What Makes A Classic A Classic

When we read novels, are we giving them the importance they deserve, or are they just one more book on the list?

Novels that are considered classics, books that win prizes don't earn these titles just because. What's so great about these books? Why are they revered by generation after generation?

What makes a classic a classic?

I'm not really qualified to respond such a question, but I do think classic novels have one essential characteristic about them which makes them so great.

It's funny, you know the common phrase, "I read you like a book" ... I actually believe it works backwards: we read books like people. Although each novel counts with many characters inside her, it can be considered to have a personality of her own.

You start reading a novel; you start getting to know her. Of course, the first impression is very important. You keep reading, knowing details, start either getting involved or disappointed. At the end of the book, you usually make a judgement. "I liked this ending" or, "the worst book I've ever read". When reading a classic, the final comment is usually one of un-satisfaction. A short pause and then questions start racing. "Wait a second, was this the end? Is this all? What about... Let me go back." You never get a sense of completing the novel, at least not the first time you read it.

Classic novels are like interesting people. You never quite get to know them fully. No matter how many times you read a classic, you will always find something new. A symbol you hadn't seen before, a reason why the story developed as it did. The more you read the novel, the more you get to know it. But there will always a space to read it one more time; a chance to find something new. That's what keeps classic novels in the reading lists throughout the years. That feeling of uncertainty, of knowing you can still discover more. After all, the key to human's interest is the unknown.