school age complex works, as many parents like to do. It is unlikely that they will be able to understand and appreciate them. In addition, there is a lot of excellent literature designed specifically for young readers. So what are the books (classics) that every child should read?
"The Wizard of Oz"
The story of the adventures of little Ellie and Totoshka will not leave you indifferent. A girl who, by chance, found herself in magical land, adventures full of dangers await. The yellow brick road turned out to be not as simple as it seemed at first. However, new friends will help you overcome all difficulties and find your way home.
"Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Restless Tom brings nothing but problems to his family, he is such a restless and inventive boy. He can even turn punishment to his advantage. Tom manages to find adventures even where there couldn't be any! But together with his faithful friend Huck, he is able to overcome any difficulties. Even bring it to clean water Scary Injun Joe.
"The Adventures of Dunno and His Friends"
In the Flower City, everyone does their own thing: Znayka invents, Vintik and Shpuntik repair, Tube draws, Doctor Pilyulkin treats... Only Dunno is idle and composes fables. But he has the most beautiful hat and tie - no one else has them. Because of Dunno's carelessness, the rest of the residents of Flower City often get into trouble. But he’s not out of malice... And he’ll try to correct what he’s done.
For teenagers
The list of “books (classics) that every teenager should read” includes works recognized as the “golden fund” of literature.
"Lord of the Flies"
Golding's novel should appeal to those who love young adult books. It is one of the first books written in this direction, and its echoes can be found in many authors.
A group of boys miraculously survived a plane crash and ended up on desert island. At first everything was fine: the sea, palm trees, hunting, fruits, hope of salvation, organization of life in the image and likeness of Robinson Cruz. Two boys wanting to be leaders and realizing there can only be one. From a tiny spark of enmity, a whole bonfire of hatred flared up, in which every idea of humanity burned out.
"Treasure Island"
Pirates, treasures, dangers at every turn - this is not what the young man was looking for when he searched the guest's chest in search of money. But in addition to what he was looking for, the young man finds a tattered map of the island, where the location of the treasure is marked. Having enlisted the help of his older comrades, he goes in search of treasure. But pirates go to the island with them... Who will get the treasure found?
Modern classic
"Do not let me go"
There are books (classics) that everyone should read. And this is one of them. created a stunningly atmospheric work. At first it’s not entirely clear what we’re talking about, but then it’s impossible to tear yourself away, even realizing the horror of what’s happening on the pages.
These children grew up without knowing their parents, without knowing love, but convinced that they had a special purpose. They were told about this since childhood, and they got used to considering it something ordinary, not strange and not scary.
"Chocolate"
This is very unusual story from the English writer Joanne Harris. Mystical, beautiful, with an indescribable feeling of immersion in the Middle Ages, although the novel takes place in the early 1960s.
A new resident arrives in a small French town with her daughter. She opens a shop of sweets that she prepares herself. old recipes. Everyone who tries them will definitely come back for the delicacy again, and this looks very suspicious in the eyes of the local priest. And a woman is not as simple as she seems. She and her daughter are hiding a big secret.
"Perfumer. The story of a killer"
The story of a genius who turned into a monster, wanting to create the perfect scent. Even if this meant committing a crime, the main character did not doubt for a minute. What does the life of a young innocent girl mean? Nothing. She is just the desired ingredient in a complex perfume composition.
After the film adaptation was released, the book produced the effect of a bomb exploding: stunned, disgusted, delighted. There were no indifferent people.
Instead of an afterword
The classic books that every educated person should read are difficult to compile into a list limited by any framework. There are too many worthy works, all people have different tastes, so you just need to read and look for your own, not limiting yourself to just “chewing gum for the brain.” Books that make you think and leave a mark on your memory are worth your time.
