5 misleading and questionable lessons learned from Classics
Undoubtedly, classic novels are still relevant today because they can give readers certain insights by offering a glimpse into the past and sharing their input on issues that have stayed universal and timeless. Furthermore, as per research, reading classic literature and fiction helps you understand and identify other people's feelings and thoughts more easily. When you can empathize, you become more cooperative, patient, and kinder. Despite all this, there are several lessons that classics shouldn't have taught us. Or rather, the lesson an individual derived from a classic got propagated for hundreds of years and still stays with us. In light of this, here are five misleading and questionable lessons learned from the classics.
'To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee - "Atticus is the man"
Yes, Atticus is awesome in many ways. His speech defending Tom Robinson is brilliant. However, as per many critics, he is a one-dimensional white male character who is always right and knows everything - something Harper Lee knew she needed to sell her novel in the 1960s. The fact that too many innocent Tom Robinsons died at the hands of a racist justice system can't be covered by a character like Atticus.
Pic credit: Penguin Random House
'Odyssey' by Homer - "Mass murder is okay when someone wrongs you"
In this classic of classics, Odysseus murders all suitors and their mistresses who just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Zeus murders Odysseus’s entire crew because they ate some cows. Poseidon murders a whole fleet of Phaeacians in front of their families because they helped Odysseus get back to Ithaca. What if Hitler used similar trivial reasons to murder millions of Jews? Will it be acceptable?
Pic credit: Penguin Classics
'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald - "Love is obsessive"
This is an absolute no-no. Gatsby is so desperate to win over Daisy that he chooses a life of organized crime and fancy parties - just to show her that he is good enough for her. Plus, he also stalks Daisy, keeps newspaper clippings of her, and buys a house across the bay from her. Is this love?
Pic credit: General Press
'The Catcher in the Rye' by J. D. Salinger - "Sensitive and insightful guys end up in a mental hospital"
Holden Caulfield, the novel's central character, has quite a depressing story. A quirky, funny, and honest guy, Holden goes insane (maybe because of the same qualities). Unfortunately, things haven't changed much since the publication of the novel. Till today, young boys and men with the similar traits are either bullied or labeled as 'feminine'.
Pic credit: Penguin UK
'Much Ado About Nothing' by Shakespeare - "It's okay to get a spouse by trickery"
In this, Claudio accuses Hero of infidelity. Unfortunately, this accusation causes Hero to commit suicide out of distress. Claudio, ashamed of his poor conduct, agrees to marry Hero’s sister as a favor to her father. However, at the wedding, the bride is revealed to be Hero, who’s very much alive. She faked her death! Somewhere, the classic gives out the message that to win love, trickery is okay.
Pic credit: Atlantic