Let us
begin with the question itself, how to study English literature? Now, the
question being put on page, read it once, twice, thrice and to n times until
you see the first word in question being substituted with ‘why’. When you face
the new question “why to study English literature” you actually are in the way
to find answer to both, how and why! ‘Why’ is the question for the ends, and
‘how’ is the question for methods. Once you specify the ends, the methods will
come into your mind systematically and you will start producing practical
actions.
What I have
said above, may seem clumsy to you. However, there lies the logical theory. You
want to reach to the pond (buying light food in way, so that you can enjoy your
evening there). There are three roads to the pond. You will simply go via the
way having shops. I hope you have understood my point and logic.
However,
students need proper guidance and detailed information about this serious
question “how to study English literature”. In most cases, you do it out of
your interest. You start your graduation in English literature because you find
the contents (novels, poems, dramas etc.) interesting and even captivating if
your imagination allows you. However, as the general practice among Indian
students of English literature is, most of the students do not take interest in
the most vital part of study! They do not give proper part of their attention
to the History of English Literature. They ignore what can strengthen, empower
and propel their understanding of various literary productions in English. Eventually,
they become stooges to their academic calls; they do and think only as much as
is required for their academic needs and examinations. They start understanding
well the philosophy of The Waste Land without understanding since how
long the water had been kept aside to make the land waste!
Now the
question arises – how to bridge this gap of understanding? The answer is as simple
as tough is the question! Make a bridge! Yes, you have to awaken an interest of
going through good books of History of English Literature. The method, once my
teacher told me, is to read as much as pleases you. Do not make the reading a
burden upon your mind; if such happens, you will not be able to enjoy it! There
must be a systematic study of the History, because History is a record of
events in order… it is not the Science where you can understand laws of
Einstein without understanding laws of Newton! Therefore, it is strongly recommended that
you, as the students of English literature, must go through a good book of
History of English Literature at least twice. The reason behind this perusal is
valid. It will make you aware of the various movements and waves in English
Literature. You will start understanding the causes of arrival of Romantic
revival in the 60s-70s of 18th century as well as the reason behind
fading colours of romantic and naturalistic emotions in the mid nineteenth
century. In simple words, History of English Literature lets you know how the
poem that delights you, happened to exist on the pages of a poet. History of
English Literature opens the window to you, through which you can see the
process of creation! I will try to point out some methods and advantages of
studying History of English Literature that will let you understand it as well
as enjoy the reading without letting you feel any burden.
1- There
are certain chapters in the book of History of English Literature. You have to
read the book completely at least twice. You have to read it in order. Thorough
reading of the book will make you learn about different periods in the History
of English Literature. You will have a perception about the ideology of a
certain age/period of English Literature. This is necessary to understand the
literary works in their context.
2- When
the initial reading (thorough reading) of a good book is complete, you can
start going through other books of History of English Literature. You have now
the idea of various periods and conditions of those periods, so you can read
any specific age that you want. Reading viewpoints of different authors enables
you to analyse various perspectives of a certain age in English Literature.
3- Once
you complete a chapter, find some works by writers of the age you just read.
Read their works and try to find out the qualities you read about in the book.
It will make you understand the context of works. For instance, you will come
to know about the scenario, which compelled Dickens to write Oliver Twist.
4- You
can learn about various ways to interpret a literary work (especially, the
poem). Let us assume you have just finished Victorian Period in English
Literature. Now go through a work of Arnold entitled The Scholar-Gipsy. The
contextual interpretation of work will guide you towards finding faults in
Victorian England; while the broad and minute interpretation of poem will make
you aware of the faults in general human nature, problems of entire world!
5- A
great advantage of studying History of English Literature is that you have an
estimate of History of England as a nation.
6- At
last, if you study the History minutely and attentively, you do not need that
extra hour to go through the background of any work you are reading. You just
need to see author’s name or title of the work and you have context of the age
in your mind ready!
SOME GOOD
BOOKS RECOMMENDED:
1. History
of English Literature by Legouis and Cazamian.
2. A
Critical History of English Literature (Vol – I & II) by David Daiches.
3. An
Introduction to the Study of English Literature by W. H. Hudson.
4. The
Palgrave Guide to English Literature and Its Contexts by Peter Widdowson.
5. The
Short Oxford History of English Literature by Andrew Sanders.
6. A
Brief History of English Literature by John Peck and Martin Coyle.
7. Studying
English Literature (A Practical Guide) by Tory Young.
There are
many good books; and, in fact, all books are good in a way! Hope this article
helps you in understanding the importance of studying History of English
Literature.
Alok Mishra
Editor-in-Chief
Ashvamegh
