Challenge: 50 Books discussion

How do you define a "classic"? What's your favourite and why?

I don't think defining a classic is really up to me. Professors, book stores, etc. have made those choices already. I have two favorites: Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, because it's entertaining and relevant and the characters are realistic and generally likable; and William Shakespeare's Macbeth, because it is risky and exciting and, of course, intelligently written.