In today’s day and age, a “classic” book is often associated with wordy language, out-of-touch subject matters, and unrelatable characters. High school students often see a classic and automatically jump to the conclusion that it will be too difficult to read and is not worth their time. However, if teenagers took the time to look beyond the date published, they would see that classic novels and plays are still extremely relevant today; everyone should read them.

Although teenagers may believe their own lives are disconnected from those of characters in classic novels and plays, they have more in common than one might think. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is a misunderstood teenager who is trying to gain independence. This is very similar to how many teenagers also feel today. Shakespeare illustrates the difficulties of family predicaments and the never-ending battle between parent and child. The circumstances of Juliet’s issues are somewhat specific to the time, but the message remains the same.

Modern novels may implement interesting plots and fresh perspectives, but nothing can surpass the detailed writing and the soothing sense of love often included in classic novels. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a perfect example of these characteristics. Austen’s combination of character development, wit, and engaging plotlines creates a foolproof story. Elizabeth Bennet’s love story, which is the main plot of the novel, develops in a realistic and authentic way that makes it interesting to read about. Not only is Pride and Prejudice’s storyline simply timeless, but it also has important life lessons on the importance of first impressions and staying persistent in the face of rejection.

Furthermore, classic novels often provide warnings about current and future world affairs. George Orwell’s Animal Farm does this extremely well. Using allegory, Orwell describes a society that seems utopian, but it slowly begins to evolve into chaos and a system full of power-hungry elites. This novel was written in reference to the Russian Revolution and was meant to address the issues of Stalinism. However, it still has great relevance today. Animal Farm dictates the serious consequences of corruption and a power-hungry society. If the world listens to these warnings, future problems can be avoided.

Classic novels and plays have relatable characters, important themes, compelling storylines, exceptional writing, and key warnings. All these characteristics elevate classic books and make them more interesting than other literature. They are timeless. Teenagers can still get hooked on many classic books. Next time you’re looking for a new read, don’t be discouraged by a book’s “classic” label; that simply means it is better than most books and is worth reading.