How to Begin Studying English Literature

How to Begin Studying English Literature has established itself as one of the most successful and popular introductory student guides in the field. This fourth edition has been fully revised and expanded throughout, and now includes more examples and commentary on texts as well as a third essay-writing chapter, tackling critics and context.

This book shows the reader how to approach novels, plays and poems, featuring chapters on themes, characters, structure, style, irony and analysis. In addition, sections on revision, exams and further development of study skills make this book an invaluable companion for anyone beginning to study English literature.

Preface. - 1. Finding a Theme. - 2. Looking at Characters. - 3. Structure and Setting. - 4. Style and Imagery. - 5. Irony. - 6. Writing an Essay I: Answering the Question. - 7. Writing an Essay II: How to Write Paragraphs. - 8. Writing an Essay III: The Critics and the Context. - 9. Exam Revision and Practice. - 10. Taking Study Further. - Further Reading. - Index.