Top 10 Must-Read Classic Books
- Marcelo Serafim
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Published in 1813, this novel remains one of the most beloved romances in English literature. It follows the intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates societal expectations and personal growth. Her relationship with Mr. Darcy evolves from misunderstanding and pride to mutual respect and love. Beneath the love story, Austen explores issues of class, marriage, and gender roles in Georgian England with wit and social commentary that still feels fresh today.
1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s 1949 dystopian classic paints a terrifying vision of a totalitarian regime that controls every aspect of citizens’ lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the Party rewriting history to fit the government’s version of the truth. But secretly, he dreams of freedom and truth. His rebellion, however, brings him face to face with the brutal power of Big Brother. This novel is a warning about censorship, propaganda, and the fragility of human freedom.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Set in the racially segregated American South during the 1930s, this novel is told through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Her father, Atticus Finch, defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of a serious crime. Through Scout’s innocent yet insightful perspective, readers witness prejudice, injustice, and the moral courage it takes to stand up for what is right. The book explores themes of empathy, human dignity, and the loss of innocence.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
This 1851 novel tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor who joins Captain Ahab on a whaling ship. Ahab is consumed by a dangerous obsession: to hunt down Moby Dick, the giant white whale that once destroyed his ship and leg. The journey becomes a profound exploration of revenge, fate, and the human spirit’s struggle against forces beyond its control. Rich in symbolism and philosophical depth, Moby-Dick is both an adventure story and a meditation on existence.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in the Jazz Age of 1920s America, the novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes fascinated by his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby throws lavish parties in hopes of winning back Daisy Buchanan, the woman he loves. But beneath the glittering surface lies a story of obsession, illusion, and the corruption of the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s lyrical writing captures the beauty and tragedy of a society driven by wealth and status.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In this intense psychological novel, Raskolnikov, a poor student in St. Petersburg, murders a pawnbroker to prove his theory that extraordinary people are above the law. But after the crime, he is consumed by guilt, paranoia, and inner conflict. Through his journey, Dostoevsky explores deep moral and philosophical questions about justice, suffering, and redemption. The novel is both a crime story and a profound study of the human soul.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
First published in 1847, Jane Eyre tells the story of a young orphan who endures cruelty and hardship but grows into a strong, independent woman. As a governess at Thornfield Hall, she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester and falls in love with him. But dark secrets from his past threaten their future. Brontë combines gothic mystery with a powerful message about personal integrity, equality, and the right to love on one’s own terms.
The Odyssey by Homer
One of the oldest stories in Western literature, this epic poem follows Odysseus’s 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he battles mythical creatures like the Cyclops, resists the seductive songs of the Sirens, and faces the wrath of the gods. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus wait for him in Ithaca. The Odyssey explores themes of heroism, perseverance, loyalty, and the enduring power of hope.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Written when Shelley was only 18, this 1818 novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a living being from dead body parts. But when the creature comes to life, Victor is horrified and abandons it. Lonely and rejected, the creature seeks both love and revenge. Frankenstein is not just a gothic horror story — it’s also a profound reflection on ambition, responsibility, and what it means to be human.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Published in 1951, this novel captures the voice of teenage alienation like few others. Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old boy, narrates his journey through New York City after being expelled from school. Disillusioned by the “phoniness” of the adult world, he searches for truth and human connection. Through his raw and honest voice, Salinger explores themes of identity, innocence, and the struggles of growing up.
📝 5 Comprehension Questions
What social issues does Pride and Prejudice address?
Why is 1984 still relevant in modern society?
How does To Kill a Mockingbird explore the theme of justice?
What role does obsession play in Moby-Dick?
What makes The Odyssey a timeless story?
📖 Vocabulary Section
💬 Phrasal Verb of the Day: “Dive into”
Meaning: To begin to do something eagerly or deeply.Examples:
“When I started reading Moby-Dick, I really dived into the world of whaling.”
“She dived into the novel and lost track of time.”
🇺🇸 American Idiom: “Hit the books”
Meaning: To begin studying seriously.Example: “I have a test tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.”
✍️ Grammar Tip: Relative Clauses
Relative clauses add extra information about a noun using who, which, that, where, etc.
Example 1: “Pride and Prejudice, which was written by Jane Austen, is a classic.”
Example 2: “The man who wrote 1984 is George Orwell.”
Example 3: “This is the book that changed my perspective.”
👉 Tip: Use commas when the relative clause adds extra information (non-defining clause). Don’t use commas when it’s essential information (defining clause).
Listening
🏡 Homework Proposal
Choose one of the classic books mentioned above.
Write a short summary (8–10 lines) of its plot in your own words.
Highlight 5 new vocabulary words you learned while reading.
Use one phrasal verb and one idiom in your summary.
Include at least one relative clause in your writing.
✅ This exercise will help you improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills while connecting with some of the greatest literary works of all time.
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