Robinson Crusoe, written by Daniel Defoe and first published in 1719, is often regarded as one of the earliest English novels, blending adventure, survival, and spiritual reflection. Set in the 17th century, it follows the life of Robinson Crusoe, a young Englishman who defies his father’s wishes for a stable career to pursue a life at sea, leading to his shipwreck on a deserted Caribbean island. Drawing inspiration from real-life castaway accounts, such as that of Alexander Selkirk, Defoe crafts a narrative that explores themes of providence, self-reliance, repentance, and colonialism. The novel’s detailed, first-person recounting of Crusoe’s 28-year struggle to survive—through resourcefulness, faith, and eventual companionship with the native Friday—captivated readers and established a template for the adventure genre. Its enduring legacy lies in its vivid portrayal of human resilience and moral introspection, reflecting the cultural and religious values of early 18th-century England.

Dracula, published in 1897 by Irish author Bram Stoker, is a seminal Gothic horror novel that introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula, shaping the modern vampire archetype. Written in an epistolary format through letters, journal entries, and newspaper clippings, it follows solicitor Jonathan Harker’s journey to Transylvania to assist the mysterious Count with a property purchase in England, only to uncover Dracula’s vampiric nature and malevolent plans. As Dracula invades England, targeting Harker’s fiancée Mina Murray and her friend Lucy Westenra, a group led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing battles to destroy the ancient evil. Drawing on Eastern European folklore, Victorian anxieties about sexuality, immigration, and science, and Stoker’s research into vampire myths, the novel explores themes of good versus evil, faith, and human resilience, cementing its enduring influence on literature and popular culture.

Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles around 429 BCE, considered one of the greatest works of classical literature. Set in the city of Thebes, the play follows King Oedipus, a man of intellect and determination, who seeks to save his city from a devastating plague by uncovering the murderer of the previous king, Laius. Unbeknownst to him, Oedipus himself is the culprit, having unwittingly fulfilled a prophecy that he would kill his father, Laius, and marry his mother, Jocasta. Through a series of revelations driven by Oedipus’s relentless pursuit of truth, the play explores themes of fate, free will, and the tragic consequences of human ignorance in the face of divine will. Its dramatic structure, rich characterization, and profound philosophical questions have made it a cornerstone of Western drama, influencing literature and thought for centuries.