Introduction to English Literature

Introduction to English Literature

The first aim for studying literature is to understand the authors views of life and their personalities especially the portrayal and interpretation of the life in their periods and of all life as they have seen it, also to appreciation the literary work as a product of Fine Art, appealing with peculiar power both to our minds and to our emotions, not least to the sense of beauty and the whole higher nature.

GENERAL MATTERS
1. First and always in considering any piece of literature a student should ask himself the question already implied: Does it present a true portrayal of life—of the permanent elements in all life and in human nature, of the life or thought of its own particular period, and (in most sorts of books) of the persons ,real or imaginary, with whom it deals? If it properly accomplishes this main purpose, when the reader finishes it he should feel that his understanding of life and of people has been increased and broadened.

2. Other things being equal, the value of a book, and especially of an author s whole work, is proportional to its range, that is to the breadth and variety of the life and characters which it presents.

3. A student should not form his judgments merely from what is technically called the dogmatic point of view, but should try rather to adopt that of historical criticism. This means that he should take into account the limitations imposed on every author by the age in which he lived.


4. It is often important to consider also whether the author s personal method is objective, which means that he presents life and character without bias; or subjective, coloring his work with his personal tastes, feelings and impressions. Subjectivity may be a falsifying influence, but it may also be an important virtue, adding intimacy, charm, or force.