Studying English literature is often thought of as an arduous, unpleasant process, mostly because it can be difficult to understand. However, reading literature can be an enjoyable experience if you take the time to interact with the text as you read. Pausing to process information is key to understanding literature. Follow these steps to unlock the mysteries of English literature so that reading becomes engaging instead of difficult.

Eliminate Distractions
Most literature is dense; even literature that appears easy to read contains complex themes and characterizations. Therefore, your complete attention is necessary in order to understand all of what the literature contains. Eliminate any distractions, such as noise or entertainment, in order to focus directly on the text. While some readers find that listening to music helps them concentrate, this can divert attention away from the text, which may lead to missing crucial information. Don't read in front of the television or in a populated, noisy area in order to devote as much attention as you can to the reading.

Summarize Sections
Divide your reading into small chunks and take time to pause at the end of each section. Some chapters can be lengthy, and readers can get easily lost. Instead of trying to tackle an entire 50-page chapter, segment the reading into smaller chunks. At the end of each section, summarize the section you just read. Write down a brief description of the events and other important information from the section instead of plowing through to the next section. These pauses and summaries will give you the necessary time to process the reading that you'd otherwise miss if you didn't take the time to stop.

Outline Themes
Literature often contains multiple themes and motifs. Instead of trying to figure out a book's themes at the end of the novel, try discovering them while reading. Outline any repeated ideas that seem to crop up throughout the novel. Take note of conflicts and how characters work to solve them. These usually translate into a novel's themes. Understanding literary themes will help you understand why characters react the way they do and why the novel is so significant.

Annotate Text
The best way to process what you read, especially dense literary texts, is by taking notes while you read. If you own a copy of the book, take notes directly in the margins. This may increase the amount of time it takes you to read the novel, but the short pauses during which you try to process information will not only help you retain what you read, but also better understand it. Jot down questions, reactions, observations, unfamiliar words and important passages. Interacting with the text is a necessary step toward understanding difficult material and becoming a better reader.