METHODS OF STUDYING LITERATURE
In his famous book ‘An Introduction to the Study of Literature’, W. H. Hudson has discussed various methods of studying literature. He has suggested us how we can approach literature. Here he has emphasized on three useful methods of studying literature. They are as under:
COMPARATIVE METHOD
HISTORICAL METHOD
CHRONOLOGICAL METHOD
1.COMPARATIVE METHOD:
As the students of literature, we must develop a wide view of the authors and his works. If we want to understand the author’s works, his mind and his personality, we must go for comparative study. This comparison can be done at different levels.
Comparing the author’s works with his own other works. For example, to understand materialism in Marlowe’s plays, we may study and compare all his four tragedies – ‘Doctor Faustus’, ‘Jew of Malta’, ‘Edward II’, ‘Tamburlaine’ and we should try to see if materialism is found in all his works.
Comparing the author’s works with the works of his contemporaries. For example, in order to understand metaphysical poetry of John Donne, we need to study other metaphysical poems written by his contemporaries Andrew Marvel, George Herbert. We may compare and contrast Donne’s metaphysical poetry with that of the other poets.
Comparing literature of one nation or language with that of the other nation or language. In order to understand sonnets of Shakespeare and Milton, we may compare their sonnets with the sonnets of an Italian poet Petrarch
2.HISTORICAL METHOD:
The author’s works can best be understood by studying various external forces which shape his mind and personality. The author’s works are mostly influenced by the age in which he lives. The style in which a particular writer writes is not just an accident. It has a close connection with the age in which he lives. Style is the index of personality and the personality of writer is shaped by the happenings around him.
For example, Carlyle wrote in the age of the Romantic revival, therefore his prose is not of the 'classic' kind, but is romantic in nature. Therefore Carlyle's style can be understood by understanding the external force that existed when he wrote. In short, we must study the history of English literature age wise, its impact, influences, major literary movements, theories etc.
3.CHRONOLOGICAL METHOD:
Chronology means the order in which the events take place. No author’s life is static and stable. His mind and personality, his theories, his ideals, his philosophies keep on changing from time to time. So if one wants to understand the author’s works and his personality, one needs to see and study his works chronologically.
For example, John Donne wrote love poems in his youth, but later he started writing religious or divine poems in his middle and old age.
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