| In 2013, there were 304,912 books published in America alone. Yet, from the millions of books published each century, only a select few will be read for generations to come. Only these lucky few are reprinted, remembered, and rewarded with the greatest honor – to be called a classic. These elite writers will be memorialized in the eternal canon of literature; to quote rapper Sean Daley, “writers never die.”
The literary canon is magical and enigmatic. The people who decide what literature will survive it’s time bear an eerie resemblance to the Wizard of Oz – pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. But just what decides what books live on, while others die with their authors? To survive the test of time, a novel must do two things. First, it must perfectly encompass its own generation. Second, it must remain relevant. The test of time, in my opinion, is a test of relevance. While it is important for a book to appeal to its generation, the ability to stay relevant is the crux of great literature. The Count of Monte Cristo is not still read today because it is an excellent period piece. It is still popular because people can still relate today. A fallen hero who faces opposition in the name of love and then seeks revenge – that is timeless. From movies (The Fugitive) to soap operas (ABC drama Scandal), the archetype is alive and well. It can still move the audience; they can still sympathize with the characters. And becausethe reader can still relate, The Count of Monte Cristo survives. |
