By Lindsay Moran
Contributing Writer
As modern young adult novels are now considered must-reads, along with their must-see film counterparts, it seems that classic literature is slipping to the wayside. Why have so many accepted the notion that one of the only values in reading a book is the satisfaction of seeing it brought to life in a film?
We all know people who have never picked up a book in their lives and suddenly claim to be extremely well-read after skimming the pages of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “The Notebook,” or “The Fault in Our Stars.” They sit in coffee shops with fake glasses on and pretend to be enthralled in what is a stereotypical modern-day love story about a young relationship and the death that will surely follow.
What some of them will not tell you, however, is they only picked the book because they are aware that the story is being made into a film with an attractive cast. Not only are some of these books poorly written, but they also pale in comparison to novels that have stood the test of time.
Let’s face it, John Green is no Ernest Hemingway. Green even ripped off one of Hemingway’s lines when writing his novel, “The Fault in Our Stars.” The truth is, the ever-so-romantic line, “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once,” is not an idea all his own.Eighty-six years prior, Hemingway wrote a similar idea when referring to bankruptcy in his classic novel, “The Sun Also Rises.” When asked how one goes bankrupt, Hemingway’s character responded, “gradually, then suddenly.” Green, of course, received the credit for this poetic phrase, and those who have not read both novels will, most likely, never make the connection to its origin.
Many other young adult and modern novelists draw inspiration from classic authors’ themes and prose. If today’s well-known authors are still inspired by their predecessors, that in itself should speak volumes for the quality of literature that was written in the past.
According to a British research study conducted in 2013, roughly 60 pecent of those surveyed lied about reading classic literature to appear more intelligent. What is it that is holding so many people back from reading these novels? It should not be intimidating. Yes, the vernacular is different than that of today’s novels, but it is also an opportunity to expand the mind, vocabulary, and be entertained all the while.
“The Great Gatsby” proved just that when, within a year of its film release in 2013, more than 600,000 e-book and print copies were sold. It is likely that many became interested in reading the story because they wanted to admire the 1920s version of Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan on-screen, but the novel offers a great importance in literature.
When comparing this novel to the stories of Nicholas Sparks and John Green, many of which were made into movies, it is evident that the true romance in language is entirely missing in modern-day writing. This is not to say that all modern and young adult literature is poorly crafted, but many of the concepts are simply generic and commercialized to attract a target audience.
Money is a driving force for many novelists, but an entire industry has been created that revolves around revenue from film adaptations; authors also strive to make money from creating merchandise such as posters, clothes, pillows, and other novelties in support of their books and corresponding movies.
Prior to the abundance of film adaptations, many authors were driven by the mere art of literature. Authors such as Oscar Wilde created artistry by implicitly using writing to create an experience for any reader. In doing so, these authors’ works became universal, and not centered around the idea that it will make millions. Advanced technology and present-day commercialization was not prevalent in 1895, but maybe that is what makes classics so beautiful; the art of the writing itself was the sole source of enjoyment for both the writer and reader.
The Romeos of classic literature are gone, and have been replaced with men whose most romantic attributes consist of sending “good morning” text messages or leaving fast food at their lovers’ doorstep. Fantasy worlds of werewolves and vampires have transformed into a world of sexualized actors as a way to increase ratings in both print and film.
As an avid reader from a very young age, the joys I have felt while reading are a result of obtaining a new awareness, whether it be to spark my own creativity or to expand my knowledge of the English language or another topic of interest. The novels that inspire me to view life from an alternative point of view have surpassed any scenarios that I have seen unfold on a screen.
Both new and old books have provided an abundance of knowledge, entertainment, and happiness in my life; I have realized that the origins of today’s best stories, classic literatures, are far too undervalued in a society that is always in search of the next best thing.
