The hottest Classic literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

George Orwell and the Freedom to Say 2+2 = 4

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 456 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Political themes Freedom of Speech Philosophy
  1. George Orwell's _1984_ shows how totalitarian regimes deny truth to control people. The idea that '2 + 2 = 4' is a powerful symbol of freedom.
  2. Politics influences every part of life, even the most personal actions. This can make us feel like we’re constantly being watched and limited in our choices.
  3. To truly find and value truth, we need to embrace free speech and open discussions. Suppressing ideas only hinders our search for what is real.

Classics Corner: Corduroy

Readable Moments Book Club • 396 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📚 Literature Children's Books Illustration Classic literature Storytelling
  1. Corduroy is a story about a bear who wants to find a home and a child, Lisa, who sees his worth despite his missing button. It shows the importance of loving something for its uniqueness.
  2. The illustrations in Corduroy are charming and convey deep emotions, making the story more special. They help readers connect with Corduroy’s longing to be loved.
  3. Corduroy’s journey reflects a common human experience of wanting to belong, reminding readers about the deep desire for acceptance and a place to call home.

Midyear in a mid year

Austin Kleon • 6294 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Contemporary Fiction Poetry Literary Criticism Book Reviews
  1. The concept of being 'mid' can refer to a stage in life that seems mediocre, but it doesn't have to be boring. Embracing the middle can lead to inspiration and growth.
  2. Reading can be a journey, as shown by the author's experience with classic literature. Sometimes, a book may not resonate, but that doesn't take away from the value of exploring different works.
  3. Creativity often flourishes when you embrace uncertainty. Not knowing everything about your craft can lead to more genuine and joyful expressions of art.

Recommendation: The Odyssey (Read by Ian McKellen)

Counter Craft • 663 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📚 Literature Classic literature Book recommendations Poetry Audiobooks Cultural Discourse
  1. The Odyssey is an important piece of literature that many people surprisingly haven't read or heard of. It's essential to explore these classics because they still hold relevance today.
  2. Listening to The Odyssey as an audiobook can enhance the experience, especially with a talented narrator like Ian McKellen. The oral tradition of the poem makes it well-suited for this format.
  3. The structure of The Odyssey, which includes stories within stories, is different from modern storytelling norms. This unique format offers a refreshing take that can inspire new ways to write.
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Love

Cosmographia • 1098 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Love Classic literature Quotes
  1. Love can be described in various forms through art, literature, and quotes. These expressions often capture the essence of deep emotions and connections.
  2. Famous writers and artists have beautifully conveyed the power and complexity of love through their work, offering insights into human relationships and sentiments.
  3. Love is portrayed as a force that transcends time and circumstance, exhibiting qualities of passion, devotion, and steadfastness.

In search of America

Austin Kleon • 2437 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Travel Writing Biography American Literature Non-fiction
  1. Steinbeck felt out of touch with America after living abroad and wanted to reconnect by traveling. He had a strong urge to explore and escape the feelings of aging.
  2. He named his camper truck 'Rocinante' after the horse of Don Quixote, highlighting his adventurous spirit. The unique name also sparked curiosity during his travels.
  3. The book captures the essence of wanderlust and the desire to discover one's own country, reflecting on how age doesn’t diminish the yearning for adventure.

"A Christmas Carol" Finale

Story Club with George Saunders • 37 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Literary Analysis Short Stories Classic literature Creative Writing
  1. The finale of 'A Christmas Carol' is very concise and to the point. It shows how well a story can be told without extra fluff.
  2. Great writers have a knack for keeping things simple and powerful. This is a skill that's often missing in lesser writers.
  3. The conclusion ties up the story beautifully, emphasizing the character's transformation and the spirit of Christmas. It leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

What I read in 2024

Get Down and Shruti • 12 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading Lists Book Reviews Classic literature Poetry Identity
  1. Classics remain timeless. It's often the older books, like George Orwell's and Orhan Pamuk's works, that resonate deeply and teach us about human struggle and society.
  2. Trade and economics books can provide clarity on complex issues. Understanding the history of trade policies helps us navigate present challenges in global economics.
  3. Identity and culture shape our perspectives. Exploring themes of identity through various lenses, like literature and history, enhances our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Make self-publishing great again

The Leftovers • 219 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Self-Publishing Criticism Classic literature
  1. The preconception that traditionally-published books are inherently better than self-published ones is flawed; both avenues have their own strengths and weaknesses.
  2. Gatekeeping in the literary world may not always be based on merit, leading to snobbish attitudes towards self-published works.
  3. The way a book is released does not determine its greatness; classic works like those of Proust and Dickens were self-published and have stood the test of time.

Stephen Crane's Red Badge of Courage

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Literary Analysis Themes Author studies Narrative Techniques
  1. The story explores how characters shift between different ways of seeing themselves, moving from traditional to modern views. It's about understanding who we are in tough situations like war.
  2. Henry, the main character, learns that cowardice is a real part of life and doesn't make him less of a person. This realization shapes his identity and how he experiences bravery and fear.
  3. The novel shows that true courage can come from accepting all parts of oneself, rather than just the heroic moments. This blend of emotions is what makes Henry's journey relatable and profound.

