How to Begin Studying English Literature

This book has established itself as one of the most popular introductory student guides in the field. The fourth edition has been updated throughout, with a brand new chapter on critics and contexts in essay writing. It shows the reader how to approach literature, featuring chapters on themes, characters, structure, style, irony and analysis.

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.

Examines the essential components in the study of novels, plays and poems
Supported by lively analysis and examples to engage readers
Features a brand new chapter on critics and context
Includes an extensive Further Reading section suggesting ways to approach professional criticism and providing a bridge to more specialised study

Autorentext

Nicholas Marsh was formerly a teacher of English at Francis Holland School, Regent's Park, UK. He is the author of many books, including titles on Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Blake, Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.

Inhalt

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.