Understanding Why: The Modern Classics

Reading modern classics can help us to better understand the world and human experiences, by offering commentaries about them, whether wonderous or controversial.

Modern classic literature is recognized as books written from the 20th century and having a lasting literary significance. Oscar Wilde wrote in The Picture of Dorien Grey, “The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world it’s own shame” (Wilde, 1890.) Although modern classic literature may be a common term, most would be even more familiar with the phrase “banned book.” Even though these books were controversial, they still have a place on your bookshelf. They are not only ahead of their time, but also timeless.

Let’s take a look at some modern classics.

A “classic” example would be Animal Farm by George Orwell, it contains the controversy of communism and governmental suppression through the hypothetical lives of farm animals under the leadership of pigs, who are metaphors for prominent communist figure. It was banned in the U.S. as many believed it to be communist propaganda. Reading this story can give the reader a sense of empathy towards the politically oppressed and provide insight for the past, or even current, state of government. According to a blog called Medium, an article written by Iffy Shaik in 2025, states that the theme is still relevent today. Shaik writes that “Animal Farm…[examines the] broader world, revealing uncomfortable truths about power, corruption, and the ways in which misinformation shapes our world.” (Shaik, 2025.)

Another example would be George Orwell’s 1984. The book depicts the potential of a politically corrupt government and the danger of overpowered individuals. In the story, it dipicts and dystopian world where the government has complete control and surveillance, illustrating the importance of freedom, privacy, and critical thinking. A Medium article written by Terence Chen in 2023 states, “Reading ‘1984’ encourages us to reflect of the implications of surveillance technologies and the need to balance security with individual rights.” (Chen, 2023.) 1984 was concidered contentious in 1981 for being “pro-communist,” and was taken off the shelves for many years.

Taking a break from politics, modern classics can also demonstrate real world problems not only in the political, but in society and mentality.

Reading the modern classics gives readers a better understanding on human nature, providing awareness of experiences, and encouraging moral and ethical frameworks through the actions of the characters. The main character in The Bell Jar, Esther Greenwood, navigates life in the 1950s, facing societal issues towards women while displaying symptoms of severe depression and anxiety. The Bell Jar was considered controversial when it was published due to the lack of scientific understanding and widespread ignorance of mental health issues. The book gives a glimpse into the mind of a mental illness inflicted individual, showing us a better understand of mental health’s impact on peoples lives.

Through the modern classics, we may catch a glimpse of universal experience that is consistent throughout history. Even though these writing are from the past, their relevance towards humanity remains strong. As stated in George Orwell’s 1984, “Where therenis equality, there can be sanity.” (Orwell, 1949.) These books can help us recognize the corrupt and put an end to it. We also will be more understanding and empathetic towards the human experience and mentality, for the authors are pouring their own experience and beliefs into their work. Garima Sharma wrote an article for the Bulletin for Technology and History Journal about Sylvia Plath’s portrayal of mental health, saying that Plath’s representation of mental illness is relaistic since it is based on [the author’s] experiences. (Sharma, n.d.) If you have read Sylvia Plath’s memoirs and letters, you know she was probably having a worse day than you are.

As I have mentioned, the stories show examples of shocking situations, they are written to purposefully seem futuristic, invoking the reader to take a look at the worlds current state, possibly created a want for change in the world, or having a call to action to change it themselves, whether it be for politics, society, or general wellbeing. There are a great deal of modern classics in the world, and they all offer different meaning. How are these concepts applicable today? With thses novels, we can grow a profound respect and appreciation for the world we live in. We can see the importance of freedom and individual rights, professional mental help, and validation, while becoming more aware of social injustice and better work towards equality in our communities, and perhaps, the world.