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10 English classics everyone should read once

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Oct 11, 2023, 08:00 IST
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1/11

​World of literature

If you are a bookworm looking to dive into the world of timeless literature, you are in for a treat! English literature boasts a treasure trove of classics that have fascinated readers for generations. Let’s take up on a journey through 10 must-read English classics, each a masterpiece in its own right.

2/11

​"Hamlet" – William Shakespeare

"Hamlet" is more than just a tragedy; it's a psychological exploration of human nature. The character's introspection, his famous soliloquies, and the intricate web of deceit and betrayal in the Danish court make this play a study of the human condition.

Image: Penguin Classics

3/11

​"Pride and Prejudice" – Jane Austen

Jane Austen's sharp wit and keen social commentary shine in "Pride and Prejudice." It's not just a love story but a critique of the rigid class system and societal expectations of early 19th-century England. Elizabeth Bennet's fiery spirit and Mr. Darcy's transformation add depth to the narrative.

Image: Fingerprint

4/11

​"Wuthering Heights" – Emily Brontë

Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" is a dark and passionate tale, set amid Yorkshire moors. The enigmatic Heathcliff's obsessive love for Catherine Earnshaw, and the eerie atmosphere of the Heights, create an unforgettable reading experience.

Image: Rupa Publication

5/11

​"The Time Machine" – H.G. Wells

H.G. Wells was a pioneer in science fiction, and "The Time Machine" is one of his greatest works. It introduces readers to the concept of time travel and explores the consequences of humanity's future evolution, inviting us to ponder the potential of science and its ethical implications.

Image: EduGorilla Community Private Limited

6/11

​"War and Peace" – Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy's magnum opus "War and Peace" is an epic that crosses the boundaries of historical fiction. It's a detailed portrayal of Russian society during the Napoleonic era, blending history, philosophy, and a vast array of characters to create a panoramic view of human existence.

Image: Penguin Classics

7/11

​"Great Expectations" – Charles Dickens

Dickens, the master of character development, crafts a rich narrative in "Great Expectations." Pip's journey from an impoverished orphan to a gentleman and his complex relationships with Estella and Magwitch explore themes of identity, ambition, and social class.

Image: Om Books International

8/11

​"Nineteen Eighty-Four" – George Orwell

George Orwell's dystopian vision in "Nineteen Eighty-Four" is a chilling portrayal of totalitarianism and surveillance society. Winston Smith's struggle for individuality and truth in a world dominated by thought control and propaganda remains an unsettling warning about the dangers of authoritarianism.

Image: Penguin

9/11

​"Frankenstein" – Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a masterpiece of gothic literature. It dives into themes of scientific ethics, isolation, and the consequences of playing God. Dr. Frankenstein's creation, often referred to as the monster, challenges our notions of humanity and empathy.

Image: Rupa Publications

10/11

​"The Great Gatsby" – F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Great Gatsby" is a window into the extravagance and disillusionment of the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan expose the emptiness beneath the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age.

Image: Penguin

11/11

​"Jane Eyre" – Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" is a compelling tale of a young woman's journey from a bleak childhood to independence and love. The novel tackles themes of gender, social class, and morality, with the strong-willed Jane Eyre at its heart.

Image: Pharos Books

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Copyright © Jun 11, 2026, 05.45PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service