10 Books That Every Literature Students Should Read

10 Books That Every Literature Student Should Read

By Gargi Ghosh  

©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

1. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: A classic collection of stories that demonstrates the diversity of medieval literature forms. It offers a glimpse into how people lived during that period and the issues they faced.

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A quintessential novel that encapsulates the Regency era of English literature. It is an insightful social commentary on the cultural conventions, social norms, and class hierarchy of the time.

3. Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Considered one of Shakespeare's masterpieces, it explores themes of death, love, revenge, and the human psyche. It is a timeless play that continues to resonate with audiences today.

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: A Gothic novel that captures the raw emotions of love, jealousy, and revenge. It is a haunting story that showcases the creative ingenuity of Bronte's writing.

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: An iconic novel that paints a picture of the aristocracy's lavish lifestyle during the Jazz Age. It is a critique of the American Dream and how it is often unattainable.

6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A powerful novel that sheds light on racial injustice in America. It is a poignant tale that underscores the importance of tolerance, compassion, and equality.

7. Dubliners by James Joyce: A collection of short stories that capture the essence of Ireland. It is a celebration of the human condition and the struggles of an ordinary person.

8. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen: Another classic from Austen that highlights the importance of finding a balance between emotion and rationality. It is a poignant reminder that our decisions can have a profound impact on our happiness and well-being.

9. The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot: A seminal poem that reflects the disillusionment of the post-World War I era. It explores themes of death, decay, and loss of faith.

10. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf: A seminal essay that deliberates on the importance of gender identity and equity in the literary world. It is a call to action for women to claim their autonomy and voice in a society that seeks to silence them.

These ten books offer a diverse range of narrative styles, themes, and eras that can enrich any English literature student's reading journey. They remind us of the complexity, beauty, and transcendence of the human experience.

©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved 

Written by Gargi Ghosh

Gargi Ghosh (M.A, B.Ed, M.B.A, TEFL) is an Educator, an artist, and a graphic designer. A winner of awards in the categories of Women's Award-An Inspiring Woman (2019), Most Socially Active Principal (2020), Top Educators of India (2020), and Top 100 Iconic Educators of India (2021). She has published her poems in several international anthologies and secured the 8th position in a Global Poetry Competition.