Lit crit guides

A critical look at the works of nineteenth-century sisters and writers Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Maya Angelou's words in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings reveal her own need to tell stories, a lifelong passion that manifested itself in the form of memoirs and poetry as well as essays, film, and music. This in-depth guide utilizes the fascinating life story of Angelou, who was also an educator and activist, as a springboard for exploring the themes, motifs, and literary techniques that characterize her writing. Critical analysis, quotes, and excerpts from a variety of texts provide a compelling examination of Angelou's extensive body of work.

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. Observations like this make Mark Twain the most widely read and quoted American author. This guide utilizes quotes, excerpts, biographical information, and critical analysis in examining Twain's vast output of novels, personal memoirs, social criticisms, and essays, both serious and hilarious. It also demonstrates how Twain carefully stored his life experiences in his mind, then mined and refined them years later, to bring us the timeless lessons he had learned. In all his works, students will find the underlying fears, disappointments, hopes and dreams he held for America, and he always found the right words to tell us.

Jack London's stories of adventure in the early twentieth century captured the imagination of the American public. As he ventured around the United States and the globe, he documented his adventures through his writing. Through excerpts and critical analysis, readers will examine London's most famous works (The Call of the Wild, To Build a Fire), which are dramatic and compelling stories of man versus nature and versus himself. Other works explore the human condition, particularly the plight of the poor and working class. An examination of the autobiographical nature of many of London's stories gives the reader a unique insight into the interaction between a writer's world and his work.

Jhumpa Lahiri understands what it means to be caught between two cultures. Born in London to Indian immigrants, she has spent most of her life in the United States but still struggles to feel "American." This is the challenge facing many new Indian Americans, and it is the focal point of Lahiri's novels and stories, which examine various aspects of the culture clashes that come from being a newcomer in a foreign land. This insightful guide takes readers through Lahiri's main works, giving in-depth analysis along with biographical and historical context, and providing insight into the compelling works of this critically acclaimed author.

Explains Shakespeare's works by putting them into the context of the Elizabethan times in which he lived.

Students often approach the complex poetry of T. S. Eliot with some degree of trepidation, but as this comprehensive text demonstrates, that need not be the case. With its thoughtful analysis and engaging writing style, this guide provides readers with the tools they need to approach Eliot's works with confidence, while at the same time encouraging them to draw their own meaning from the words and sounds of the poetry. The text also explores Eliot's life beyond his poems, including his extensive work as an essayist, editor, and critic. Given this context, readers will establish a deeper understanding of the poet as well as his work.

The world of J.R.R. Tolkien is one that is inhabited by hobbits, dwarves, elves, wizards, and dragons. As a young man, Tolkien created his very own language, and from there he went on to imagine an entire magical world and its detailed history. Students will take an in-depth and thought-provoking look at The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as The Simarillion, which provides the foundation for his classic works. The text includes an insightful analysis of the major themes and characters of the works that continue to fascinate new generations of readers.

Growing up poor in a small town in Georgia, Alice Walker became aware of the effects of prejudice and segregation at a young age. She would later call on these early experiences when writing her most famous novel, The Color Purple. But the themes of Walker's prose and poetry extend far beyond race, including women's issues, religion, relationships, and culture. This text explores the many themes of her work, as well as her use of characterization, literary devices, and plot. Through biographical information, quotes from the author, excerpts from texts, and critical analysis, readers will obtain a strong appreciation for the life and works of this controversial and esteemed author.

As a child growing up in the Deep South, Tom "Tennessee" Williams escaped from his tumultuous home life by retreating into his imagination. His love for made-up stories would eventually translate into a propensity for writing drama and poetry. This compelling text places the playwright's work in the context of his life and times, allowing readers to gain a greater understanding of the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Featuring quotes, excerpts, and in-depth critical analysis of his most famous plays as well as his lesser-known works, the text provides an in-depth look at this hard-working, prolific playwright considered by many to be among the greatest of his time.