Literature that an English Major Should Expect to Know

As a prospective English major, you may be wondering what literature might be in store for you. Perhaps you're thinking of switching majors, or have doubts as to whether your curriculum is comparable to others. No matter where your curiosity stems from, it's important to understand what you will (and won't) be reading.

English majors face two major concentrations: writing and reading. Some prefer reading over writing, and vice versa. Maybe you enjoy both. But for those of us that like the creative aspects of the education, literature can be hard to overcome. Authors such as Milton and Spenser certainly don't make it easy - the analysis of such poetry can be immense. The language itself can be an adjustment, depending on your background as a reader. The most important advice anyone can give you is simple: do your research. If you don't understand a word, reference footnotes or an Oxford English dictionary. The subtlety that is presented in late 16th or 17th century literature is unrivalled, and it's incredible important to have a strong grasp of such classic works. Perhaps more importantly, know the history of the author. In past times, symbolism and allegory were more important. Understanding the references to queens and popes of the time period the piece was written in is absolutely essential. Therefore, you should study up on any given author. If the written work is authored by an unknown writer, try to understand the time period that it originates from. Most great literature has historical context.

With that said, here is a short but sweet guide as to some works you may expect to read, re-read, analyze, and re-read again.

Beowulf - one of the earliest epics, if not, the most famous early epic. Known for it's obvious themes of pride and war.

Shakespeare - as if it really needed to be said. Many English majors read his sonnets, but more than likely you will encounter an entire class dedicated to Shakespeare and his plays. Most high school students will have read Romeo and Juliet, so expect to tackle some of his more literary works.

The Illiad - if you haven't read it already, you will. Greek epics, like the Illiad and the Odyssey present themselves both in English courses and also in the history curriculum. They demonstrate what life was like in the ancient Greek world, and many professors tend to highlight these works.

Poems by John Donne - the complexity of John Donne, also known as Jack Donne or Doctor Donne, are favorites of English teachers. These are fun to read, but require a lot of commitment in terms of knowing the author. His Holy Sonnets are popular, and other poems such as The Flea, and The Ecstasy offer an amazing look into his life.

Spenser - the Faerie Queene for one. Spenser isn't as "great" as some of the other authors you'll be asked to look at, but his place in history is one that cannot be overlooked.

Chaucer - anything by Chaucer will do. Iambic pentameter, and then even more iambic pentameter. Chaucer is credited with first using iambic pentameter, and Shakespeare later used it extensively. However it was....

Milton who perfected it. Milton is probably best known for his work on his epic Paradise Lost, which is based on great Greek epics, but centers around Christianity, specifically the English Civil War in which he played his part in.

After you have read such great literature, you might finding yourself taking other courses with offer more modern takes on profound works. Newer novels such as Frankenstein and works by Virginia Woolf often make their way into the classroom. Of course, this is a very short guide as to what you can expect, but if you're looking to get ahead, this is a great place to start.

Anyone who wants to further their knowledge of great literature could start out with the text many English majors use - the Norton Anthology of English Literature, or other Norton anthologies.