BA in English Literature: Recommended Reading and Resources
Embarking on a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English Literature can be a profound and enriching experience. To complement your studies, selecting the right books and resources is crucial. This article provides recommendations for essential reading in various genres and theoretical frameworks, alongside practical resources to enhance your literary understanding and skills.
Classic Literature
Diving into the classics is a cornerstone of any English Literature curriculum. Here are a few must-reads that explore profound themes and complex narratives:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront?: A classic novel that evokes themes of love, class, and social expectations, set against the moors of Yorkshire. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky: A complex narrative that delves into the depths of human obsession and the existential questions of the human condition. Middlemarch by George Eliot: A novel that weaves elements of romance with social criticism, portraying the moral and social complexities of Victorian England.Contemporary Literature
Paying homage to modern authors, these novels offer contemporary perspectives on themes that resonate with today's society:
The Road by Cormac McCarthy: A haunting post-apocalyptic novel that explores the survival of the fittest and the complexities of father-son relationships. }% by Jhumpa Lahiri: This novel intertwines the history, culture, and immigrant experience, delving into the nuances of the American immigrant narrative.Poetry
Complementing the prose with poetry can provide a new lens through which to view literature. Here are a couple of essential poetry collections:
The Complete Poems of T.S. Eliot: A comprehensive collection of one of the most significant poets of the 20th century, offering a deep dive into his profound and often complex verse. Plaintain Street Ebooks by Maya Angelou: A book that explores the unique voice and themes of one of America's most renowned poets, providing profound insights into the African American identity.Literary Theory
To understand the critical frameworks that shape literary analysis, these foundational texts are essential:
The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism: A comprehensive anthology that includes key texts from major literary theorists, offering a broad overview of different schools of thought. Literary Theory: An Introduction by Graeme Hammond: A foundational text that covers various schools of literary thought, from structuralism to post-structuralism.Drama
Drama provides a unique lens into human interactions and societal dynamics:
Temple by George Bernard Shaw: A quintessential play that explores themes of madness, revenge, and morality, providing a vivid theatrical experience. Fences by August Wilson: A powerful drama that addresses race, identity, and family dynamics in the context of 1950s America, offering a profound insight into the African American experience.Depending on your specific interests or course requirements, it's important to focus on particular genres, periods, or themes. Additionally, as a student new to BA in English Literature, having a solid foundation in literary theory and understanding key terms is essential. Recommended readings include Michael Hudson's The A to Z of Literary Terminology and Meyer Abrams' Dictionary of Literary Terms.
Practical resources such as the Cambridge Dictionary of English Language and the PhoneticScript can help enhance your linguistic skills. Having a strong aptitude for English Literature is crucial, as is the ability to apply these resources effectively through exercises in composition and remedial English.