Many students find it hard to understand literature lessons initially.
I suggest a way which would help understand the text and language better, without having to read it repeatedly.
Before you start reading the chapter, go through a summary of what it is all about. For this, refer a good help book, such as BBC, or check out Google. It would give you an idea of what you are about to start reading, and will help you grasp the text better.
After thoroughly reading the summary, go through the text. Read the book in parts. For example, you can read the first five pages first. Once you read this part, write down whatever you understood in it, in your own words. Try to keep it short (You can elaborate later in your exam, once you are aware of the essential points). Also underline the lines which you find necessary, in the book as well as in your version of the text.
Do the same for the rest of the chapter or book, until you've finished it.
Ultimately, you will have a summary of the whole chapter in your own words, which will also be easier for you to understand.
Try! I'm sure it will work for you.
Good luck!