Should high schools require students to read "classics"?

Classic literature is important because it is another way to look at history, reading classic novels improves your overall vocabulary and writing skills and finally classic literature is unique. They have a transforming effect on the reader's self-understanding. They invite and survive frequent re- readings.

A traditional reading list of the “classics” may not have been created primarily to encourage a love of reading, but rather to give students a sample of “the best” of literature. Reading books that were written long ago but are still admired by educated people is partly how students learn the history of literature and important ideas. Students who have read “classics” are better prepared for college literature classes, because they will have background knowledge of works that other writers refer to; without that background knowledge, a student’s reading comprehension is compromised. But, if you don’t already love to read and haven’t already developed strong reading skills, it can be difficult to tackle literature from other eras and cultures. Asking students to read books that they are unable to understand because of unfamiliar vocabulary, syntax, or underlying culture will almost surely ensure that they either won’t read the books or that they won’t learn what was intended by those who chose them.