Great works of fiction are often used to convey an author's message and personal beliefs to his audience. True literary masterpieces contain themes, philosophies, and lessons that carry as much relevance in today's society as they did when first written. Albert Camus' The Stranger, Molière's play, The Misanthrope, and Isabel Allende's novel, The House of the Spirits are all works with a lasting value resulting from their ability to connect with modern readers. These three works of literature contain such perpetual messages that they still merit reading today.

Camus' The Stranger addresses many prominent issues that still play a large part in society today. The main character, Meursault, is constantly faced with the absurdity of everyday life. When ruminating about being found guilty of murder, he begins to think that "the fact that [his verdict] had been decided by men who change their underwear...detracts from the...