Start with a simple and popular one. For example, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. It has a very imaginative plot that can easily draw you in. Then, gradually move on to more complex ones.
First, try to read them slowly. For example, when reading 'The Divine Comedy', don't rush through the stanzas. Let the words sink in and think about the vivid images Dante is creating. Another way is to look up any unfamiliar words or references. In a work like 'Paradise Lost', there are many allusions to religious and classical stories. And listen to audio versions. Hearing the rhythm and flow of the poetry in a novel like 'The Canterbury Tales' can enhance your understanding and appreciation.
You can start by choosing a novel that interests you based on its summary or the general theme. For example, if you like stories about love and society, 'Jane Eyre' could be a good start. Just pick up the book and start reading it from the beginning. Don't be intimidated by the old - fashioned language if there is any.
First, just start reading them. For example, pick up a collection of classic very short stories and choose one at random. Don't worry too much about understanding every single detail at first. Just get a feel for the story's mood and the basic plot.
To fully appreciate engrossing classic novels, start by reading them without distractions. Set aside a quiet time and focus on the words. Try to understand the historical context in which they were written. For example, if you're reading 'Pride and Prejudice', know about the social hierarchies in 19th - century England. Look up any words or references you don't understand. Another important aspect is to engage with the characters. Think about their motives, their growth throughout the story.
First, take your time. Don't rush through the reading. For example, with a long novel like 'War and Peace', you need to soak in the details of each character's development. Second, do some research on the historical context. If it's a Victorian - era novel, understanding the social norms of that time will enhance your reading. Third, keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and reactions as you read. This will help you engage more deeply with the text.
Read it more than once. The first time you read a classic novel, you might be focused on the plot. But when you read it again, you can pick up on subtleties in the characters, themes, and writing style.
First, just look at the pictures carefully. Notice the details, like the expressions on the characters' faces, the setting, and the colors used. For example, in a wordless graphic novel about a journey, the changing landscapes and the character's body language can tell you a lot. Then, start to piece together a story in your mind. Don't worry about getting it 'right' as there's no single correct interpretation.
To fully appreciate them, start by reading slowly and carefully. Notice the details in the descriptions, the characters' personalities, and how they interact. For example, in 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot, the complex web of relationships and the detailed setting are important to understand. Also, do some research on the historical context. If you're reading Dickens' works, like 'Great Expectations', knowing about Victorian England helps a lot.
Give it more time. Sometimes, a hard - to - love novel just needs you to be patient and keep reading. As you progress, you may start to see the beauty in its complexity. Reread passages that you find confusing. It might help you to pick up on details that you missed the first time.
To appreciate the weirdness in classic novels, first, try to understand the context of the time it was written. For example, in 'The Metamorphosis', Kafka was expressing his feelings of alienation in the modern world through the strange transformation. Second, look at the symbols. In 'Dracula', the vampire can be seen as a symbol of the unknown and the fear of the other. Third, consider the author's intention. In 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Carroll might have been exploring the idea of a child's perception of a strange and illogical world.