Literary Analysis: What Makes a Book a Classic?

Some things in life are fleeting and transitory, yet others endure for what seems to be ages. Books are the same way in that they come and go, but there are some that remain in the list of great literature forever. These books are the classics. Many of them share common characteristics that draw readers of all types and lifestyles. For a book to become a classic, it must have a timeless theme, one that all people of all eras are able to relate to. Classics also may have an element of novelty; they are the first time a certain writing technique has been experimented with or the first time an author has discussed an important theme. They are books that people remember because of the quirky characters who are like real people revealed over the course of the novel. The authors often will use descriptive language to draw the reader into the setting and time period. But most of all, they have proven to be something special because they have endured over all the years, standing the test of time.

A book that is considered to be a more modern classic is George Orwell's novel 1984. One of the elements that brings it to the status of a classic is evident very early in the book: his fantastical use of language. George Orwell uses his variation on language, called Newspeak, to envelop the reader in the world he has created, reminding them that this is no ordinary civilization. The language embodies the ideals of his utopia in its simplicity and abolition of freedom. Not only does Orwell use a completely new language in his story, but it is there for a distinct purpose. Every time Newspeak words are used, the reader is prompted to remember the society the story is taking place in. Because of their goal of eliminating word choice, it can be inferred that their long term goal is much greater than that. They are chipping away at human individuality. If everybody talks the same, then eventually, with the help of some other changes in the society, everybody will act and think the same too. Orwell's spattering of these words throughout the entire novel proves to be a very effective use of language to develop the setting.

Another element of a classic that is evident in 1984 is its novelty. Although the main idea for the story is very similar to the earlier novel Brave New World, by Huxley, Orwell focuses in more on his own concern. 1984 addresses the perils of a world taken over by technology. The novel was written during the 40's, right after the invention of the television. When he is describing Winston's home, Orwell focuses on the telescreen, writing, "The instrument could be dimmed, but there was no way of shutting it off completely... There was of course no way of knowing whether you were being watched at any given moment" (Orwell, 6). In the world Orwell has created, people no longer have freedom because of the advances of technology. The telescreen allows the people to be watched and analyzed every minute of their lives, which is a scary thought. This was the first time that an author deliberately addressed the topic of the downfall of humankind as a result of advances in technology. This aspect of the novel is something that will interest people for many years, because in this day and age, technology has the potential to destroy our lives.

The main attribute of this novel that gives it the status of a classic is its timeless theme. People can always relate to an individual rebelling against authority. Whenever people are in a situation where they are faced with something they disagree with, many wish they had the courage to step up and take a stand against it. 1984 is a story of two rebels who carried out this dream. Winston and Julia were stuck in a world governed by laws that they thought were wrong. They're the heroes that took action, and although they failed to make a change in the society, that is not the point. What makes this novel a classic is that everybody, in any time or location, has experienced something similar. Readers will gain strength and inspiration from this novel and be intrigued with the workings of the minds of the two who rebelled. This aspect of the story relates to all times, which is why it will remain on the bookshelves for years to come. 1984 is definitely a classic novel.

The question is if Amy Tan's The Hundred Secret Senses will reach the status of a classic. It has many of the necessary elements, including memorable characters. Kwan's unique speech, because of her poor English, and bright and bubbly personality make her seem so real. The way Kwan speaks is so cute, and it paints a picture of this woman in the reader's mind. Her tendency to say exactly what she's thinking gives a glimpse into her personality, making the reader feel much closer. Her speech, with its poor grammar and pronunciation, is also an element that makes Kwan stand out. This engrossing character, along with the others that are also very complex, will help The Hundred Secret Senses become a classic.

A literary technique that Tan uses effectively as an innovative aspect of her book is the point of view. Not many novels have two first person narrators who are telling stories from two different time periods as this one does. When Olivia is talking, she is sharing her memories in the present time; when Kwan is narrating, she is telling the story of her past life before she was reincarnated into this one. The most interesting part of this two-narrator and two-time period technique is that in the end, the stories come together. The characters are the same, just with different names and in different locations and situations. Tan demonstrates great originality in weaving the stories together so that they contain similar characters and situations. Her use of parallel construction allows the reader to get engrossed in both stories, giving two opportunities to view the theme that is evident throughout the entire novel.

The strongest aspect of this novel is its theme of love crossing all boundaries. It is seen in both of the storylines, and it even traverses between them. The story is about Miss Banner (Olivia) fitting in when she lives with Miss Moo (Kwan) in China in the past life and Kwan fitting in when she comes to America to live with Olivia. They sought acceptance in each other, probably because of the deep ties they had from previous lives. Olivia did not yell at Kwan or ditch her, leaving a girl who could barely speak English on the streets. Instead, she tolerated the mortification brought on by Kwan's stupid questions, giving her sister the chance to prove herself to be a kind person. They eventually gained the love that only true friends have, built by the sharing of life and its experiences. This love is something that everybody can relate to, whether they have it or it's just something they desire. People know the trauma of trying to fit into a new situation, and they can understand what both of the characters felt. The issues addressed in Tan's book are universal ones that will remain in the hearts of people forever.

The Hundred Secret Senses clearly has the potential to become a classic novel. Tan masterfully weaves her story using elements that are seen in stories of the past, such as 1984, that have become classics, so there is no reason to believe that hers will not. People will always understand the topics she focuses on, and her unique style of storytelling makes this book something new and exciting. The bond and love that Olivia and Kwan share is something that has endured the test of time, and I believe that their story, The Hundred Secret Senses, will also last.

Works Cited:
George Orwell, 1984, 1949
Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses, 1995