Stories are one of the oldest and most powerful forms of human civilization. By reading classic literary works, we can explore the true nature of human thought, emotion, and experience. These works not only provide enjoyment but also help us grow and gain profound insight.
Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
- Background
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is one of American author Mark Twain's masterpieces, published in 1884. It humorously and vividly tells the story of the coming-of-age of a young boy, Huckleberry Finn, and his adventures with the escaped slave Jim.
- Why is it worth reading?
This book is not only a work of children's literature but also a sharp social satire. Through the perspective of Huckleberry Finn, it reveals the cruelty and injustice of slavery in the American South and offers profound reflections on morality and human nature. Twain's humor and vivid descriptions make this book captivating and a classic.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Background
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by British author Charles Dickens, published in 1859. Set during the French Revolution, the story explores the complexity of human nature, the cruelty of revolution, and the power of love through the fateful entanglement of two families.
- Why is it worth reading?
A Tale of Two Cities is not only a fusion of suspense, romance, and history, but also a profound meditation on the good and evil of human nature. Dickens delicately portrays many unforgettable characters, immersing readers in that turbulent era. This book not only allows us to understand the history of the French Revolution but also prompts us to reflect on the meaning of freedom, equality, and justice.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
- Background
The Metamorphosis is a short story by Czech author Franz Kafka, first published in 1915. Published in 2006, the story recounts Gregor Samsa, an ordinary businessman who wakes up one morning transformed into a giant beetle, and the complex relationships he develops with his family.
- Why is it worth reading?
Sociality and individuality are two essential aspects of a complete and independent person. The boss, secretary, and family members in "The Metamorphosis" focus solely on their own interests, neglecting the warmth and understanding that a member of society should have for others. Gregor, on the other hand, places too much emphasis on sociality, ignoring the most fundamental prerequisite for human existence: self-awareness. While "The Metamorphosis" sharply criticizes the indifference between people, it also reveals, through Gregor's transformation and ultimate death, the inevitable destruction of a person who ignores individuality.
Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez's
1 Background
This novel tells the story of the rise and fall of the town of Macondo and the Buendía family, chronicling the family's fate and centuries of history. It recounts the same, absurd fate, a microcosm of the fate of Latin American nations over the centuries, and a unique metaphor for the founding, development, and end of human "civilization." It interprets the cycle of fate amidst desolation, loss, and absurdity. The names of the family members are identical or similar, foreshadowing their shared fate of loneliness. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" begins with Buendía tied to a tree and ends with him being eaten by ants. Through delicate and rich brushwork, bold and free imagination, and magical narrative art, it recounts the fate and history of the Buendía family, depicting the characters' lonely souls and their self-redemption, and further embodies the compassion and loneliness felt by individuals, families, and all of humanity, prompting a rethinking of the development of the times and the changes in human nature.
- Why It's Worth Reading This is a work imbued with wisdom and depth. Not only has it captivated countless readers with its unique magical realism, but its profound themes and implications have touched hearts. Through this work, we can gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning and significance of life, and learn how to face and handle the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Balzac's by Le Père Goriot
- Background
The story unfolds around a dilapidated Parisian apartment, where the residents harbor their own concerns, revealing a microcosm of society. The central character, Le Père Goriot, depicts a most heartbreaking tragedy through his extreme paternal love. To provide his two daughters with a luxurious lifestyle, he sacrifices everything he has, repeatedly sacrificing himself, until he is ultimately abandoned and dies alone.
- Why It's Worth Reading His tragedy reveals the callousness and ingratitude of human nature in the face of money and vanity. Simultaneously, the story revolves around the young Rastignac's coming-of-age. He arrives in Paris innocent and enthusiastic, but soon discovers that society is a battleground dominated by power and money. Witnessing the tragic end of Le Père Goriot, he gradually struggles between ideals and reality, ultimately choosing a path of "conquering Paris or being swallowed by it." Through Rastignac, Balzac depicts the difficult choices young people make after their ideals are shattered, and allows readers to see how the tides of society shape and even corrupt individuals. Le Père Goriot's blind love and sacrifice, Rastignac's awakening and ambition, and the hypocrisy, coldness, and greed of the other characters all create a complex and realistic portrait of humanity. In the whirlpool of real society, ideals and kindness are often vulnerable, while money and power can easily determine fate. This is not only a tragedy about paternal love, but also a classic about human nature and society, constantly reminding us of the importance of maintaining clarity and resilience in the face of the world's desolation and temptations.