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The most recognized classic literature- list best books. World foreign and Russian classics. Highly recommended. 😉
Sylvia Plath. Under a glass cover
Esther Greenwood is invited to New York for an internship at a women's fashion magazine. She goes there, determined to conquer the city and become a writer. But behind the magnificent scenes hides an indifferent society and the difficulties of adulthood. Esther loses control of herself and is overcome by depression and loneliness. Further
Ken Kesey. Over the cuckoo's nest
The work, which describes harsh and extremely honest images of the points of contact between common sense and madness, brought Ken Kesey the title of the most talented writer. At the time of its appearance, the novel was popular among representatives of the beat movement and hippies, but even today it has not lost its relevance. Further
William Somerset Maugham. Theater
What does the book hide in itself? An elegant and sarcastic narrative by an incomparable, witty actress who is going through a midlife crisis while dating a young thief of women's hearts? Vanity stories of the roaring twenties? Or is this an exciting romance for all times? One thing is for sure, “Theatre” will appeal to even the most fastidious reader. Further
This book will be an assistant for schoolchildren of all ages. With it, neither children nor parents will have to spend a lot of their time searching for a specific work: the collection already contains a large number of necessary literature, which teachers advise reading. Further
The main character, who is a bank employee, is suddenly arrested on the day he turns 30. But he is not taken into custody, and he takes advantage of this to try to figure out what he did wrong. In this process, he becomes more and more immersed in the judicial world. Will the hero be able to figure out what the accusation is? Further
Kerouac became famous all over the world thanks to his work On the Road, although the attitude towards him different people it was very controversial. The novel, in a very unusual, non-linear way, tells the story of the plight and suffering of one generation of people, and in the center of attention is Dean, a witty man who loves drink and women. Further
Famous novel in Polish classics, written in historical genre. Events take place in the mid-16th century. Then the Swedes were eager to conquer Poland. But the Poles also caused confusion among their people: some went over to the side of their enemies, others tried with all their might to defend their land. And in the center of events are the adventures of a couple in love. Further
A novel that will be relevant at all times. The book touches on themes of religion and philosophy, which are perfectly revealed in an ideally constructed plot: the actions of each hero carry within them makes a lot of sense. In this work, the author showed how one can avoid immorality in society. Further
The original opposite of the well-known dystopia “Wonderful World”. What's worse for people? A consumerist society driven to the point of meaninglessness? Or a society dominated by ideas, which led to ideal perfection? Orwell believes that the worst thing is the massive loss of freedom. Further
The book tells the story of generations of the Buendia family. Events during the war, forbidden love between family members, the appearance of new people, magic - all this can be found in the work of Marquez. The novel involves the reader in the feelings of each character: his experiences and loneliness are acutely felt. Further
Tragedies of people in war times, problems lost generation. This book will reveal the range of all feelings from love to betrayal. The heroes of the novel are three friends who are united by the front; their feelings, thoughts about the past, desires and dreams are described. This work is for those who want to immerse themselves in the life of the last century. Further
The book that laid the foundation for the culture of European postmodernism. It can be perceived in different ways: a masterpiece novel of avant-gardeism, written in the style of surrealist philosophy, or, on the contrary, a masterpiece philosophical story, written in the style of a novel with surrealism. Further
The busy life of the 20s of the last century, when it was popular to throw luxurious parties, when people were confident that they would find happiness only after achieving great heights of power and wealth. And Gatsby, who unsuccessfully chased the dream of love, was inherent in all this. Further
The boys, who had only recently graduated from school and had not yet had time to experience adult life, found themselves in a war that spares no one, together with their teacher. Young men try to find joy in the most ordinary things, in things that they never paid attention to before, because every day could be their last. Further
Events take place in a sanatorium where there are people suffering from tuberculosis. I feel acutely cut off from the rest of the world, with which I can occasionally communicate via mail. Here no one is afraid of death anymore, everyone desperately clings to the slightest manifestations of relationships between people, this helps not to go crazy. Further
A masterpiece of literature that will never lose its relevance: people of all times will read this book with great pleasure. Jane Austen was the first to show that the novel could be a serious genre without the superficiality of its plot. With this she won everyone's love. Further
A book that draws you into the story of difficult fates two brothers and sisters who begin to live separate lives after their father dies. Everyone along the way encounters many obstacles that prevent them from finally achieving their dreams. The work teaches you to find happiness in what you already have, but have not yet learned to appreciate. Further
Hugo writes about how people who are not accepted by society live. For example, a man who was sentenced to 20 years because he was caught stealing bread because his poor family was starving; or the boy who lived on the street. The novel touches on themes of crime, police, politics and the church. Further
At the time of the first submission of the novel, books were subject to strict censorship; publication could not be allowed taboo topics, That's why this work was cut by almost a third. This version of the book is compiled from all materials that were found in the archive, it is the first full edition, which you can read. Further
An excellently written work that was awarded a film adaptation. But if you want to feel the whole gamut of emotions and be completely immersed in a deep story about the crazy, unrequited love of a beautiful paralyzed girl for a soldier, then you should read this novel by Zweig. Further
It was the world's most popular classic literature - a list of the best books. Not all Russian and foreign classics are here, but if you have favorite works, write about them in the comments and we will add them to the list. 😉
Many of us have been left with the conviction since school that for the most part Russian classics are rather boring and unimaginably drawn out works of several hundred pages about the hardships of life, mental suffering and the philosophical quests of the main characters. We have collected Russian classics that are impossible not to read to the end.
