Jókai today

What do young people think today about the novel The Man with the Golden Touch and about Jókai?

What young people today think about the novel The Man with the Golden Touch and Mór Jókai can vary, depending on their cultural background, educational level, and individual interests. However, there are some general trends and viewpoints that can be considered in answering this question:

1. Literary value and historical significance

Many students are aware that Mór Jókai and his works, especially The Man with the Golden Touch, had a significant impact on Hungarian literature. The novel and its author often appear in school curricula, so students generally appreciate Jókai's historical significance and style, as well as the literary heritage of Hungarian Romanticism.

2. Accessibility and Readability

In today's fast-paced world, young people might find it challenging to engage with traditional, longer literary works. The Man with the Golden Touch, as a 19th-century novel, may be less appealing to them because its language and style differ from what modern readers are accustomed to. The length and detail of the novel might also pose a challenge.

3. Relevance of Themes

The themes addressed in the novel, such as moral dilemmas, social mobility, identity, and the quest for love, remain ever relevant. For young readers, these themes may continue to be pertinent, especially if presented in a context that relates to the challenges of the modern era. Young people who are interested in human relationships and societal issues are likely to appreciate the depth and complexity of the novel.

4. Modern Adaptations and Interpretations

If The Man with the Golden Touch appears in modern adaptations, such as in films, theatrical productions, or even online content, it can help make the story more appealing to a younger audience. Modern media formats and contemporary interpretations can make the novel more accessible and digestible for today's youth.

5. Cultural and Personal Connection

For young people, it can be important to have a personal and cultural connection to the themes presented in the novel. If teachers and educators are able to demonstrate how the story relates to the students' own lives and to modern society, the students are more likely to appreciate and enjoy Jókai's work.

In summary, although The Man with the Golden Touch may present significant challenges for today's youth due to accessibility and style, the fundamental themes and questions of the story can still be attractive and relevant to them, especially if presented appropriately and connected to the modern era.


How would you make the novel The Man with the Golden Touch more accessible to today's readers?

  1. Using contemporary introductions: Before reading the book, it is advisable to prepare short, engaging introductory materials that connect the story with the lives of today's youth, such as themes of decision-making, ethical dilemmas, and self-actualization.
  2. Interactive and multimedia elements: The analysis and engagement with the literary work can be enhanced using modern tools such as videos, podcasts, or blog posts. These methods allow students to express their own thoughts and feelings about the novel, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging.
  3. Theme-based discussions and projects: The serious themes of the novel, such as moral dilemmas, social justice, and a deeper understanding of human relationships, can serve as a foundation. Young people can explore these themes through debates, group projects, and presentations, comparing them with their own experiences and the issues of the modern world.
  4. Character analysis and identification: Analyzing the motivations, actions, and internal conflicts of characters can help young people identify with them. Through workshops and class discussions, it is worthwhile to highlight how the characters struggle with their own internal and external conflicts, which can be paralleled with the challenges faced by young people today.
  5. Modern adaptations and reinterpretations: Placing the story in a modern setting or even translating the characters' dilemmas into today's technological and social context. By reinterpreting the novel in forms such as short films, plays, or even graphic novels, young people can better connect with its message.
  6. Exploring Related Themes: Address themes such as power and influence, selfishness and altruism, or personal responsibility, which transcend ages and are relevant to the lives of today's youth.