Classic literature sometimes gets a reputation for being a bit dull or hard to connect with, especially if the language feels outdated or the stories don’t seem to match everyday life. I know I’ve opened up an old novel before, only to stumble on the first page and wonder if it’s worth continuing. But even though some classic books are tough to read, there are ways to make sense of them and even enjoy the process. I’m sharing my best tips here. Plus, I’ll walk you through why these books can be so challenging and which ones people usually find the hardest to get through. Stick around for practical advice and some encouragement to tackle those dusty tomes!
Why Some Classic Literature Feels Hard to Read
Lots of classic novels and plays come from times when language, storytelling, and even social expectations were way different from today. Reading these books can feel like trying to piece together a giant puzzle. There are a few reasons why people (myself included) might struggle:
- Old fashioned Language: Words, phrases, and grammar from a different era can be confusing or even meaningless without some context. When you come across sentences stacked with semicolons and odd word choices, your brain has to work a lot harder than with something written today.
- Unfamiliar Settings and Social Norms: Books set in distant places or societies (think Victorian England or ancient Greece) sometimes focus on customs or problems that seem far removed from what’s familiar. That creates a gap that isn’t always easy to cross.
- Dense and Slow moving Plots: Some classic stories take their time getting started. It’s pretty common for these books to have lengthy setups with big chunks of description or lots of background on each character’s family and social position.
- Outdated References: When an author slips in a reference to a famous politician or a cultural event from their own time, it can be totally lost on modern readers. Not knowing what those references mean can leave you feeling left out.
Sometimes all of these factors stack up, and after a few pages, you just want to give up. But there are some approaches that make these books easier to tackle. Everyone comes to these books with different backgrounds and patience levels, so it’s normal if you find one aspect trickier than another.
Top Classic Books Readers Find Tricky (and Why)
After talking to book lovers and spending time in literature classes myself, a few titles pop up over and over as the most challenging. Here are some regulars on those lists, with a bit about what makes them tricky:
- “Mobydick” by Herman Melville: Beyond the story about whales, Melville gets pretty technical with sailing terms, philosophy, and long chapters on whaling history. It’s famous for being a slow, heavy read. The amount of detail can feel endless at times, but if you hang on, you might stumble upon some unexpectedly powerful moments.
- “Ulysses” by James Joyce: Some people say reading this novel feels like decoding a secret message. The stream of consciousness writing, constant switches in style, and references to Homer’s “Odyssey” make it a real challenge. Joyce loves to jump into the minds of characters and use language in playful, puzzling ways.
- “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky: Packed with philosophy, religion, and complicated family relationships, this Russian classic takes patience and sometimes a notebook to keep track of all the characters. The moral and existential themes can add layers of depth that aren’t always easy to digest in one go.
- “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner: The book jumps around in time and between narrators, some of whom don’t think in a straight line. That style really slows things down unless you’re prepared to go back and reread. Faulkner’s use of stream of consciousness and unique perspectives mean the plot can seem jumbled until you get the hang of it.
- “Paradise Lost” by John Milton: As a long narrative poem, it’s full of complicated sentences and old religious references. Reading this one is more like climbing a mountain than reading for fun on a lazy afternoon. It challenges with both form and content, but the vivid language and drama can make it worthwhile if approached with patience.
If you’re trying any of these, you’re definitely not alone in finding them a bit overwhelming. But with a few tricks, even these “scary” titles start to make more sense. And who knows, tackling hard classics can sometimes end up giving you a real sense of accomplishment.
Tips for Making Classic Literature More Readable
Getting more out of tough classics is really about having a plan and not beating yourself up if you’re confused. Here’s what works for me and a bunch of other readers who’ve been in the same boat:
- Pick an Annotated Edition: Books with footnotes or margin notes explain the weird words and references as you go. It saves a lot of time compared to Googling every line.
- Break It Down into Chunks: Reading a chapter or two at a time (instead of powering through in one go) helps your brain keep up. Some people make mini goals, like reading only ten pages per day.