Anatoly Pristavkin “The golden cloud spent the night”
“The golden cloud spent the night” by Anatoly Pristavkin- a piercingly tragic story that happened to orphaned twin brothers Sashka and Kolka Kuzmin, evacuated along with the rest of the pupils orphanage during the war in the Caucasus. Here it was decided to establish a labor colony to develop the land. Children turn out to be innocent victims of government policies towards the peoples of the Caucasus. This is one of the most powerful and honest stories about war orphans and deportation. Caucasian peoples. “The Golden Cloud Spent the Night” has been translated into 30 languages of the world and is rightfully one of the best works of Russian classics. 10th place in our ranking.
Boris Pasternak "Doctor Zhivago"
Novel Boris Pasternak "Doctor Zhivago", which brought him worldwide fame and Nobel Prize– in 9th place in the list of the best works of Russian classics. For his novel, Pasternak was sharply criticized by representatives of the official literary world countries. The book's manuscript was banned from publication, and the writer himself, under pressure, was forced to refuse to receive the prestigious award. After Pasternak's death, it was transferred to his son.
Mikhail Sholokhov " Quiet Don»
In terms of the scale and scope of the period of life of the main characters described in it, it can be compared with “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy. This is an epic story about the life and destinies of representatives Don Cossacks. The novel covers three of the country's most difficult eras: the First World War, the 1917 Revolution and the Civil War. What was going on in the souls of people in those days, what reasons forced relatives and friends to stand on opposite sides of the barricades? The writer tries to answer these questions in one of the best works of Russian classical literature. “Quiet Don” is in 8th place in our ranking.
Stories by Anton Chekhov
A generally recognized classic of Russian literature, they occupy 7th place on our list. One of the most famous playwrights in the world, wrote more than 300 works different genres and died very early, at 44 years old. Chekhov's stories, ironic, funny and eccentric, reflected the realities of life of that era. They have not lost their relevance even now. Its peculiarity short works– do not answer questions, but ask them to the reader.
I. Ilf and E. Petrov “Twelve Chairs”
Novels by writers with a wonderful sense of humor I. Ilf and E. Petrov “The Twelve Chairs” and “The Golden Calf” take 6th place among the best works of Russian classics. After reading them, every reader will understand that classical literature is not only interesting and exciting, but also funny. The adventures of the great schemer Ostap Bender, the main character of the books by Ilf and Petrov, will not leave anyone indifferent. Immediately after the first publication, the writers' works were received ambiguously in literary circles. But time has shown their artistic value.
In fifth place in our ranking of the best works of Russian classics - "The Gulag Archipelago" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. It's not only great novel about one of the most difficult and terrible periods in the history of the country - repressions in the USSR, but also autobiographical work, based on personal experience the author, as well as letters and memoirs of more than two hundred camp prisoners. The release of the novel in the West was accompanied by loud scandal and persecution launched against Solzhenitsyn and other dissidents. Publication of The Gulag Archipelago became possible in the USSR only in 1990. The novel is among best books of the century.
