23 Bestselling Novels That Would Be Criticized for Their Representation Today
Every bookworm’s worst nightmare is when a beloved classic novel makes you squirm with cringe with its depiction of various characters and cultures. Well, as society becomes increasingly and rightfully sensitive to topics like representation, works once celebrated may come under scrutiny for their portrayal of various identities. This article delves into 23 bestselling novels hailed in their time but critiqued today for their representation.
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“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
First published in 1939, set in Clayton County and Atlanta, this epic tale of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler is set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Although the book went on to win the Pulitzer Prize that year and was celebrated globally, its romanticized portrayal of slavery and the Old South would raise some eyebrows today. Frankly, it’s just not going to fly.
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
Twain’s classic is a timeless masterpiece, Published in the UK in 1884. The novel’s storyteller is Huckleberry Finn, a young boy whose simple and natural way of speaking skillfully captures detailed and poetic scenes, vividly portrays characters and delivers broadly humorous and subtly ironic narratives. However, now, the novel’s liberal use of a particular racial slur would undoubtedly spark some heated discussions.
“Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad
This 1899 novella is probably one of classic literature’s most controversial and celebrated works. Conrad’s exploration of imperialism in Africa is a literary heavyweight, but its portrayal of African characters as primitive and savage is a definite no-no in today’s woke culture. It’s time to shine a light on some new perspectives, Mr. Marlow.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Truman Capote
Audrey Hepburn may have rocked that little black dress, but Capote’s portrayal of Holly Golightly’s Japanese neighbor, Mr. Yunioshi, in this novella, is cringe-worthy at best. Let’s say it’s not exactly the shining moment of diversity in literature.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
This beloved American classic was published in series form between 1945 and 1956. The character of Holden Caulfield might have been the poster child for teenage angst, which helped make the novel an adolescent classic, but his rampant misogyny and questionable views on race and sexuality wouldn’t exactly earn him a spot on the “woke” reading list today.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
This 1960 novel was instantly successful after its release. It is written in the first person from the point of view of a young girl named Scout. While the character of Atticus Finch was the ultimate champion of justice, the novel’s portrayal of African American characters through the lens of a white savior narrative has raised some eyebrows in recent years. It may be time for Scout to share the spotlight.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
Walker’s powerful narrative of African American women (primarily focusing on Celie) in the South, written in 1985, is a literary triumph. However, its depiction of black men as abusive and violent has sparked debates about perpetuating negative stereotypes. Some shades of gray need to be added to the mix.
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe
This anti-slavery novel, published in 1852, was groundbreaking in its time and gained wide popularity, especially amongst white readers in the North. However, its portrayal of Uncle Tom (an enslaved person) as a subservient and passive character has led to accusations of reinforcing racial stereotypes.
“Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville
Ahab’s quest for revenge against the titular white whale is the stuff of literary legend, but Melville’s treatment of non-white characters, like Queequeg, as exotic caricatures are cringe-worthy by today’s standards. It’s time to give Ishmael’s sidekick some depth beyond his tattoos.
“The Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien
Tolkien’s 1954 fantasy epic is a beloved classic and a sequel to an equally beloved Novel series called “The Hobbit.” However, its lack of racial diversity and reliance on racial stereotypes, particularly with the depiction of orcs and other non-human races, has come under scrutiny in recent years. Looks like the Middle-earth could use a little diversity training.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Taking place during the Jazz Age on Long Island, Near New York City, the novel illustrates first-person narrator Nick Carraway’s interactions with mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. While Gatsby’s parties have been the stuff of legend, Fitzgerald’s portrayal of female characters as shallow and one-dimensional has not aged well. Sorry, Daisy Buchanan, but we’re all about complex female protagonists now.
“(Blanked)” by Vladimir Nabokov
The novel, written in 1955, tackles the contentious theme of hebephilia. The story follows a French literature professor who relocates to New England and adopts the alias Humbert. While Humbert’s obsession with the titular teenage girl is the epitome of creepy, Nabokov’s narrative of grooming and sexual exploitation has rightfully sparked controversy in today’s #MeToo era. We guess it’s time to retire this one to the “problematic classics” shelf.
“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel is a haunting exploration of mental illness, but its lack of diversity and narrow focus on the experiences of white, middle-class women have raised some valid criticisms, making it almost a necessity for new perspectives to come to the shore now.
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck
This 1937 American Novella focuses on Lennie and George’s journey and is a heartbreaking tale of friendship and hardship. However, Steinbeck’s portrayal of mentally disabled characters as childlike and simple-minded is downright problematic by all standards. Now is the time to weed out these stereotypes once and for all.
“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
Huxley’s 1931 dystopian vision of a future society is eerily prescient, reflecting many modern, scientific, and cultural trends like test tube babies and drug abuse. But its portrayal of non-white characters as primitive and subservient has rightfully come under fire. The future may not be as progressive as we thought.
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
The epistolary novel from 1897, written in diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles with no particular character as the protagonist, represents Count Dracula as the king of vampires. It makes Stoker’s portrayal of Eastern European characters as sinister and otherworldly a product of its time.
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë
This 1847 novel is a classic of the classic for romances. Heathcliff and Cathy’s tumultuous romance is the stuff of Gothic legend, with picturesque scenic representation set in the Moors. But Brontë’s portrayal of non-white characters, like Heathcliff’s mysterious origins, has been repeatedly criticized for perpetuating racial stereotypes.
“1984” by George Orwell
“1984,” a novel penned by English writer George Orwell in 1949, is a stark cautionary tale against totalitarian regimes. Its chilling portrayal of a dystopian society profoundly impacted readers, embedding its ideas firmly into mainstream culture, unlike many other works. The title and key concepts, like Big Brother and the Thought Police, have become widely recognized and symbolize contemporary social and political injustices. Orwell’s portrayal of non-white characters as subservient and expendable has also been scrutinized.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s slow-burn romance is a timeless classic, but Austen’s lack of diversity and narrow focus on the experiences of white, upper-class characters has rightfully sparked some conversations about representation. Maybe Austen’s social circle needs expansion.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
Published in Lippincott’s Monthly magazine in 1890, this Irish fantasy novel depicts Dorian Gray’s descent into decadence and debauchery and is a cautionary tale for the ages. Wilde’s portrayal of non-heteronormative characters as deviant and morally corrupt, however, is definitely not something to be celebrated.
“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Russian novel’s portrayal of Raskolnikov’s moral dilemma is a gripping exploration of guilt and redemption. However, Dostoevsky’s portrayal of non-Russian characters as exotic and otherworldly is a product of the time when tokenism in literature was not taken that seriously.
“The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer
Chaucer’s collection of 24 stories, which run over 17,000 lines of love and adventure, is a literary treasure from the Middle Ages. However, his portrayal of non-Christian characters as villainous and untrustworthy is problematic by modern standards.
“The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair
Sinclair’s exposé of the meatpacking industry is a harrowing tale of exploitation and corruption, as is his portrayal of non-white characters as primitive and backward. This still doesn’t affect the fact that this heart-wrenching tale of a common labor man was one of the most celebrated books of its time.
16 Famous Comedians Whose Jokes Are Forbidden in Today’s World
Related: In the ever-evolving comedy landscape, societal norms and sensitivities play a significant role in shaping acceptable humor. Over the years, certain comedians who were once celebrated for their wit and sharp humor have found themselves in hot water for jokes now deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Here are 16 famous comedians whose jokes are forbidden in today’s world.
