What's that in your hands? A giant doorstop? Oh…uh…it's a classic novel. That's right. Never mind.

All easy gags about Bleak House's XL size aside, this is an amazing novel to teach—each challenge provides us with great discussion opportunities about the relevance of this novel today. There are also research opportunities: students will learn about Victorian England, as well as the history and influence of Dickens on literature. Delving into other areas of interest can be instructive as well: the industrial revolution, child labor, etc. There's a wealth of opportunity here; you just have to reach out and take it.