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Am I afraid of a certain Classic?

I haven't written here much at all. Mostly because I have been blogging over at my other site and just haven't had much to write in regards to books and reading here. But this month's discussion question for Classic Club members is one I just couldn't pass by: 

What classic piece of literature most intimidates you, and why? Or, are you intimidated by the classics, and why? And has your view changed at all since you joined our club?

I think the two major pieces of classic literature that I am most intimidated by are the works of William Shakespeare and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I am usually not intimidated by the Classics. In fact, I love reading Classics and have begun quite the collection on my shelves. But those two men and their writings stare me in the face like a brick wall that I'll never be able to climb over. 

I have read Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame and absolutely hated it. There were sections in the book where it was good, but most of it was just awful. I was so bored and felt like something was missing from his style of writing. I have heard so many say that Les Miserables is their favorite or that it's by far one of the greatest classics. But I am so scared of it. My fear of it also isn't helped by the fact that I have seen the movie starring Liam Neeson and had to write a paper on it in college. I was so confused by the movie and wrestled with the paper so much that I just have no desire to touch it again. It is not on my list of 70 classics and it probably never will be. But only time will tell. 

And Shakespeare... What can I say about his works? I read Julius Caesar and Merchant of Venice in high school for one of my writing classes. And that was brutal. Maybe I was just too young and still too green in my reading of the classics. But I am willing to give him another chance and maybe this time I will be pleasantly surprised. 

So... there you go. My two most intimidating Classics. Wish me luck!   

Comments

  1. FandaNovember 13, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    You should read Julius Caesar, it's interesting, like reading one of historical fictions but with a different style.

    I was not very successful either with Victor Hugo. I have read Hunchback of Notre Dame, and quite like it if you scrap the beginning. Les Miserables, I read the abridged version, and get bored in the middle part, so I understand that you'll probably won't like it. Don't force yourself because we have our own tastes, that might be different with others.

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  2. MabelNovember 14, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    I read and disliked Shakespeare in high school too. But returning to him later? I now consider him a favorite.

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  3. UnknownNovember 29, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    I LOVED Les Miserables! It's one of my favorites. But then, I also loved Hunchback of Notre Dame, so we have different tastes. :) I DO have difficulty with Shakespeare, though...but I'm trying anyway!

    My November Meme is here

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  4. oDecember 11, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    Shakespeare is indeed tough. I *think* my favourite, or one of them at least, is Titus Andronicus.

    Les Mis is a wonderful book - and I really did not like Hunchback, so there is hope :)

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