This book teaches the basics of the structure of the English language with plentiful extracts from novels, poems and plays, so that literature students learn how to identify parts of speech and discuss their effects. No previous linguistics experience is assumed. Each chapter is divided into a definition of a specific linguistic feature; a demonstration of it in a literary text; a literary exercise where readers identify it themselves and assess its effect; and a brief summary of the teaching point. Interpretation is subjective and readers will learn how to build linguistic evidence to support their view. Essential knowledge for anyone who analyses English Literature.

Laura Wright, Cambridge, UK.