study guides

Presents biographical information about author Shirley Jackson, and provides analyses of three of her short stories, each with a plot summary, list of characters, and a selection of critical commentary.

Presents excerpts of critical essays on Carson McCullers' "The Member of the Wedding," along with a biography of the author, a plot summary, an annotated bibliography, and other study tools.

Presents a guide to reading and understanding Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, " featuring a character list, summary, analysis, study questions and answers, and suggested essay topics for each chapter, and including information on the life of the author.

Presents a study guide to Arthur Miller's drama "The Crucible, " featuring a profile of the playwright, background information, a summary of the action, and a character list, summary, analysis, study questions, and suggested essay topics for each scene.

A reference guide to Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar, " discussing the text as compared to some of the Bard's other plays; and examining contexts and sources, dramatic structure, themes, critical approaches, and the play in performance.

Contains plot summaries and character lists for four novels by Toni Morrison, including "The Bluest Eye, " "Sula, " "Song of Solomon, " and "Beloved, " each with a selection of critical essays; and includes biographical information about the author.

Contains plot summaries and character lists for three works by Herman Melville, including "Moby-Dick, " "Pierre, or the Ambiguities, " and "The Confidence Man, " each with a selection of critical essays; and includes biographical information about the author.

Contains plot summaries and character lists for four novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky, including "Crime and Punishment, " "The Idiot, " "Demons" and "The Brothers Karamazov, " each with a selection of critical essays; and includes biographical information about the author.