Western
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The novel,
the play and, in many ways, literature itself are products of
Western culture. The classics below may not always explicitly
represent the ideals and values of Western culture, but they do
convey much of their spirit.
Antigone
Greek playwright Sophocles wrote Antigone around 442 B.C.
Antigone is the story of the title character, who is the daughter
of Oedipus (the former king of Thebes). Antigone defies the edict
of her uncle, Creon, the new king of Thebes, to not bury her brother
Polynices. The story is essentially of conflict between man and
woman, between family and civic duty, and between the law of the
gods and the laws of humanity. Sophocles may have intended for
the story to be social and political commentary, specifically
about the dangers of authoritarian rule.
Antigone is online and available free here.
Othello
English playwright William Shakespeare wrote Othello around
1600. The major theme of this work is trust, honor and reputation.
However, more than anything else, what distinguishes Othello is
the pure evil and diabolical nature of its villain, Iago. Iago
is passed over for a promotion by his commander, Othello, and
vows revenge. Iago causes Othello to think his young and beautiful
wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with his favorite lieutenant,
Michael Cassio.
Othello is online and available free here.
The Count of Monte Cristo
In 1845, French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas completed
The Count of Monte Cristo, which is one of the most popular
novels ever written. The story is of Edmond Dantès, a sailor
who is falsely accused of treason and then sent to a prison dungeon
for many years. He learns from a fellow prisoner where to find
treasure that is buried on Monte Cristo, a Mediterranean island.
Dantès escapes from prison, finds the treasure and gives
himself the name Count of Monte Cristo. He then callously seeks
to get even with his enemies. Dumas’s story is a tale of
justice, revenge and mercy. The story also provides a colorful
description of France from the end of the Napoleonic years to
the early 1840s.
The Count of Monte Cristo is online and available
free here.
Great Expectations
English novelist Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations
around 1861. The story is of the young boy Philip Pirrip (Pip),
and it explores how affection, loyalty and conscience are of higher
value than wealth, social advancement and class. Pip learns this
lesson, mostly by investigating thoughts of aspiration and self-improvement.
Great Expectation’s title comes from the yearning
Pip has for self-improvement. He believes advancement in life
is possible and he has “great expectations” regarding
his future.
Great Expectations is online and available free
here.
Les Miserables
Les Miserables, the novel of French author Victor Hugo,
was published in 1862 and is among the most popular novels of
the 19th century. The story tells of the lives of several French
characters over a 20-year period in the early 19th century. The
French word "miserables" means both poor wretches and
villains. The characters of the story represent both kinds of
"miserables." Les Miserables focuses mainly on
the struggles of Jean Valjean and his efforts to redeem himself
through honorable deeds. The novel is largely a critical proclamation
against human misery, poverty, injustice and ignorance.
Les Miserables is online and available free here.
The Prince and the Pauper
American author Mark Twain wrote the Prince and the Pauper
in 1882. The book, set in 1547, tells the story of two young
boys, Edward and Tom, who are identical in appearance. Edward
is born a prince and Tom a pauper. However, when circumstances
cause them to reverse roles, they act accordingly. Edward learns
to live as a pauper, and Tom patterns himself to the life of a
prince. A major theme of the novel is "image and identity."
Edward and Tom fail to create their own identities and are instead
judged only by the outward images they convey.
The Prince and the Pauper is online and available free
here.
An Enemy of the People
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote An Enemy of the People
in 1882. Ibsen portrays the negative aspects of small town politics
and the power of persuasion. The story is of Dr. Stockmann who
has the courage and nobility to stand alone and bravely fight
for truth in the face of the irrational masses and the hypocritical
and dishonest political system they support.
An Enemy of the People is online and available free here.
Cyrano de Bergerac
French author Edmond Rostand wrote Cyrano de Bergerac in
1897. Its central themes are love, courage, friendship and independence.
The story is of the romantic poet/philosopher and expert duelist,
Cyrano, who falls in love with the beautiful Roxanne. Cyrano is,
however, too ashamed to pursue her because he has a large nose.
Instead, he writes love letters on behalf of one of his cadets,
the slow-witted but handsome Christian, who is also in love with
Roxanne. Roxanne falls deeply in love with the author, whom she
of course assumes is Christian.
Cyrano de Bergerac is online and available free here.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
British novelist Baroness Orczy wrote the Scarlet Pimpernel
in 1905. It is a story of love and courage. It tells of the
mysterious but well-known Scarlet Pimpernel and a small band of
devoted followers. This cunning and inventive group dedicates
their lives and fortunes to save the innocents caught up in the
Reign of Terror in Paris. Marguerite Blakeney’s beloved brother,
Armand, is discovered to be part of the Scarlet Pimpernel's organization,
and is, as a result, in danger of being executed. Marguerite is
blackmailed and told that Armand’s life will be spared if
she helps to discover the Pimpernel's true identity.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is online and available
free here.
Anthem
Russian-born, American author Ayn Rand wrote Anthem in
1938. The story is of Equality 7-2521 who lives in the Dark Ages
of the future, where individualism has all but been destroyed,
so much so that the word “I” has disappeared from the
language. Equality 7-2521 struggles to find his own individuality.
Anthem's theme is the meaning and importance of ego.
Anthem is online and available free here.
