Modern Literature

By: Marisa Barrera

Times are changing and so is our world’s literature. Books like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Divergent Trilogy and Hunger Games, are all examples of how literature is defined today. Some people may disagree with topics of these books, but I believe that they do not truly understand the real meaning of these wonderful pieces of literature. I also believe that these books will test the strains of time, along with other ” classics” like Pride and Prejudice. Modern titles also share similar themes with classic books, you just have to be able to understand them. So, I have carefully studied the themes of modern favorites, and classical novels,  to see how they compare.

Harry Potter Series:

Written by British author J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter series are books about a young boy named Harry Potter, and his adventures in the wizard world along with his friends Ron and Hermione. These books explore themes of family, friendship, true sacrifice, and the real meaning of good and evil. A ” classic”  book like  “Les Miserables”, by Victor Hugo, also has similar themes. Set in revolutionary France, the book follows the story of escaped prisoner and his journey to redemption.

Percy Jackson Series:

The Percy Jackson series is an array of books, written about a young demigod ( named Percy Jackson), who finds out that all the Greek gods/goddesses are real; and that is dad is Poseidon, god of the sea. His adventures are truly heroic,  as he struggles to defeat the Titans, and get Mount Olympus under control. “The  Odyssey” by Homer, written in 927 B.C. The Odyssey is a book about the greek hero Odysseus, who is traveling home after the defeat of Troy. This book involves heroic battles, romance, and the struggle to do what is right.

Hunger Games:

A dystopian novel about a girl named Katniss Everdeen, who bravely volunteers to be apart of a yearly survival game. Held by the tyrannical President Snow. Katniss must decide between love and life, before it is too late. Fahrenheit 451 is a book also set in a dystopian society, where books are outlawed. Written by Ray Bradbury,  firefighter Montag stands up for what he thinks is right, just like Katniss.

Divergent:

Tris Prior is more than she seems.  Another dystopian novel, set in dystopian Chicago, Tris joins the brave Dauntless faction. A story filled with relationships, tough choices, and the true meaning of sacrifice. A ” classic” title similar is Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet makes some tough choices concerning her fate. Just like Tris….

What is classical literature? Will we ever know? I think that our definition of classical literature is changing everyday. We all have our own definition of classical literature, what is yours?

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Category: Arts & Entertainment, Features