SOME WAYS OF STUDYING LITERATURE

 SOME WAYS OF STUDYING LITERATURE

 

Introduction

Studying literature is not only about reading stories and poems. It is also about understanding human life, imagination, history, and emotions. According to William Henry Hudson, there are many ways to approach literature. Some are simple and enjoyable. Others are detailed and critical. All are important, depending on what the reader wants to learn. There are different ways of studying literature as explained in the first two chapters of Hudson’s book. They are as below.

 

Reading for Pleasure

The most natural way to begin studying literature is by reading for joy. A good novel or poem can give pleasure without any need for analysis. According to Hudson, this is how most people first fall in love with literature. They do not worry about themes or structure. They enjoy the story, characters, or emotions. This type of reading is important because it builds interest. It helps us connect with literature on a personal level. Over time, this enjoyment creates curiosity. That curiosity leads to deeper understanding.

 

Studying the Literary Form

Once we enjoy literature, we may want to know how it is made. This involves studying literary forms such as poetry, drama, and fiction. Each form has its own style and rules. For example, poetry often uses rhythm and imagery. Drama focuses on dialogue and stage performance. Novels tell stories through narration and character development. By studying forms, we understand how writers use structure to express ideas. This study sharpens our reading and helps us notice details we may miss otherwise.

 

Historical Approach

Hudson believes that literature should be studied with historical awareness. Every book is a product of its time. It reflects the politics, religion, and society of its age. For example, Shakespeare’s plays reflect the Renaissance period. Wordsworth’s poems reflect the mood of the early 19th century. Understanding the historical background helps us understand the writer’s thoughts. It also explains why certain themes were important in that time. Literature becomes richer when we connect it to history.

 

Biographical Approach

This method focuses on the writer’s life. By learning about the author, we get insights into their work. Hudson says that great literature often comes from the author’s personal experiences. For example, the sadness in Keats’s poetry connects with the suffering in his own life. Dickens’s childhood struggles show up in his novels about poverty. Biographical study helps us understand why a writer used certain themes, characters, or emotions. It also creates a deeper emotional bond between reader and author.

 

Critical and Analytical Reading

Another method is to read critically. This means looking closely at the structure, style, and techniques used in a work. Readers study language, symbols, metaphors, and tone. They ask questions: Why did the author choose this word? What is the deeper meaning of this event? Hudson encourages this approach for advanced students. It improves thinking and helps the reader find meaning beyond the surface. However, he also warns that over-analysis can destroy enjoyment. Balance is important.

 

Comparative Method

Sometimes we learn more by comparing works. This method is called the comparative approach. For example, we can compare two novels from different times or cultures. We can compare Shakespeare’s tragedies with Greek tragedies. Or we can compare Indian poetry with British poetry. Such comparisons help us see similarities and differences. They also help us understand how literature changes across time and place. Hudson values this method because it gives a wider view of the literary world.

 

Philosophical and Moral Reflection

Hudson reminds us that literature is not just art. It is also a reflection of human thought. Good literature often deals with moral questions. It explores right and wrong, truth and lies, life and death. When we read deeply, we begin to think deeply. We may reflect on our own lives. Literature makes us wiser. This kind of study does not need special terms or theories. It needs honesty, empathy, and patience. Hudson calls it the soul of literary education.

 

Language and Style Appreciation

Another important way of studying literature is by looking at the writer’s use of language. Hudson points out that great writers have a special way with words. They use metaphors, rhythm, and word choice in beautiful and powerful ways. By studying language and style, we understand how literature becomes art. This method makes us better writers and speakers too. It sharpens our ear for beauty and meaning in words.

 

Literature as a Mirror of Society

Literature often reflects the society in which it is written. Hudson shows how literature expresses the values, hopes, and fears of a community. For example, Victorian novels often show concern for social justice. Modernist poetry reflects the confusion of the early 20th century. By reading literature, we learn not only about individuals but also about cultures and civilizations. It gives us a mirror to understand how people lived, thought, and dreamed.

 

Personal Connection and Response

Finally, Hudson values the reader’s personal response. Literature is not just about analysis or facts. It is also about how it makes us feel. A poem may remind us of someone we love. A story may give us hope. A tragedy may make us cry. These emotions are important. They make literature human. Every reader brings something different. Hudson believes that true literary study begins when we open our hearts, not just our minds.

 

Conclusion

Hudson’s view of studying literature is broad and balanced. He sees it as both a science and an art. We can read for joy, study form, connect history, explore the author’s life, and reflect on human truth. We can read deeply or casually. We can use books to learn, think, or simply feel. All methods are useful. What matters is that we read honestly, with care and curiosity. In the end, literature teaches us how to live, how to dream, and how to be more fully human.

 

REFERENCE:

Hudson, William Henry. An Outline History of English Literature. Rupa Publications India, 2015.

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