English literature

[sultanee]

hi everybody
this is my first participation here
please, I want you to give me some advice
I'm looking forward to studying English literature but i don't know where and how to start
what are the basic principles when it comes to studying English literature
and thank you so much in advance

[Tdol]

First and foremost, literature should be a pleasure. Start with short pieces before attempting huge novels. As the language has changed a lot, it is probably a lot easier to start with modern writers- native speakers need a lot of footnotes to help them through Shakespeare.

[sultanee]

Originally Posted by Tdol

First and foremost, literature should be a pleasure. Start with short pieces before attempting huge novels. As the language has changed a lot, it is probably a lot easier to start with modern writers- native speakers need a lot of footnotes to help them through Shakespeare.

That is true, English has changed a lot, I once tried to read some picecs of writing from old English, I felt like I was reading a complete different language.Anyways, thank you so much for the tips.

[konungursvia]

I also favour a reverse-chronological order, and have long arranged my classes like that: present time first, then move backwards in time to the earlier works, ending up with Fielding, Shakespeare, Donne, Spencer, the Wakefield Master, Chaucer, Beowulf.