What is a classic?

In a recent class discussion on what criteria deems a piece of literature to be a classic, there characteristics of broad acclamation, enduring acclamation, and universality seemed to be generally agreed on.

In many ways, I tend to agree that these characteristics are descriptive of classic literature. Certainly, classic literature seems to have some enduring qualities - if not, why would we continue to study the works of Chaucer or Shakespeare? There is a quality to classic literature that seems to continue to endure, allowing for these works to be appreciated for centuries.

But what is this quality of endurance? Do we continue to be that astounded by the language or storytelling ability of Shakespeare, or is it something more than that? I would venture to say that in many cases, the quality of universality has made classic literature endure. I think, for instance, that one of the reasons Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has come to be considered a classic is the universal feelings of apathy, depression, and frustration we've all felt at some time. People continue to read it because people sometimes feel the same way Holden Caulfield feels.

Broad acclamation, however, is harder to easily define and describe. I can't say that I know what makes a piece of literature receive broad praise. The literature that really blows me away is that which tells an incredible story with amazing, descriptive language, teaching me lessons on not only how to be a superior storyteller, but how to use form and language to attain perfection in writing.

Of course, each of us has our own ideas on what makes a superior story. Or, we view the perfection of form and language in different ways, each of us looking for something different to learn from to perfect our own understanding about writing.

I find this notion of what makes classic literature to be classic an interesting one. Even with the few characteristics I've briefly fleshed out here, there seems to be a wealth of different opinion on this subject. And yet, the classics will endure, in spite of our not knowing why the work is truly a classic.