The 19th century could be considered the golden age of literature. The sheer number of novels published during this time is staggering. What’s more, they have started to branch out and cover more topics, even going so far as to create entirely new genres. Many of the novels of the 19th century continue to be relevant to this day. You can decide for yourself if that’s a good thing or not.
19th Century Must-Read Novels
Frankenstein
The first true science fiction book ever, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is the mother of all monster novels. Of the three great horror novels of its age, Frankenstein stands head and shoulders above Doctor Jekyll and Dracula, in both concept and writing. A must-read, if only so people will stop calling the monster “Frankenstein”. That’s the doctor. The monster was named Adam.
The Scarlet Letter
We all know this story. At least, we know about this story. The verbal synopses tend to leave quite a bit out. Ultimately, it is a story about love. Hestor so loves the father of her child that she is willing to be ostracized rather than reveal his identity.
Hestor Prynne is an example of a strong, gentle, kind soul who is far more charitable and righteous than those around her who pretend to be. Perhaps if more people actually read this book, like really read it, they’d realize that actions matter more than words when it comes to demonstrating one’s goodness.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
This book will make some people uncomfortable. And to that I say, good. You are supposed to feel uncomfortable about the act of enslaving another human being. That was rather the point of the book, after all. To humanize Black people and show their White owners that they weren’t just property but living, thinking, feeling human beings just like them.
There are also some who might say that this is one of the novels that isn’t important anymore. To them I say, you’re wrong. There are still aspects of society that need to be reminded of the horrors of slavery. There have been public schools within the last year that staged mock slave auctions. The seeds have hatred and bigotry are still present in the soul of America. If we are going to root them out, we must first educate ourselves on what to look for.
The War of the Worlds
Of all of H. G. Wells’ novels, this is perhaps the most well-regarded. So masterfully written was this tale that, when a radio station broadcast a live reading of it, hundreds of people thought that it was really happening.
If you have no interest in science fiction, I can understand why you might not be inclined to pick up this book. I will say, however, that the “alien invasion” angle is far less important than the social commentary. Sci-fi is merely the medium, his ideas are the true treasure.
The Idiot
Don’t let the title or the author’s complicated name dissuade you, this book is definitely a must-read. In a world that often shows us the darkness and cruelty of humanity, sometimes we need to be reminded that, in the end, goodness wins out. That’s what The Idiot is. It’s a beacon of hope.
Little Women (Personal Favorite Novel)
While this might, by all outward appearances, just be a book about a bunch of sisters, Louisa May Alcott’s novel is, at its core, a story about being true to who you are. Jo is stridently determined to show the world that she is just as good as any man. As a result, she doesn’t understand why her sister Meg would be so willing to give up her gift to live a simple life of domestic bliss.
Both sisters love each other, but they have different outlooks and priorities. Yes, Meg loves acting. But she loves being a wife and mother more. And that’s all right. Everyone should be free to pursue their heart’s desire (within reason, of course), be it fame and fortune or quite domesticity. We need to have more respect for each other’s life choices because they are all equally valid.
Great Expectations
Generally considered to be Charles Dickens’ best work, Great Expectations delves into the weighty topics that are still prevalent today. The battle between earned wealth and inherited wealth, the differences in respect granted to different social classes, society as a whole acting as a prison, and the creeping blight that is imperialism, all of these things are as relevant today as they were in 1860.
A Christmas Carol may be more popular, Oliver Twist might be more well-known, and A Tale of Two Cities might be more quoted, by Great Expectations is more important than all of them.
Madame Bovery
This one is just a good read. I mean, it has its own share of social commentaries and lessons to be learned, but as a written work, Madame Bovery is often stated to be a “perfect” work of fiction. It is a masterpiece of literary realism.
Silas Marner
Another book with ties to realism, Silar Marner tackles a wide variety of issues, including the effects of industrialism, religion, betrayal, and community. It is a tale with quite a few twists but ultimately ends on a happy note. It shows that sometimes you have to struggle before you can be successful.
Treasure Island
A beloved adventure that has been captivating adults and children alike since 1883. Most know of this book due to its many adaptations, of which I believe Treasure Planet to be the best. It, perhaps more than any other book, is the foundation for how many of us view pirates.
If you enjoy any of the adaptations, I would suggest picking up a copy of this book. Films always leave something out. Who knows, perhaps it will inspire you to have an adventure of your own.
