please tell me the process of understanding literature..
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Hello,
There is no magic formula to understand literature whether English or otherwise. The best I can do is to draw on my experience as an avid reader and create a sort of structure out of my wholly unstructured approach to English literature.
Read enjoyable books - Do not get caught up in the arguments of pretentious people who insist on reading high brow or critically acclaimed works alone. These folks might try to erase these facts from their consciousness but the fact remains that even potboilers qualify as literature. Read what interests you.
Develop your vocabulary - If you find yourself struggling to read books because you cannot comprehend the language as the vocabulary is far above your level, then you need to make a few adjustments. Firstly try to find a book that contains a few unfamiliar words but appears readable on the whole. The simplest way to gauge that is by reading the first chapter. Once you've identified said book, sit with a dictionary while reading it so you can look up these unknown words when you encounter them.
Variety - Over time, try to diversify from reading one genre of literature to others. It keeps you entertained and opens up your mind.
If you follow these guidelines, you will find that more often not, you will begin to understand what the author is trying to convey through his work. Sometimes, you will find shades of meaning in the work that even the author was unaware existed. Finally I would just remind you that the most important thing is to enjoy English literature, once you find yourself in that space, understanding will follow.
There is no magic formula to understand literature whether English or otherwise. The best I can do is to draw on my experience as an avid reader and create a sort of structure out of my wholly unstructured approach to English literature.
Read enjoyable books - Do not get caught up in the arguments of pretentious people who insist on reading high brow or critically acclaimed works alone. These folks might try to erase these facts from their consciousness but the fact remains that even potboilers qualify as literature. Read what interests you.
Develop your vocabulary - If you find yourself struggling to read books because you cannot comprehend the language as the vocabulary is far above your level, then you need to make a few adjustments. Firstly try to find a book that contains a few unfamiliar words but appears readable on the whole. The simplest way to gauge that is by reading the first chapter. Once you've identified said book, sit with a dictionary while reading it so you can look up these unknown words when you encounter them.
Variety - Over time, try to diversify from reading one genre of literature to others. It keeps you entertained and opens up your mind.
If you follow these guidelines, you will find that more often not, you will begin to understand what the author is trying to convey through his work. Sometimes, you will find shades of meaning in the work that even the author was unaware existed. Finally I would just remind you that the most important thing is to enjoy English literature, once you find yourself in that space, understanding will follow.
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