Ancient Classics:
* The Epic of Gilgamesh: (Mesopotamia) Explores themes of immortality, loss, and the search for meaning, influencing later epics like Homer's *The Odyssey*.
* The Bhagavad Gita: (India) A philosophical poem within the Hindu epic *Mahabharata*, exploring duty, karma, and the nature of reality.
* The Analects of Confucius: (China) A collection of sayings and teachings that formed the basis of Confucianism, emphasizing ethics, social harmony, and respect for authority.
* The Bible: (Judaism and Christianity) A collection of sacred texts that profoundly influenced Western culture, law, and morality.
* The Quran: (Islam) The holy book of Islam, guiding its followers' beliefs, practices, and social interactions.
* Homer's Iliad and Odyssey: (Ancient Greece) These epic poems, about the Trojan War and Odysseus' journey home, shaped Western literature and storytelling traditions.
* Plato's Republic: (Ancient Greece) A philosophical dialogue that explores justice, ideal societies, and the nature of truth.
Medieval & Renaissance:
* Dante's Divine Comedy: (Italy) A visionary poem that explores the afterlife and the journey of the soul, inspiring countless artists and writers.
* The Canterbury Tales: (England) Geoffrey Chaucer's collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims, offering social commentary and a snapshot of medieval life.
* Don Quixote: (Spain) Miguel de Cervantes' satirical novel about a delusional knight-errant, influencing literary satire and the concept of the "idealist."
* Hamlet: (England) William Shakespeare's tragedy of a prince seeking revenge, exploring themes of fate, mortality, and human nature.
* The Divine Comedy: (Italy) Dante Alighieri's epic poem, a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, influenced countless writers and artists.
Modern & Contemporary:
* Pride and Prejudice: (England) Jane Austen's witty novel explores social satire, love, and marriage.
* Moby Dick: (USA) Herman Melville's epic novel about a sailor's obsessive pursuit of a giant white whale, tackling themes of revenge, obsession, and the human condition.
* One Hundred Years of Solitude: (Colombia) Gabriel Garcia Marquez's magical realism novel explores family, history, and the power of memory.
* The Lord of the Rings: (England) J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series, a foundational work for modern fantasy literature and film.
* To Kill a Mockingbird: (USA) Harper Lee's novel, a powerful commentary on racial injustice and prejudice, impacting social justice movements.
* Beloved: (USA) Toni Morrison's novel exploring the aftermath of slavery and the legacy of trauma, a landmark of African American literature.
Impact:
These works have impacted the world in many ways:
* Shaping culture and values: They have informed our understanding of morality, justice, human nature, and the universe.
* Inspiring art and creativity: They have served as models and sources of inspiration for countless artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers.
* Fuelling social change: Many literary works have challenged social norms, sparked debate, and encouraged activism on issues like equality, human rights, and environmental protection.
* Expanding knowledge and understanding: They have provided insights into different cultures, historical periods, and philosophical perspectives.
This is just a glimpse into the vast world of literature. There are countless other works that have profoundly influenced the world, across different genres, languages, and cultures.
It's important to continue reading and exploring diverse voices and perspectives to discover how literature continues to shape our world today.