The Intimidation of the Old Masters
For many Indian readers, the word classics often conjures up memories of thick, dusty volumes in school libraries or the high-pressure environment of board exams. We think of Shakespearean English that feels like a foreign language or lengthy Russian novels with names we cannot pronounce. However, classic literature is not meant to be a chore or a test of intelligence. These books have survived for centuries because they speak to the fundamental human experience—love, betrayal, ambition, and the search for meaning. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of picking up a classic, you are not alone. The secret lies not in your reading speed, but in your approach. Learning how to read the classics is about building a bridge between the world of the past and your life today.
Why Should You Bother With Classic Literature?
In a world of fast-paced thrillers and instant social media updates, why should an Indian reader spend weeks on a book written in the 19th century? The answer lies in the depth of perspective. Classics offer a window into history that textbooks cannot provide. When you read Munshi Premchand, you aren't just reading a story; you are witnessing the social fabric of rural India during a transformative era. When you read Jane Austen, you are exploring the intricacies of social status and marriage that, surprisingly, still resonate in many parts of Indian society today. These books provide a timeless vocabulary for our emotions. They challenge us to slow down, think deeply, and engage with ideas that have shaped civilizations.
Start Small and Build Momentum
One of the biggest mistakes new readers make is diving straight into massive tomes like Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace or Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. This is the fastest way to experience burnout. Instead, treat classic literature like physical exercise—you don’t run a marathon on your first day. Start with shorter works or novellas. For an Indian reader, R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days or Swami and Friends is an excellent entry point. The language is accessible, the setting is familiar, and the stories are profoundly human. If you want to explore Western classics, try George Orwell’s Animal Farm or Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. These shorter books allow you to get used to different prose styles without the daunting page count.
Overcoming the Language Barrier
The primary hurdle for many is the language. Older English often uses sentence structures and vocabulary that have fallen out of fashion. Do not feel ashamed of using a dictionary or looking up words on your phone. In fact, reading classics is one of the most effective ways to improve your vocabulary. However, do not let every unknown word stop your flow. If you can understand the general meaning of a sentence from its context, keep moving. The goal is to absorb the story, not to perform a linguistic autopsy. For those reading translated works—such as the Urdu short stories of Saadat Hasan Manto or the Bengali masterpieces of Rabindranath Tagore—the quality of the translation matters immensely. Look for modern translations that balance the original flavor with contemporary readability.
Context is Your Best Friend
Classic books were not written in a vacuum. They were products of their time, reacting to political upheavals, scientific discoveries, or social shifts. Understanding the historical context can turn a confusing narrative into a gripping one. Before you start a book, spend ten minutes reading a brief summary of the era it was written in. If you are picking up Charles Dickens, knowing about the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution in London will make his descriptions much more impactful. Similarly, understanding the socio-political climate of the British Raj will add layers of meaning to the works of Mulk Raj Anand or Raja Rao. Knowing the ‘why’ behind a story makes the ‘what’ much easier to follow.
The Art of Annotation and Note-Taking
In India, we are often taught to keep our schoolbooks pristine, but when it comes to reading the classics for pleasure, your book should be a workspace. Do not be afraid to underline passages that strike a chord or write questions in the margins. If you are using an e-reader like a Kindle, use the highlight and note features. This process, known as annotation, keeps you actively engaged with the text. When you write down your thoughts, you are no longer a passive observer; you are having a conversation with the author across time. This is especially helpful in books with large casts of characters. Keeping a small family tree or a list of names on the inside cover can prevent confusion as the plot thickens.
Use Modern Tools to Your Advantage
We live in a digital age, and there is no reason to ignore the tools at our disposal. Audiobooks are an incredible way to experience classics. Hearing the cadence of the language can often make complex sentences much easier to digest. Many classic plays, like those by Shakespeare or Kalidasa, were meant to be heard and seen, not just read silently. Additionally, do not shy away from film or television adaptations. Watching a good BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice or a Satyajit Ray film based on a classic story can provide a visual framework that makes the subsequent reading experience much smoother. Just remember that the book will always have more internal monologue and detail than the screen version.
Curating an Indian Reader’s Starter List
If you are looking for a roadmap, here is a suggested path for an Indian reader to ease into the world of classics. Begin with Indian classics in English or translation to find your footing in familiar cultural settings. Books like Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh or Godan by Premchand are essential. Once comfortable, move to Victorian literature like Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, which offers a compelling narrative and relatable themes of independence. From there, explore the psychological depths of Russian literature with Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, which, despite its reputation, is a gripping psychological thriller. By diversifying your reading list, you prevent the boredom that comes from sticking to one specific style or era.
Joining the Global Conversation
Reading the classics eventually connects you to a global community of readers. You will start noticing references to these books in modern movies, news articles, and contemporary novels. You begin to see how modern stories are often retellings or subversions of these older tales. For instance, many contemporary Indian novels in English draw heavily from the structure of the 19th-century European novel. By reading the originals, you gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of storytelling. It is a rewarding feeling to realize that a problem faced by a character in 18th-century France is exactly what you are feeling in 21st-century Mumbai.
Conclusion: Patience is the Key
How to read the classics is not a skill you master overnight. It is a habit that you cultivate with patience and curiosity. Some days the prose will feel like a slog, and other days you will find yourself completely transported to another world. The most important thing is to give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t have to like every classic you read—some will speak to you, and others won’t, and that is perfectly fine. Treat each book as an adventure and an opportunity to expand your mind. As you turn the final page of your first classic, you will realize that these books aren't just old; they are immortal because they hold the mirror up to our own lives.
Is it okay to use a dictionary while reading?
Yes, it is perfectly fine and actually encouraged. However, try not to look up every single word as it can break your reading flow. Focus on words that appear frequently or are essential to understanding the plot.
What should I do if I find a classic book extremely boring?
Give the book a fair chance, perhaps the first 50 to 100 pages. If it still doesn't resonate with you, it is okay to put it down. Not every classic is meant for every reader, and you can always come back to it later in life.
Where can I find affordable classic books in India?
Classics are often in the public domain, meaning you can find free ebooks on sites like Project Gutenberg. For physical copies, look for pocket editions from publishers like Penguin, Wordsworth, or Rupa Publications, which are widely available at local bookstores and online.
Should I read the introduction of the book first?
Many classic editions have long introductions that contain spoilers or heavy academic analysis. It is usually better for beginners to read the introduction after finishing the book to gain a deeper understanding of what they just read.
Are translations as good as the original books?
While some nuances are lost in translation, modern translations are usually excellent and capture the spirit of the original. For Indian regional classics, translations by reputable publishers ensure that the story remains accessible and powerful.
