How to Read Literature and Understand It Better: Tips for Students and Adults

Reading literature can be a transformative experience. It can transport you to different worlds, challenge your perspectives, and help you develop critical thinking skills. However, not everyone finds it easy to understand literature. Whether you’re a student struggling to analyze a book for class or an adult looking to deepen your reading experience, here are some tips to help you read literature and understand it better.

Read actively

One of the most important things you can do when reading literature is to read actively. This means engaging with the text, thinking critically about what you’re reading, and making connections between the text and your own experiences or knowledge. One of the useful approaches is to make use of a figurative language worksheet — StoryboardThat offers plenty of templates to pick from.

Try to ask yourself questions as you read, such as, “What is the author trying to convey? How does this relate to other things I’ve read or learned? Is there a common thread running across the work?” Understanding the text may be facilitated by maintaining attention and interest through active reading.

Take notes

Taking notes while you read can help you remember important details and identify patterns or themes in the text. Some people like to annotate the text, while others prefer to keep a separate notebook or document for notes. Whatever method you choose, make sure you’re recording important details such as character names, plot points, and significant quotes. Additionally, try to jot down your thoughts and reactions as you read. This can help you develop a deeper understanding of the text and engage with it on a more personal level.

Analyze the text

It is a key part of understanding literature. This involves breaking it down component parts and examining how they work together to create meaning. Some things you may want to analyze include:

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What are their motivations, desires, and flaws? How do their personalities develop during the narrative?
• Setting: Where does the story take place? What is the significance of the setting?
• Plot: What happens in the story? What are the major events and turning points?
• Themes: What are the major themes or ideas present in the text? How do they relate to the characters and plot?

By analyzing these elements, you can start to piece together the meaning of the text and develop a deeper understanding of its significance.

Consider the author’s perspective

Consider the author’s background, experiences, and beliefs, and think about how these might have influenced the text. For example, if the author is a member of a marginalized group, their work may reflect their experiences with discrimination or oppression. Similarly, if the author is writing in a specific historical or cultural context, their work may be shaped by the events and attitudes of that time period. Therefore, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the text and its context.

Discuss the text with others

This can be a great way to deepen your understanding of the story. Whether you’re in a book club, a literature class, or just talking to a friend, discussing the text can help you see it from different perspectives and gain new insights. You may also find that discussing the text helps you articulate your own thoughts and ideas more clearly.

Read widely

Finally, one of the best ways to improve your understanding of literature is to read widely. This means reading books from different genres, time periods, and cultural perspectives. In this way, you can develop a broader understanding of literature and see how different writers approach similar themes and ideas. Additionally, reading widely can help you find new authors and genres that you love, which can make reading even more enjoyable.

Finalizing

Reading literature and understanding it can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By reading actively, taking notes, analyzing the text, considering the author’s perspective, discussing the text with others, and reading widely, you can improve your ability to understand and appreciate literature.

However, it’s important to remember that reading literature is a subjective experience. Not everyone will interpret a text in the same way, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you engage with the story you are reading in a way that feels meaningful to you. Don’t be afraid to bring your own experiences and perspectives to the text, and don’t feel like you have to conform to any particular interpretation.