innocent question

[flamingo]

hi everyone it's my first time here with you (hope not to find me boring) and i have a question for those who are interested in studing English literature , what would be a good start for them to study ? I mean they should do what first ?

thank you

[Midas]

Welcome. Falmingo, 'They' (or do you mean 'you') should start by reading books written in English on subjects, or genre, that interests you. It is difficult to tell your standard of English from this simple introduction.

If it is low, then avoid first the earlier classics - that is from Victorian authors down. Reason? They tend to be 'wordy', use words which have changed in meaning, no longer, or rarely, used, and have longer sentences and paragraphs, or awkward syntax, I am generalising, there are exceptions to most rules. Also, what some find challenging, and discouraging, others may find inspiring.

Keep it simple at first, and build up your selectivity, as your English reading develops.

Putting your request in the third person plural has me wondering whether it is your lack of English, or that you are a foreign primary teacher of the language seeking guidance on behalf of your pupils, or a parent wanting to encourage his/her children.

Perhaps, if you informed us a little more of your main reasons for wanting to develop your knowledge in this direction, you will find you will elicit more detailed and relevant responses from the many helpful and enlightened posters here.

Incidentally, from your choice of poem, it seems to indicate you are well into 'mature' age, so are not a young (in age) student? But then there could be another 'buried' reason which could be of interest for to share..

[Wilhelm]

Hi Flamingo,

If you have done quite some reading, I would suggest you to go to a university library (or some place else) to pick up some articles or essays about the works you've read. They might be somewhat hard to grasp if you're not really familiar with the academic lexicon, but if you take time to get into them, it will be very rewarding and it will improve your insight in literature for sure.

Good luck!

[flamingo]

thank you guys for your information, I really appreciate it.