Literary classics have long been admired for their artistic excellence and historical relevance, influencing the shape of global literature. However, as society evolves, certain classics may lose relevance with modern readers due to obsolete subjects, language obstacles, or shifts in cultural sensitivities. This article examines 15 literary classics that, while once innovative, are today struggling to fulfil the expectations of modern readers.

1. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

This classic tale dives into Captain Ahab’s vengeful hunt for the great white whale, Moby Dick. Rich in elaborate detail and maritime lore, its dense narrative and extensive digressions on whaling techniques can challenge readers accustomed to quick-paced narratives, making it a demanding read for those seeking straightforward storytelling.

2. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Set in Puritan New England, this novel tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman publicly shamed for bearing an illegitimate child. Its exploration of sin, guilt, and societal judgment, while groundbreaking for its time, may feel disconnected from contemporary views on morality and personal autonomy, posing challenges for modern readers to fully engage with its themes.

3. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Conrad’s novella, recounting a journey into the African Congo, has been criticized for its colonialist perspective and depiction of Africa and its people. While intended as a critique of imperialism, it often comes across as perpetuating racial stereotypes, making it a complex read for those examining it through a modern lens of racial sensitivity and equality.

4. Pamela by Samuel Richardson

This epistolary novel follows the story of Pamela Andrews, a young servant girl who resists her master’s advances, aiming to protect her virtue. Its themes of virtue, morality, and social climbing through marriage may seem outdated to contemporary readers, who might also find its prose style overly verbose and its moral undertones less relevant.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

A tale of intense passion and revenge set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, this novel features complex characters entangled in destructive relationships. Despite its undiminished emotional intensity, modern readers may find it challenging to empathize with the extreme behaviours and toxic dynamics presented, potentially detracting from the novel’s enduring appeal.

6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This iconic narrative of obsession, love, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties critiques the American Dream. However, its focus on decadence and disillusionment might not fully resonate in today’s more globally aware and diverse society, making its themes feel somewhat removed from the concerns and aspirations of contemporary readers.

7. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

A monumental work that combines historical narrative with philosophical discussion, set against the Napoleonic Wars in Russia. Its sheer length and exhaustive detail, while providing a comprehensive view of its era, can be daunting for readers seeking more succinct, accessible narratives in an age of information overload.

8. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Flaubert’s masterpiece, chronicling the life and affairs of Emma Bovary, delves into the disillusionment of bourgeois life and the quest for escapism through romantic ideals. Modern audiences, however, might struggle to connect with Emma’s plight and Flaubert’s critique of societal norms, craving characters with more agency and empowerment.

9. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The story of Holden Caulfield, a disaffected teenage protagonist navigating the challenges of adolescence, captures the essence of youthful rebellion and angst. Yet, Holden’s perspective and struggles may not fully engage a new generation of readers, who face a radically different set of societal pressures and cultural landscapes.

10. Ulysses by James Joyce

Joyce’s revolutionary novel, celebrated for its innovative use of stream-of-consciousness and rich intertextuality, charts a single day in the life of Leopold Bloom. Despite its literary significance, the novel’s complex technique and dense references can pose significant challenges to even the most intrepid readers, requiring a level of dedication and scholarly engagement that may not appeal to all.

11. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Cervantes’ tale of a delusional knight errant and his pragmatic squire ventures into the heart of satire and chivalric critique. Yet, the novel’s Old Spanish language and deep entrenchment in the historical and cultural context of early 17th-century Spain may alienate contemporary readers, making its satirical brilliance less accessible.

12. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This seminal work on racial injustice and moral growth in the American South is told through the eyes of young Scout Finch. While its themes are enduring, current debates about its portrayal of racial issues and the criticism of the “white saviour” complex have led some to question its relevance and impact on today’s conversations about race.

13. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and the psychological turmoil of its protagonist, Raskolnikov, after committing a murder, delves deep into moral and existential questions. However, the dense psychological analysis and the societal conditions specific to 19th-century Russia might not resonate with or be as easily navigated by modern readers looking for more relatable contexts.

14. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

A collection of stories told by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury, Chaucer’s work is a cornerstone of English literature. However, the Middle English language, along with narratives deeply rooted in the 14th-century British societal framework, may seem disjointed and obscure to those unfamiliar with the period’s historical and social nuances.

15. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Swift’s satirical voyage into fictional lands offers sharp commentary on the nature of man, society, and government. While celebrated for its inventive narrative and critique of human follies, the complex allegories and references specific to 18th-century politics and society might not fully engage a contemporary audience. The novel’s language and the historical context required to grasp its full satirical bite can distance modern readers looking for more direct and accessible satire.

While these literary classics have unquestionably altered the landscape of literature, their reception by contemporary readers has been divided. Contemporary audiences’ evolving expectations for relatability, variety, and pace in their reading experiences call into question these works’ eternal appeal. This does not lessen its historical or artistic significance but rather emphasises the changing nature of literature and its interpretation over eras. Engaging with these classics today opens up a dialogue between the past and the present, providing insights into how societal changes influence our perception of art and storytelling.