The Gamemaster's Anger and Fear

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Mythology Narrative structure Character analysis Narrative Techniques
  1. The encounter between Achilles and Aeneas in the Iliad showcases a complex interplay of heroic motifs and meta-moments, inviting audience engagement in different narrative levels.
  2. The use of 'pivotal contrafactuals' in the text creates tension and deviation from traditional narratives, allowing for exploration of alternative outcomes that challenge the epic tradition.
  3. The divine intervention in the narrative, such as Poseidon's interference to save Aeneas, highlights themes of fate, emotion, and the role of gods as game masters shaping the story.

Reading and Teaching Homer

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Teaching Analysis Recommendations
  1. Prepare to read Homer by starting with something else first, like an overview or graphic novel, to familiarize yourself with the characters and stories.
  2. When reading Homer for the first time, focus on the main story being told and don't get bogged down by every detail or reference that may not be crucial to understanding the overall tale.
  3. Understand the unique aesthetics and structure of Homeric poetry by exploring the language, repetitions, and devices like metonymy, which adds to the richness and depth of the epic.

A New Widow and Her Orphan

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Greek mythology Classic literature Narrative analysis Tragedy
  1. Andromache's lament in the Iliad for Hektor showcases the profound grief of a widow and her orphaned child, expressing the devastating impact of loss on families and communities.
  2. Andromache's speeches highlight themes of trauma and projected pain, emphasizing the tragic fate awaiting her son Astyanax as a symbol of lost potential and unfulfilled promise.
  3. The epic portrays the horrors of war through the lens of violence against children like Astyanax, revealing the irrevocable destruction violence brings to cities and the emptiness of glory in the face of irreparable loss.

Train Stations Early in the Morning—Dazai and Dostoevsky on Mood

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
📚 Literature Classic literature Philosophy Emotions Narrative
  1. Train stations in the early morning have a quiet, sad vibe. People seem tired and reluctant to be there, just going through the motions.
  2. When we feel unhappy, we tend to notice the sadness of others more. It's like our own feelings become sharper and more focused.
  3. In contrast, when people are happy, they might overlook the struggles around them. Our mood can really influence how we see the world and others.

"Silas Marner" (George Eliot)

Outsider Art • 19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Character analysis Themes Redemption Victorian Era
  1. Silas Marner, the main character, faces hardships and misjudgment due to his outsider status in the village of Raveloe.
  2. Acts of kindness, like Silas helping a sick woman and later adopting a young girl, showcase the theme of unexpected treasures in life.
  3. The novel reflects a world where virtue is ultimately rewarded, but also explores the complexities of redemption and the passage of time.

What book legitimately changed your life?

kalanis • 19 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
📚 Literature Classic literature Biographies Investing Science Self-Improvement
  1. The post provides a list of books that have changed lives, spanning various genres like classic literature, biographies, investing, self-improvement, science, and religion.
  2. The recommendations are compiled from Patrick OShaughnessy's tweet asking for life-changing book suggestions.
  3. The post includes Amazon affiliate links for the recommended books, making it easy for readers to access and purchase them.

Telling stories to tell stories

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 22
📚 Literature Analysis Author Classic literature
  1. Manuel Puig's book _El beso de la mujer ara\u00f1a_ is worth reading as it showcases his talent as an Argentine writer.
  2. Puig's work is critically acclaimed and also appeals to a wide audience, blending influences from cinema with his literature.
  3. Puig's background in film plays a significant role in his writing, particularly evident in _El beso de la mujer ara\u00f1a_.

On Dostoevsky's Bobok—Or the Banality of the Dead

Vremya • 2 HN points • 24 Apr 22
📚 Literature Classic literature Short Stories Satire Philosophy Russian literature
  1. Dostoevsky's short story 'Bobok' reveals how even the dead talk about trivial things, showing that our worries don't vanish after death. It makes us think about how much time we spend on little worries in life.
  2. The voice of the dead in 'Bobok' symbolizes how we still remember and think about people who have passed away, keeping their memories alive in our minds.
  3. Ivan Ivanych, the main character, feels lonely and out of place, hinting that every writer, like him, turns to stories and voices—sometimes even from the dead—to find connection and meaning.

Book Review: “How to Live on 24 Hours a Day” by Arnold Bennett 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
📚 Literature Self-help Classic literature Time management
  1. Despite different time periods and technologies, the challenge of managing time remains consistent - we all have just 24 hours in a day.
  2. The book 'How to Live on 24 Hours a Day' by Arnold Bennett, first published in 1910, still offers relevant and practical advice for modern readers.
  3. The book is available for free on Project Gutenberg, making it a valuable and enduring read that is worth investing some time in.

Dahl's chickens

Numb at the Lodge • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
📚 Literature Analysis Criticism Classic literature
  1. Roald Dahl's children's books are being updated to fit contemporary sensibilities, which involves removing some of the darker, more cruel elements.
  2. The author discusses the role of contrarians and the responsibility that comes with challenging prevailing beliefs and ideologies.
  3. There is widespread disapproval of the efforts to sanitize Dahl's work, with many arguing that the darkness and nastiness in his stories are essential and should not be removed.