Nikolai Gogol “Evenings on a farm near Dikanka”
Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol is a universally recognized classic of world significance. The crowning achievement of his work is considered the novel " Dead Souls", the second volume of which was destroyed by the author himself. But our ranking of the best works of Russian classics includes the first book Gogol – “Evenings on a farm near Dikanka”. It’s hard to believe that the stories included in the book and written with sparkling humor were practically Gogol’s first experience in writing. Pushkin left a flattering review of the work, who was sincerely amazed and fascinated by Gogol’s stories, written in a living, poetic language without feigned affectation and stiffness.
The events described in the book take place in different time periods: in XVII, XVIII XIX centuries.
Fyodor Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment"
Novel “Crime and Punishment” by F. M. Dostoevsky takes third place in the list of the best works of Russian classics. He received the status cult book of global significance. This is one of the most frequently filmed books. It's not only deep philosophical work, in which the author poses to readers the problems of moral responsibility, good and evil, but also a psychological drama and a fascinating detective story. The author shows the reader the process of transforming a talented and respectable young man into a killer. He is no less interested in the possibility of Raskolnikov’s atonement for his guilt.
Great epic novel Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy "War and Peace", the volume of which has terrified schoolchildren for many decades, is actually very interesting. It covers the period of several military campaigns against the strongest France at that time, led by Napoleon Bonaparte. This is one of the brightest examples of the best works of not only Russian, but also world classics. The novel is recognized as one of the most epic works in world literature. Here every reader will find his favorite topic: love, war, courage.
Mikhail Bulgakov "The Master and Margarita"
Topping our list of examples of the best classical literature is the amazing novel. The author never lived to see the publication of his book - it was published 30 years after his death.
The Master and Margarita is such a complex work that not a single attempt to film the novel has been successful. The figures of Woland, the Master and Margarita require filigree accuracy in conveying their images. Unfortunately, no actor has yet managed to achieve this. The film adaptation of the novel by director Vladimir Bortko can be considered the most successful.
Works of classics like good wine, - they are seasoned and time-tested and a huge amount readers. Many of these books are universal: they heal the soul, look for answers to the eternal questions of existence, entertain, relax, lift your spirits, make you think and give you an invaluable opportunity to gain a unique life experience.
Russian classics
"The Master and Margarita", Mikhail Bulgakov
A brilliant masterpiece of world classical literature. An extraordinary, meaningful mystical novel exposing human sins and vices. It intertwined the eternal themes of the struggle between good and evil, death and immortality, as well as an incredible line of love that began with a chance meeting of people created for each other.
"Eugene Onegin", Alexander Pushkin
A good product for those who choose classic for self-development. A novel in verse, in which two characters are contrasted: the jaded, bored young man Eugene Onegin and the pure, naive girl Tatyana Larina, who followed sincere feeling. A story about the growth and development of one personality and the inner emptiness of another.
"Anna Karenina", Leo Tolstoy
Married Anna Karenina falls in love with the young officer Vronsky. He reciprocates her feelings. But the environment turns away from the “fallen woman.” The lovers' desperate attempts to reunite against the backdrop of the morals and customs of the nobility of that time were unsuccessful.
Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak
The history of the generation of the early 20th century, which was part of new era with faith in big changes. However, the trials they had to endure (civil and first World War, revolution), brought only disappointments and broken hopes. But, despite everything, people gained invaluable experience. The book is full of reflections on the fate of people and the state.
“12 chairs”, Evgeny Petrov, Ilya Ilf
The story is about two adventurers looking for diamonds hidden in the chairs of Madame Petukhova’s living room set. The novel-feuilleton is incredibly fascinating, imbued with sharp humor and inexhaustible optimism. It will provide several exciting evenings for those who have not yet read the book, and will cheer up those who have taken it up again.