- Use Audio Versions: Sometimes hearing an actor read the story with the right emotion can help a scene click. Many classics are available on free audiobook apps, and switching between print and audio keeps things fresh.
- Join a Reading Group: Talking through the story with others can fill in the gaps and make tough parts less confusing. You get new ideas on what’s going on, and it keeps you accountable to finish the book.
- Look Up Summaries: Reading a simple summary or watching a quick video overview before getting into a chapter can clear up confusion before it even starts.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Move On: There’s no shame in giving a book a real try, then setting it aside if it isn’t your thing right now. Interest and timing matter just as much as effort.
Using even one or two of these tips makes reading hard books less of a chore and more of a discovery. No one expects you to figure out the perfect method right away, so experiment until you see what clicks.
What Helps If the Story Feels Dull or Unrelatable?
If a classic novel drags or you’re just feeling bored, that’s pretty normal. It helps to get curious about little details or find ways to connect it back to today. Here are some practical ways to do that:
- Think about why the author wrote the book. Was it to criticize their society, or tell a story about change? I like reading a quick author bio to track down clues.
- Relate characters’ struggles to things you or people you know have felt. Even if the setting is ancient or the clothes are different, jealousy, ambition, love, and fear are pretty universal.
- Draw connections between the book’s events and stuff happening now. Some big themes in old books, like social justice or families fighting, are still relevant.
- Focus on one interesting aspect, maybe the setting, the way the dialogue is written, or the unique ideas. Sometimes that’s enough to keep you invested, even if you’re not loving every page.
Switching up how you approach a book can make the difference between closing it for good and getting invested in at least a few chapters. Sometimes the best way to get into a story is to find something—even a single moment—that connects with you, then build on that.
Common Questions About Hard to read Classics
I hear the same few questions all the time from people who want to get more out of difficult classics, so I’m answering them here with some practical advice and tips.
Question: Do I really have to finish every classic I start?
Answer: Absolutely not. It’s okay to set a book down and come back later or focus on parts of it that seem interesting. The main thing is to try and get something out of the experience, not force yourself to push through out of guilt.
Question: How can I enjoy reading something that feels so unrelated to my life?
Answer: Try to focus on characters, situations, or ideas that feel universal. Even if the details are old fashioned, some of the big questions and emotions still matter today. Sometimes it helps to watch a movie version first or find articles discussing what the book tried to say.
Question: Are there ways to make the language less confusing?
Answer: Use editions with modern notes or translations, or pair your reading with an audiobook. Sometimes even flipping back and forth with a dictionary or website that explains tricky phrases makes all the difference.
Where to Start If You’re New to Classics
If you want to stretch your reading skills but aren’t sure where to begin, I’d suggest picking classics that are a bit more approachable first. Something like “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee or “The Outsiders” by SE Hinton is a great choice. These are shorter, have more familiar language, and relatable characters. After these, once you feel more confident, you can challenge yourself with a tougher title from the earlier list.
- Try a modern classic first. Books from the 20th century tend to be more familiar in terms of language and pace.
- Set aside time to read slowly. Rushing isn’t helpful, since classics can reward slow reading and paying close attention.
- Share thoughts with others. Chatting with a friend who read the same book or looking up online book forums adds some outside perspective.
Sometimes all it takes is the right first book to unlock a bigger interest in classic literature, even if the older stuff never becomes your favorite. Exploring a variety of styles and eras can help you spot what works for you—don’t be afraid to switch things up until you find a story that grabs you.
Wrapping Up
Classic literature can feel dull or unrelatable at first, but there are plenty of ways to make these books more accessible. Breaking them down, using modern resources, and approaching them with curiosity all help. Even if you don’t end up loving every classic you try, the experience of working through something outside your reading comfort zone is worth it. Sometimes a book that once felt totally unreadable begins to make sense, and even feel moving, once you find your own way in. Keep an open mind, use the tools available, and remember that reading classics is more about exploration than perfection.
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