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England has made a tremendous contribution to the treasury of world literature. Today, as 200 years ago, millions of people enjoy reading the novels of D. Austen and C. Dickens, S. Bronte and W. Thackeray, as well as other talented novelists of the past. Yes, and modern British writers annually delight wonderful works. I wonder which of our contemporaries will be recognized classics?
Jane Austen “Pride and Prejudice”
Jane Austen’s most famous work. This love story was read in the 19th century, but it has not lost its popularity in our time. Perhaps the novel attracts modern readers because the author touches on topics that are relevant today – social inequality, marriages of convenience. Several times the book was filmed, and not only in England.
The British countryside. There are five daughters in the decent but not wealthy Bennet family. Mrs. Bennet is anxious about their future. How can she find good husbands? She has high hopes for her unmarried neighbor, and when his aristocratic friend from London comes to visit him, all the mothers in the neighborhood get excited. The meeting of the main characters Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy takes place at a ball. At their first meeting, there is an animosity between them. Darcy believes that Elizabeth, who is lower on the social ladder, is not worthy of his attention. The girl dislikes his snobbishness and arrogance. But when have such trifles ever gotten in the way of real feeling? True, it will take a long time for the characters to figure out their relationship.
Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.”
The story of the poor governess who found her love has been read by generations of female readers. Cinematographers also did not leave this novel without attention. The first film based on the book was released in 1934. The novel was filmed nine times.
Jane is an orphan. For several years she was raised by her aunt, but the relationship did not work out and the girl was sent to a boarding school. After graduation, Jane stays to work as a teacher, and two years later becomes a governess in the rich Thornfield estate. A nine-year-old girl becomes her ward. Her guardian is the owner of the manor, Mr. Rochester. Gradually, a sympathy arises between Rochester and the modest, not very pretty governess, which develops into love. But many trials await the characters before they are together.
Oscar Wilde’s “Portrait of Dorian Gray”
This is O. Wilde’s only novel. He wrote plays and short stories. He was incredibly popular during his lifetime and not just because of his writing. Too many scandals were associated with his name. It is very difficult to determine the genre in which “The Portrait of Dorian Gray” was written. Critics have classified it as a gothic novel, a parable, a mysticism. The plot of this work is very unusual.
Dorian Gray is a handsome young man of twenty. He becomes the model for a talented painter. Dorian is delighted with his portrait and says aloud that it would be nice if the portrait would age rather than him. The artist gives him the painting. Lord Henry takes part in the young man’s destiny. Dorian begins to lead a secular life. He falls in love with the aspiring actress Sybil. The young people announce their engagement. But they are not destined to be together, Dorian blames himself, worries and for the first time sees that his portrait begins to change. As time passes, Dorian is still young and beautiful. The years and events that have passed reflect not on him, but on his portrait.
Wilkie Collins “The Woman in White”
One of the first detective novels in world literature. It also belongs to the genre of the gothic novel. The author approached the plot in a sweeping way. What in this work just no! Forged documents, family secrets, children born out of wedlock, secret brotherhood – and that’s not all.
Walter is a young artist who finds a place as an art teacher. He goes to a secluded estate and on the way he meets a stranger dressed in white. The woman is agitated and haunted. Walter helps the new acquaintance. This encounter sets in motion a series of events that will change the artist’s quiet life.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
This collection includes 12 stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes. Each of the stories was published in a magazine, all were very popular with readers. The complete collection came out in 1891 and included “The Painted Ribbon,” “The Blue Carbuncle,” “The Union of Redheads,” and others. Conan Doyle called “The Mottled Ribbon” his favorite – it is perhaps one of the most famous Holmes stories.
Holmes is approached by a young girl who has recently lost her sister. She died under mysterious circumstances. Now the girl fears for her life and fears her stepfather, suspecting him of her sister’s death.
Joan Rowling’s “Casual Vacancy.”
Д. Rowling needs no introduction. She conquered the world literary Olympus with her series of children’s books about Harry Potter. But there are adult novels in her bibliography as well. The cycle about detective Cormoran Strike, written under the name of Robert Galbraith, as well as the story about a provincial town, The Casual Vacancy.
