Hi, I'm new to the studying of English literature--having read some selected works from here and there in the past. Can some experts (teachers) in this field recommend a place or two for me to start? I do not find contemporary (popular) writing styles "visually" stimulating (where words seemed to have become engineering tools involuntarily enchained to the process of construction/composition--losing their intrinsic, aesthetic appeal)--true, one can get a message across (informational, inspirational) employing common (everyday) language, but that would be like designing a building--stressing utility, whilst dismissing beauty (a worthy pursuit in itself).
I appreciate your advice!
PS By the way, my native language is Chinese (a literary language by nature--each individual character (building block) is like a condensed/concentrated version of certain underlying/unifying ideas/themes manifested at large--a small universe within itself--perfect for poetry).