When I was thirteen years old, I decided to dip my toes into classic literature. I started with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because it's supposedly beginner-friendly. 

I ordered a cheap copy online; when the parcel arrived, I was thrumming with excitement as I tore it open. But even with a hefty dictionary beside me, trying to read the first line had me intimidated and lost. 

I forced myself through the first few paragraphs, but the more I read, the more my forehead wrinkled. I just couldn't get into it. I couldn’t enjoy a book I didn’t understand, so I had to put it down and try again the next day. 

The second day was the same. 

I pushed myself to finish the book, despite feeling  like I was reading a whole different language. I thought maybe I was too young or not smart enough for classic literature. I was more accustomed  to reading TagLish (Tagalog and English) novels from Wattpad and other trendy books. 

Then the pandemic struck the world into quarantine, I dusted off my neglected copy of Pride and Prejudice. At the same time, I discovered there was a movie adaptation of it from 2005 featuring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden. I was charmed watching the scene on YouTube where Mr Darcy professes his love to Elizabeth in the pouring rain. I watched the film version immediately, and gave the book another shot. 

The visuals were a game-changer. Having now seen the movie, I was able to understand what I was reading in the book.. I could decide which Goodreads reviews I agreed with and form my own opinions—and most importantly, I felt like a smartypants. 

Currently, I'm diving into another Jane Austen gem: Emma. Now that I’ve watched the 2020 film adaptation, I feel less intimidated by the idea of reading the novel. 

This  has become my strategy for classic literature. It has exponentially expanded my love for reading and books that I had previously deemed as too complex and intimidating.