Best Resources to Study English Literature

Best Resources to Study English Literature

English Literature

Sharing is caring!

Introduction

Have you ever been fascinated by the beauty of English literature? Do you want to explore famous novels, poems, and plays but don’t know where to start?

Learning English literature can be exciting and rewarding, but it also requires the right resources. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a literature lover, having good study materials can make all the difference.

In this post, we will explore the best resources for studying English literature.

I will cover books, websites, online courses, YouTube channels, and even apps that can help you understand and enjoy literature better. Let’s dive in!

1. Best Books to Study English Literature

Books are the foundation of studying English literature. Some books explain literature in simple ways, while others help you dive deep into the works of famous authors. Here are some must-have books:

1.1. The Norton Anthology of English Literature

This is one of the best books for studying English literature. It covers classic and modern works from different periods, including poems, plays, and essays. If you want to explore English literature in detail, this book is a great resource.

1.2. A Glossary of Literary Terms – M.H. Abrams

Understanding literary terms is essential for analyzing literature. This book explains important terms like metaphor, symbolism, and allegory in simple language.

1.3. How to Read Literature Like a Professor – Thomas C. Foster

If you struggle with understanding literature, this book is for you. It teaches you how to analyze books, find hidden meanings, and understand symbols in a fun and engaging way.

1.4. The Cambridge Introduction to Literature Series

Cambridge University Press has a collection of books that introduce readers to different types of literature, such as novels, poetry, and drama. These books are easy to read and helpful for students.

2. Best Websites to Study English Literature

The internet has made studying literature easier than ever. There are many free and paid websites that provide study guides, summaries, and literary analysis.

2.1. SparkNotes (www.sparknotes.com)

SparkNotes is one of the best websites for literature students. It provides summaries, character analysis, themes, and quizzes for famous books. If you are struggling to understand a novel, SparkNotes can help.

2.2. CliffsNotes (www.cliffsnotes.com)

Similar to SparkNotes, CliffsNotes offers book summaries and explanations of literary works. It also provides writing tips and study guides.

2.3. LitCharts (www.litcharts.com)

LitCharts is an excellent resource for students and teachers. It provides detailed summaries, analysis, and quotes from literary works. The website also has visual aids like charts and timelines.

2.4. Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org)

This website offers thousands of free eBooks, including classic literature. If you want to read books by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or Charles Dickens for free, this is the best place.

2.5. The British Library (www.bl.uk)

The British Library website has a collection of historical and literary resources. It provides articles, manuscripts, and expert analysis of famous literary works.

3. Best Online Courses for Studying English Literature

If you prefer structured learning, online courses are a great option. Many universities and institutions offer free and paid courses in English literature.

3.1. Coursera (www.coursera.org)

Coursera offers literature courses from top universities like Yale and Harvard. You can learn about Shakespeare, modern novels, and poetry from expert professors. Some courses are free, while others require payment.

3.2. edX (www.edx.org)

edX provides online literature courses from universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The courses cover different literary periods, authors, and analysis techniques.

3.3. FutureLearn (www.futurelearn.com)

FutureLearn has courses on various aspects of literature, including Shakespeare, gothic fiction, and world literature. Most courses are free, but you can pay for a certificate.

3.4. Open Yale Courses (oyc.yale.edu)

Yale University offers free recorded lectures on English literature. You can learn from top professors without paying anything.

3.5. The Great Courses (www.thegreatcourses.com)

If you want in-depth knowledge of literature, The Great Courses provides high-quality video lectures by literature experts. It is a paid platform but offers great insights.

4. Best YouTube Channels to Study English Literature

YouTube is a fantastic free resource for literature students. Many educators and literature enthusiasts create helpful videos explaining literary works.

4.1. CrashCourse Literature

CrashCourse Literature is one of the best YouTube channels for literature lovers. It explains famous books, their themes, and their meanings in an engaging way.

4.2. TED-Ed

TED-Ed offers animated videos on literary concepts, themes, and storytelling techniques. The videos are short but full of useful information.

4.3. The School of Life

This channel explores the lives and works of famous authors like Shakespeare, Orwell, and Austen. It helps you understand literature from a philosophical and emotional perspective.

4.4. Thug Notes

If you want a fun way to learn literature, Thug Notes is a great choice. It provides humorous yet insightful summaries and analysis of famous books.

4.5. Oxford Academic

Oxford University’s YouTube channel provides lectures and discussions on various aspects of literature. It is great for serious literature students.

5. Best Apps for Studying English Literature

If you like studying on the go, mobile apps can be a great resource. Here are some apps that can help:

5.1. Goodreads

Goodreads is an app for book lovers. You can find book reviews, summaries, and recommendations. It helps you track your reading and discover new books.

5.2. Blinkist

Blinkist provides short summaries of books, including literature classics. If you don’t have time to read a whole book, you can listen to key points in minutes.

5.3. Poetry Foundation

If you love poetry, this app is perfect. It has a huge collection of poems from different time periods and poets.

5.4. Kindle

The Kindle app lets you read thousands of eBooks, including literary classics. You can also highlight important points and take notes.

5.5. Shakespeare Pro

If you want to study Shakespeare’s works, this app provides complete plays, sonnets, and explanations.

6. Best Podcasts for Studying English Literature

Podcasts are a great way to learn literature while commuting or relaxing. Here are some great podcasts:

6.1. The History of Literature

This podcast explores different literary works, authors, and historical contexts in an engaging way.

6.2. The New Yorker Fiction

The New Yorker Fiction podcast features famous authors reading and discussing literary works.

6.3. BBC Radio 4 – In Our Time: Culture

This podcast discusses literature, philosophy, and culture with experts.

6.4. Literature and History

If you want to understand the historical background of literature, this podcast is highly informative.

6.5. Shakespeare Unlimited

This podcast explores Shakespeare’s works, life, and influence in an interesting way.

Conclusion

Studying English literature becomes easier and more enjoyable when you have the right resources. Books, websites, online courses, YouTube channels, apps, and podcasts can all help you understand literature better. Whether you are a student, teacher, or book lover, these resources will guide you on your literary journey.

So, which resource will you try first? Let us know in the comments! Happy reading! 📚

More topics:

Resources:

Sharing is caring!

Related Posts