Writers have dedicated their ideas and inspirations to put to words the stories of religion, culture, tragedies and basically everything about life. They used distinct styles and devices in crafting their messages in various literary works. Now, let us take a look at some of the most influential works of fictions that you should not miss:
The First Folio by William Shakespeare
This folio was composed of William Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies which was published in 1623. It was considered one of the most influential books ever published. It was prepared by Shakespeare’s friends, John Heminges and Henry Condell and was dedicated to Shakespeare’s “incomparable pair of brethren” William and Philip Herbert. It contained 36 plays generally accepted by Shakespeare.
The Odyssey by Homer
The Odyssey is the second of the two epic Greek poems attributed to the ancient poet known as Homer. Apart from The Iliad, it was considered one of the best works of Western literature. It was composed near the end of 8th century. The poem focuses on the hero Odysseus (Ulysses in Roman myths) and his adventure to Ithaca following the fall of Troy.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
This Spanish novel was published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615. It follows the story of an elderly knight named Don Quixote who had madly read many books of chivalry which led him to set out an adventure with his pragmatic squire Sancho Panza. Ingenious Nobleman Mister Quixote of La Mancha, its full title is one of the earliest European novels. Its author Miguel de Cervantes was almost an exact contemporary of Shakespeare.
Oedipus the King by Sophocles
Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles. This play was first performed in about 430 BCE which tackles the story of Oedipus, the King of Thebes who was prophesized that he is going to kill his own father, Laius and marry his mother. He has successfully solved the riddle of the Sphinx which saved his land from being devastated by plague. He married his mother, Jocasta, without knowing that they are related.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Very popular with children, Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland tells us the story of Alice who fell through a rabbit hole and reached a dreamy world populated by peculiar and fantastic characters including Humpty Dumpty, the Queen of Hearts, Cheshire cat and the Hatter, among others. Lewis Carroll had references on people, situations, and buildings in Oxford and at Christian churches.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories I a frame story between 1387 and 1400. It follows thirty people who travel as pilgrims to Canterbury and told these stories in their journey. Chaucer reflected religion in his stories making a significant theme of the work. It was also evident that Chaucer used various linguistic styles and rhetorical devices in his tales.
How many of these fictions have you read?
