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THE STUDY OF AN AUTHOR
William Henry Hudson
Introduction
In An Introduction to the Study of English Literature, Hudson provides an insightful framework for approaching the study of literature with a methodical and systematic approach. He contrasts simple reading with in-depth study and elaborates on different methods of literary analysis. Here is a detailed explanation of the key points he covers:
1. Reading and Study:
Hudson makes a clear distinction between reading and studying literature. A mere reader might read books randomly or based on personal interest, while a student of literature approaches reading with a systematic plan. The core difference lies in intent and method. Reading can be a source of enjoyment and knowledge, but studying implies organizing that reading according to a thoughtful structure. This structure helps the student to gain deeper insight into the author’s mind, personality, and development.
2. The Reading of Books and the Study of Authors:
The transition from reading books to studying authors marks a significant shift in literary engagement. Hudson suggests that, while a casual reader might pick up a single book, a student seeks to understand the broader scope of an author's work. This involves studying not just individual books, but the entirety of an author's literary corpus—the interconnectedness of their works, the evolution of their ideas, and how their life experiences influenced their writing. For instance, to fully understand Shakespeare, one must not only enjoy his plays individually but also understand them as expressions of his artistic development over time.
3. The Chronological Method of Studying an Author
Hudson advocates the chronological method as the most natural and effective way to study an author’s work. This method involves reading the author’s works in the order in which they were produced. Doing so allows the student to trace the development of the author’s mind, art, and experiences. For example, when studying Shakespeare’s plays chronologically, we can observe his growth as a dramatist, from early comedies to his later tragedies. This approach gives insight into how his writing reflects different phases of his life, how his style evolved, and how external factors, such as historical context, may have influenced his works.
By following this method, the student can better appreciate the progressive revelation of an author’s genius. Hudson cites French critics who suggest the chronological method for studying authors like Balzac and Shakespeare, arguing that this provides the most substantial understanding of their work as a continuous artistic journey.
However, Hudson cautions against overemphasizing minor or experimental works, suggesting that only the works that genuinely represent the author’s genius should be the focus of study. Unpublished notes or works deemed unworthy by the author are often of limited value.
4. The Comparative Method
Hudson introduces the comparative method as another powerful tool for literary study. This involves comparing and contrasting an author’s works with those of contemporaries or similar writers. The comparative method allows readers to sharpen their understanding of a writer’s unique qualities by examining how their work aligns or contrasts with others. For example, comparing Shakespeare with his contemporaries—Marlowe, Jonson, or Beaumont and Fletcher—helps highlight Shakespeare’s distinctive genius and contributions to drama.
This method can also be used to explore connections between authors from different eras or genres. For example, comparing the works of Tennyson and Browning brings out distinct features of their poetic styles, while studying Thackeray alongside Dickens enhances the understanding of each novelist’s narrative techniques. The core idea is that knowledge is deepened through comparison, which is as valuable in literary study as it is in scientific inquiry.
Hudson’s assertion that "all higher knowledge is gained by comparison, and rests on comparison" underscores the value of this method for uncovering the distinctive characteristics of an author’s work. By situating an author in a broader literary landscape, students can appreciate the subtleties of their style, themes, and contributions to literature.
Conclusion
Hudson's approach to the study of literature is grounded in methodical engagement. He distinguishes between casual reading and in-depth study, urging students to adopt a more organized approach to literature. Through the chronological method, readers can trace the evolution of an author's thought and craft, while the comparative method offers additional insights by contrasting an author’s work with others. Both methods provide students with a richer, more comprehensive understanding of literature and the authors who create it.
Reference:
Hudson, William Henry. An introduction to the study of literature. Harrap, 1919.
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