In the episode “Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers,” in reference to Anna Karenina.
DEAN: It’s depressing.
RORY: It’s beautiful.
DEAN: She throws herself under a train.
RORY: But I bet she looked great doing it.
DEAN: I don’t know. I think maybe Tolstoy’s just a little over my head.
In the episode “Pilot,” in reference to Moby Dick.
DEAN: So how are you liking Moby Dick?
RORY: Oh it’s really good.
DEAN: Yeah?
RORY: Yeah, it’s my first Melville.
DEAN: Cool.
RORY: I mean, I know it’s kind of cliché to pick Moby Dick as your first Melville but— hey how did you know I was reading Moby Dick?
DEAN: Uh, well… I’ve noticed you… After school you come out and you sit under that tree there and you read. Last week it was Madame Bovary. This week it’s Moby Dick.