"Heart of a Dog", Mikhail Bulgakov
Professor Preobrazhensky explores rejuvenation methods. One day he brings a stray dog Sharik from the street and gives him a pituitary gland transplant from the deceased Klim Chugunkin, a drunkard and hooligan. Instead of a kind, flexible animal, you get a creature with an absolutely disgusting character and habits. The novel demonstrates the history of the relationship between the intelligentsia and the “new breed” of man.
“The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Soldier Ivan Chonkin”, Vladimir Voinovich
A wonderful choice of work to read on vacation, such a light anecdote novel. Before the start of the Great Patriotic War In a small village, a plane lands due to a breakdown. There is no way to tow it, so the simple-minded and ridiculous guard Ivan Chonkin is assigned to him, who eventually transfers his place of duty to the house of the postman Nyura...
“And the dawns here are quiet”, Boris Vasiliev
A tragic story about the unequal confrontation between five female anti-aircraft gunners and a detachment of German saboteurs consisting of 16 people. Dreams about the future and women's stories about their loved ones create a stunning contrast with the brutal reality of war.
"Dowry", Alexander Ostrovsky
The play is about a woman forced to throw in her lot with an inconspicuous, uninteresting and unloved man simply because she does not have a dowry. The man whom she loves and considers ideal is only having fun with her, having no intention of exchanging his rich bride for her.
“Garnet Bracelet”, Alexander Kuprin
Having once seen Princess Vera in the circus box, Georgy Zheltkov fell madly in love with her. He sent her letters, hoping for nothing, since she was married. The love lasted for several years until he decided to give her Garnet bracelet. Wonderful piece, which is suitable for those who are looking for something to read for the soul.
Foreign literature
The Thorn Birds, Colin McCullough
The epic story of a family of poor people who later became managers of a large Australian estate. The plot of the novel is based on strong, dramatic feelings between the main character Maggie and the Catholic priest Father Ralph. What will win, love or religion? The work has become one of the most popular romance novels among admirers.
Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
Roman about strong woman Scarlett O'Hara, who took care of her family on her shoulders in difficult years Civil War in America. The book talks about incredible story love and demonstrates the evolution of feelings main character amid the trials of war.
"Pride and Prejudice", Jane Austen
England 18th century. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, who have raised five daughters, are thinking about marrying young ladies. Mr. Bingley, who has settled next door, is perfectly suited to the role of the groom. Besides, he has many friends. The book is about how feelings arise and how love helps overcome pride and prejudice.
"The Great Gatsby", Francis Scott Fitzgerald
The book takes place in America during the Jazz Age. The author shows the other side of the notorious “American Dream”. At the center of the story is the story of a rich man and a spendthrift, Gatsby, who is trying to return the woman he loves, who left him when he was still achieving success. Unfortunately, wealth never brought him happiness.
"A Little Sun in Cold Water" by Francoise Sagan
This is a great version of the piece. modern classics. The story of the romance of the Parisian journalist Gilles Lantier with married woman who left her husband. The work raises the theme of fatigue from life, what is commonly called depression. It seems that the relationship helped Gilles overcome his illness. But is his chosen one happy?
Arc de Triomphe, Erich Maria Remarque
German emigrant Ravik lives illegally and works as a surgeon in pre-war Paris. Returning home late, he notices a woman trying to throw herself off a bridge. Thus begins a romance between an actress named Joan and a German refugee. An unusually beautiful, passionate and sad love story, full of philosophical reflections.
"Notre-Dame de Paris", Victor Hugo
This is a real classic historical novel, describing medieval Paris. At the center of the story is the incredible romantic story the hunchback bell ringer Quasimodo and the gypsy street dancer Esmeralda. However, the author positions the cathedral itself as the main character of the novel. Notre Dame of Paris, thereby attracting public attention to it.
"Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury
Moments of summer, sealed in bottles - this is dandelion wine. The book is woven from large and small stories that take place throughout the summer, everyday discoveries, the main one of which is that we live, we feel, we breathe. The narrative itself is warm and leisurely. Brothers Douglas and Tom live in a provincial town and through them we see the world through the eyes of 12-year-old children.
