Classic vs. Contemporary: Novel Pairings by Plot and Story

Pairing books for novel studies, book clubs, or thematic units is a growing trend in ELA classes. There are many different ways to pair books. They could be paired by common theme, by similar characters, or even as retellings of the same story. One of the best ways to pair novels is by picking one classic text and one contemporary text.

This list got so huge, that I’m putting it into three parts. The first gives ideas for classic and contemporary pairings, organized by story. In most of these pairings, the contemporary book was written in homage or response to the classic text. Please see the companion blog posts in this series, pairing classic and contemporary texts by character and theme!

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David Copperfield by Charles Dickens and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead share a thematic connection through their exploration of the tumultuous journey from childhood to adulthood, marked by adversity and self-discovery. Both novels feature young protagonists navigating harsh environments and personal trials. However, their settings and contexts differ significantly. Dickens’ semi-autobiographical novel, set in 19th-century England, reflects the social and economic struggles of that era, while Kingsolver’s novel, set in contemporary America, deals with modern issues like addiction and poverty. Despite these differences, both characters embody resilience and the quest for identity in challenging circumstances.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twin and James by Percival Everett

Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Percival Everett’s James both explore themes of identity and social critique, yet they do so in distinctly different ways. Twain’s novel, set in 19th-century America, follows Huck Finn’s journey down the Mississippi River as he grapples with societal norms and racial issues.. In contrast, Everett’s “James,” a contemporary work, delves into the complexities of race and identity through the lens Jim, a protagonist rather than a stereotyped side character.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys offer complementary perspectives on the character of Bertha Mason from Brontë’s novel. Both novels explore themes of gender and identity, but from different vantage points. Brontë’s coming-of-age novel presents Bertha Mason as the enigmatic “madwoman in the attic,” focusing on Jane’s struggle for self-respect and autonomy in a restrictive society. In contrast, Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea serves as a prequel, providing a backstory to Bertha’s life as Antoinette Cosway, a Creole woman whose struggles with mental illness and displacement highlight the impact of colonialism and racial tensions. While Brontë’s work centers on the perspective of Jane as a determined and independent heroine, Rhys’s narrative offers a nuanced exploration of the cultural and personal factors that shape Antoinette’s tragic fate.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Both Hamlet and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle share a similar foundation: they are stories of a young protagonist facing the loss of a father and seeking revenge against a deceitful uncle. In both narratives, the uncles are responsible for the deaths of the fathers, leading to a deep internal struggle for the main characters as they grapple with their desire for vengeance and their moral uncertainties. However, the settings and narrative styles differ significantly. Hamlet is a classic Elizabethan tragedy set in Denmark, steeped in poetic language and philosophical soliloquies, while The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is set in rural Wisconsin and presents a modern retelling with a focus on the natural world and the bond between a mute boy, Edgar, and his dogs. Additionally, while Hamlet’s conflict is heavily driven by existential questions, Edgar’s journey is more rooted in family dynamics and a coming-of-age experience.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler

Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler both explore themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of desire. The Scottish play is a classic tragedy that centers on the Scottish nobleman Macbeth, whose ruthless ambition leads him to commit regicide and spiral into madness and tyranny. Queen Hereafter focuses on Lady Macbeth’s story, giving her a more nuanced portrayal as Gruoch, a woman driven by love, loss, and survival in a patriarchal world. While Macbeth is a dramatic, fast-paced play that uses supernatural elements and psychological tension to explore its themes, Queen Hereafter is a historical fiction novel that provides a more intimate perspective on Lady Macbeth’s character, motivations, and relationships. The novel diverges from the play by offering a more empathetic view of Lady Macbeth, focusing on her strength and complexity beyond her role as a mere accomplice to Macbeth’s ambition.

The Iliad by Homer and Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Iliad by Homer and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller both focus on the story of the Greek hero Achilles and his role in the Trojan War, highlighting themes of heroism, love, and fate. While The Iliad is an epic poem that centers on the final weeks of the Trojan War, emphasizing Achilles’ rage, his conflict with Agamemnon, and his quest for glory, The Song of Achilles reimagines this narrative through the lens of a deep, romantic relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. Miller’s novel provides a more intimate and humanized portrayal of Achilles, exploring his vulnerabilities and emotional connections, particularly with Patroclus, rather than focusing solely on his warrior prowess.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and March by Geraldine Brooks

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and March by Geraldine Brooks both revolve around the lives of the March family, but they focus on different perspectives and themes. Alcott’s novel is a coming-of-age novel that follows the four March sisters as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams and dealing with love and loss in a war-torn society. The narrative is warm, familial, and centered on themes of sisterhood, morality, and personal growth. In contrast, March is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Mr. March, the father of the March sisters, exploring his experiences as a Union chaplain during the Civil War. Brooks delves into his moral dilemmas, the horrors of war, and the impact of his absence on his family, offering a more mature and darker perspective on the same period. While Little Women portrays an idealized version of family and resilience, March provides a more complex and adult view of the era.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami both feature a narrator who becomes entangled in the lives of enigmatic and wealthy figures—Nick Carraway with Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby and the unnamed artist with his wealthy neighbor Menshiki in Killing Commendatore. Both Gatsby and Menshiki are driven by a longing for lost love, creating a sense of mystery around their intentions and pasts. However, while The Great Gatsby is set in 1920s America and focuses on themes of the American Dream, class disparity, and the moral decay of society, Killing Commendatore blends contemporary Japan with elements of magical realism, delving into metaphysical questions, art, and the blurred line between reality and imagination. Murakami’s novel is more surreal and philosophical, expanding beyond the social critique of Fitzgerald’s narrative to explore existential themes and the power of artistic creation.

Othello by William Shakespeare and New Boy by Tracy Chevalier

Othello by William Shakespeare and New Boy by Tracy Chevalier both explore themes of jealousy, racism, manipulation, and the destructive power of envy, but they do so in different settings and contexts. The bard’s play is a classic tragedy set in Venice and Cyprus that tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general, whose life unravels due to the deceit and jealousy of his ensign, Iago, leading to devastating consequences. New Boy, a modern retelling of Othello, is set in a 1970s suburban American schoolyard and reimagines the story with a focus on pre-adolescent dynamics, where Osei, a young Black boy, faces the challenges of fitting into a predominantly white school. Chevalier’s novel translates the intense adult conflicts of Othello into the more contained but equally potent world of a sixth-grade classroom, exploring how prejudice, power plays, and insecurity manifest among children. While Othello is a dramatic exploration of adult passion and betrayal, New Boy examines similar themes in a contemporary and relatable setting, highlighting how deeply rooted biases and emotions can be, even from a young age.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Fragile by Sarah Hilary

Both these novels delve into themes of obsession, psychological suspense, and the haunting power of the past, centering around a mysterious woman whose presence dominates the narrative. In Rebecca, a young, unnamed narrator marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and becomes ensnared by the lingering influence of Rebecca, his deceased first wife, whose memory pervades the estate of Manderley and the lives of those within it. Similarly, Fragile is a modern psychological thriller inspired by Rebecca, where Nell, a nanny in a wealthy London family, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and the shadow of the missing former nanny, Mary. While both novels use gothic elements to build tension and explore the theme of identity in relation to the past, Rebecca is more focused on the internal fears and insecurities of its protagonist, whereas Fragile shifts the narrative to uncover buried secrets and hidden traumas within a contemporary setting. Hilary’s novel adds layers of social commentary and modern psychological complexity, offering a fresh take on the classic gothic tale.

Here’s are the other two posts in this series!