Why do we read literature? Literature enables us to develop our judgment through observation and reflection. We read literature for the many pleasures it offers. These pleasures range widely across genres, with those reading fiction and drama differing from what readers experience in their encounters with poems and essays.

Reading Literature is a practical guide ranging across the literary genres--poetry, fiction, drama, and essay. For each of these genres, Robert DiYanni outlines six "ways in" to literary works. Each section closes with the technique of "interrupted reading". 'Reading Literature' helps readers experience the rich rewards literature provides; understand the complexities of human psychology; navigate the intricacies of social relationships; take pleasure in the ways language creates alternate worlds which echo the world in which we live. It also includes sections on literary elements and the basics of literary theory. Part five uses the familiar literary elements as the basis for sample analyses of poem, story, play, essay, and epic. The final part offers an overview of a dozen paired critical approaches, or theoretical perspectives, on literature.

Helping readers read closely and critically, this is an essential guide to find "ways in" to reading literature to result in valuable encounters and rewarding literary experiences for general readers or those beginning literary studies courses.