"Fried Green Tomatoes at the Stop Cafe" by Fannie Flagg
Evelyn, a middle-aged woman, has lost interest in life and eats chocolate for her depression. Once a week she is forced to visit her mother-in-law in a nursing home. There Evelyn meets 86-year-old Ninny, who is full of love and zest for life. Each time the old woman tells stories from her past, which helps Evelyn reconsider her worldview.
"Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey
The main character Randle recklessly chooses the latter between prison and a mental hospital. Here he is trying to change the established rules and teach other patients to enjoy life. An elderly, sullen nurse resists the innovations of a freedom-loving patient for fear of losing power over the staff and patients.
(Russian) - this is broad concept, and everyone puts their own meaning into it. If you ask readers what associations it evokes in them, the answers will be different. For some, this is the basis of the library collection, others will say that works of classical Russian literature are a kind of example of high artistic merit. For schoolchildren, this is everything they study at school. And they will all be absolutely right in their own way. So what is classical literature? Russian literature, today we will talk only about it. We will talk about foreign classics in another article.
Russian literature
There is a generally accepted periodization of formation and development Russian literature. Its history is divided into the following time periods:
What works are called classics?
Many readers are sure that classical literature (Russian) is Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy - that is, the works of those writers who lived in the 19th century. It's not like that at all. It can be classic from both the Middle Ages and the 20th century. By what canons and principles can one determine whether a novel or story is a classic? Firstly, a classical work must have a high artistic value, be a model for others. Secondly, it must have worldwide recognition, it must be included in the fund of world culture.
And you need to be able to distinguish between the concepts of classical and popular literature. A classic is something that has stood the test of time, and oh popular work They can forget quite quickly. If its relevance remains for decades, perhaps it will also become a classic over time.
The origins of Russian classical literature
At the end of the 18th century, the newly established nobility of Russia split into two opposing camps: conservatives and reformers. This split was due different attitude to the changes that took place in life: Peter's reforms, understanding of the tasks of the Enlightenment, the painful peasant issue, attitude towards power. This struggle of extremes led to the rise of spirituality and self-awareness, which gave birth to Russian classics. We can say that it was forged during the dramatic processes in the country.
Classical literature (Russian), born in the complex and contradictory 18th century, was finally formed in XIX century. Its main features: national identity, maturity, self-awareness.
Russian classical literature of the 19th century
The growth of national consciousness played a major role in the development of culture at that time. More and more is opening up educational institutions, the social importance of literature is increasing, writers are beginning to pay a lot of attention to their native language. It made me think even more about what was happening in the country.
Karamzin's influence on the development of 19th-century literature
Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin, the greatest Russian historian, writer and journalist, was the most influential figure in Russian culture XVIII-XIX centuries His historical stories and the monumental “History of the Russian State” had a huge influence on the work of subsequent writers and poets: Zhukovsky, Pushkin, Griboedov. He is one of the great reformers of the Russian language. Karamzin introduced a large number of new words into use, without which we cannot imagine modern speech today.
Russian classical literature: list of the best works
Select and list the best literary works- a difficult task, since each reader has his own preferences and tastes. A novel that will be a masterpiece for one may seem boring and uninteresting to another. How to create a list of classic Russian literature that would satisfy the majority of readers? One way is to conduct surveys. Based on them, one can draw conclusions about which work the readers themselves consider the best of the proposed options. These types of information collection methods are conducted regularly, although the data may change slightly over time.
The list of the best creations of Russian classics, according to versions of literary magazines and Internet portals, looks like this:
Under no circumstances should this list be considered a reference. In some ratings and polls, the first place may not be Bulgakov, but Leo Tolstoy or Alexander Pushkin, and some of the listed writers may not be at all. Ratings are an extremely subjective thing. It’s better to make a list of your favorite classics for yourself and focus on it.
The meaning of Russian classical literature
The creators of Russian classics have always had great social responsibility. They never acted as moralizers and did not give ready-made answers in their works. Writers put before the reader difficult task and made him think about her decision. They raised serious social and social problems, which are still of great importance to us. Therefore, Russian classics remain just as relevant today.