Are they better ? Or just Older ?
Why would you read the classics? Enjoyment? Education on the history of literature? Maybe you're taking a course in High School or University. Or maybe you may have no clue why you are reading a classic or what constitutes a classic novel, and you are not alone.
Charlotte's Web, Moby Dick and Catcher in the Rye are examples of classic classics. When I was in High School we had to pick a classic and do a report on it. I selected the book Jaws....well turns out it wasn't a classic so I picked up War Of The Worlds because the title sounded cool but turns out it was a pretty lame book...no idea why it is a classic. I have read and enjoyed Crime and Punishment, it is a difficult read but very interesting story of a poor crazy dude in Russia...and I would certainly describe that book a classic.
Some people say classic books are better, nobler, because they have "stood the test of time." I didn't buy that BS. The question is why should any literature be different from any other?
So the bottom line is what really makes a book a classic...its a tough question. Will DaVincci Code be considered a classic? Probably not, in fact its not even Brown's best book. Anyways I would like to know who is the person that decides on classic liturature, is there a committee? It would be nice to know what qualification were so we could identify some future classics today.
For me I think I'm going to dive into War and Peace...I'm sure it's going to be one long ass boring book but there has to be a reason that it is so famous, hopefully I find it.