With films like Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, and Wuthering Heights being released and produced, there is a clear revival of classic literature happening in the 21st century. So, why is classic literature so relevant today?
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Relevant Themes
Many classic novels deal with issues that remain deeply relevant today.
Frankenstein’s ethical questions about scientific responsibility, creation, and unintended consequences. This reflects modern debates about AI. In addition, there is a conversation about chosen family and acceptance.
Pride and Prejudice addresses social class and gender expectations with a romantic overtone. These themes are relevant today as gender roles continue to be discussed and women’s rights are a topic of political debate.
Wuthering Heights examines mental health and the effects that emotions and trauma have on relationships. In this story, the cycle of abuse and revenge follows two generations of families – generational trauma is another point of conversation in modern mental health circles.
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New interpretations
Though the themes are relevant, they are often reinterpreted for the modern audience.
Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein is an American Gothic science fiction horror film that makes strong assertions about the characters and themes. He emphasizes that Frankenstein’s creature is the victim – Dr. Frankenstein is the monster. The creature is humanized, evoking empathy from the audience. It has a strong emphasis on emotions and relationships. These themes are on par with how del Toro usually interprets stories.
Wuthering Heights has an adaptation coming early 2026, and audiences are already speculating that this version is going to differ from the book. The director, Emerald Fennell, aims to translate the emotional experience of the book to film rather than a simple retelling. Modern audiences will like the primal and intense retelling, which provides excitement and diverges from the romanticized toxic relationship of the original book.
Some are not looking forward to the movie, as they believe that the casting decisions were wrong and that the scenes are intended to be provocative – something that doesn’t sit right with purists. However, the director is drawing inspiration from emotions rather than the text, so it might make sense.
Pride and Prejudice is being adapted into a six-episode limited series for Netflix. Compared to a movie, it promises more exploration into character dynamics, social context, and nuances that might be overlooked with a shorter format. We expect its release in early 2026, though it has yet to be announced.
Engaging format
Film and television are accessible formats that allow classics to reach new audiences. They are often more engaging than the book since many find the language of classic novels hard to read. Big fans of the story may even dare to crack open the novel after watching the film adaptation.
Online discussions about the latest story versions form a community. Here, fans delve into intricate language and themes. Old fans of the books can teach new audiences about the nuances of the stories that they may have missed.
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