philosophy in literature

A new historicist approach to F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" that analyzes several aspects of the classic novel in the context of American history and attitudes at the time the novel was written.

Discusses the personal meaning and origins of L. Frank Baum's development of the land of Oz, covering the people, places, and events from Baum's life that are behind the images and characters he created.

Introduces high school and college students to ten widely studies works of philosophical literature and discusses each work's place in literary and philosophical history.

Analyzes Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead" concentrating on her concern over the power of individualism and self-examination.

Explores the origins of author Ayn Rand's ideas about politics, art, sex, and psychological health, and shows how they were shaped into the Objectivist movement--an atheistic religion that the author contends has all the qualities of a cult.

Presents biographical information on twentieth-century American author Ayn Rand and examines her novel, "Atlas Shrugged, " including its plot, characters, themes, historical context, influence, and critical reception; also includes a Rand chronology and a selected bibliography.

Contains over fifteen essays that discuss philosophical topics in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" providing new insights into the characters and plot.