Hey, fellow book lovers! Whether you’re deep into Bookstagram or just a reader looking to dive deeper into classic literature, one thing’s for sure—annotating and tabbing classics is a game-changer. If you’re like me, you want to savor every moment in these timeless reads, and annotating allows you to capture the little gems that would otherwise slip by.
Classics are often dense with layers of meaning, rich language, and historical context, making them ideal for annotating and tabbing. Whether you’re reading classics for personal enjoyment, school, or Bookstagram content, sticky tabs can help you capture the essence of these timeless books and make them more accessible.
But if you're staring at a book full of beautiful prose, you might wonder: Where do I even start? Don't worry—I’ve got you covered. Whether you're team sticky tabs, prefer jotting notes with pens, or a little bit of both, this guide will help you make the most out of annotating classics.
Let’s get started!
Why You Should Tab & Annotate Classics
Before we get into the how-to, let's talk about why annotating and tabbing classics is such a great idea. Classics can be dense, layered, and often full of historical context, symbolism, and unforgettable quotes. Here’s why I love annotating them:
Deeper Connection: Annotating makes you engage with the text in a way that passive reading can’t. It helps you really think about the themes, characters, and plot, making the experience richer.
A Personal Keepsake: When you annotate a book, it becomes a piece of your personal history. Rereading your notes years later can be like having a conversation with your past self.
Content Gold: Let’s be real—if you’re on Bookstagram, showing off a beautifully tabbed and annotated classic is a perfect way to give your followers a peek into your reading process. Plus, all those tabs and notes make your reviews super detailed.
Now, whether you’re into colorful tabs, neat handwriting, or you’re the kind of reader who jots down every thought (no judgment!), there are so many ways to approach it.
The Basics of Tabbing Classics
Alright, sticky tab fans, let’s start with the colorful little flags we all love. Tabbing is one of the easiest ways to interact with a book without writing in it, so if you’re not quite ready to break out the pen just yet, this is for you!
How to Create a Tabbing System
The key to effective tabbing is creating a system that works for you. If you’ve spent any time on Bookstagram, you’ve probably seen a million different color-coding systems, but don’t stress! You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like.
Here’s a system I use when reading classics, but feel free to adapt it to your style:
1. Themes & Symbolism (Yellow)
Classic literature is often rich with recurring themes and symbols that carry deeper meanings. Use yellow tabs to mark important themes as they appear. Some common themes in classics include:
The role of fate in Greek tragedies
Love and societal expectations in Victorian novels
Morality and justice in modernist works
This can help you identify patterns in how the author presents these themes throughout the novel.
2. Important Quotes & Passages (Blue)
Classics are known for their memorable lines and thought-provoking passages. Use blue tabs to mark:
Famous quotes
Sentences that resonate with you
Philosophical musings or key ideas
For example, in George Orwell’s 1984, you might tab the famous line: “Big Brother is watching you.” In Pride and Prejudice, you could mark Elizabeth Bennet’s iconic quote about marriage and love. These moments are key to understanding the book’s core ideas and can also serve as great references for Bookstagram posts or reviews.
3. Historical Context or Social Commentary (Purple)
Classics often reflect the social, political, and historical context of their time. Use purple tabs to highlight moments that:
Offer commentary on class, gender roles, or politics
Provide insight into the time period in which the book was written
Reflect societal issues that may still be relevant today
For example, in The Great Gatsby, you might tab sections that critique the American Dream or explore class inequality in 1920s America.
4. Character Development & Relationships (Pink)
In classics, character development is often central to the story. Use pink tabs to mark:
Key moments of character growth or change
Relationships and interactions between characters
Conflicts or moments that define a character's journey
For example, you might tab Hamlet’s soliloquies in Hamlet as he grapples with existential questions or Jane Eyre’s reflections on independence in Jane Eyre.
5. Plot Twists & Key Events (Green)
Classics are full of pivotal moments that drive the story forward. Use green tabs to mark: