Get the most out of reading with this an engaging and fun guide to the
deeper meanings in great works of literature!
From the epic of Gilgamesh to Aristotle and Cicero, and from Shakespeare
and the King James Bible to Wuthering Heights, War and Peace, The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the Nobel-winning lyrics of Bob
Dylan, the world of literature is an integral part of our lives. Great
literature can shape and form thoughts and opinions as well as influence
politics and predict the future. Reading can truly enrich our lives, but
it can sometimes be daunting to get the most out of a great work of
literature.
The Handy Literature Answer Book: Understand and Enjoy Meanings,
Symbolism, and Signs in Great Works is an engaging, easy-to-read look
at literature basics such as themes, symbols, context, and other
literary devices. Different literary forms, including novels, poems,
plays, short stories, memoirs, and literary nonfiction are analyzed.
Hundreds of important stories and great works are used as illustrative
examples. Learn about the five basic questions for any work of
literature, including "What is the significance of a title?" "What is
conflict?" "What is character development?" "What is point of view?"
"How does a setting affect a story?" "What are the different schools of
literary criticism?" and many more.
Bringing the most out of the reading experience, *The Handy Literature
Answer Book deciphers and analyzes stories, novels, and verses through
insightful in-depth answers to nearly 400 common questions. You will
also read about such fascinating tidbits as ...
*
What are the key components of literature?
How is reading literature different from other kinds of reading?
Why is artful reading so hard?
What do poems do?
How should a poem be read for its comparisons--metaphors and similes?
What, according to Poe, should be the method of the short story
writer?
How do you recognize the difference between story and plot in a short
story?
How can you recognize a symbol?
What are the defining characteristics of the novel?
How did the novel evolve from a popular literary entertainment to the
modern novel?
What is the difference between drama and theater?
What is the best way to understand and appreciate Shakespearean drama?
What approaches should you take in reading an essay?
What are characteristics of a memoir?
This handy primer from two highly regarded experts also includes a
glossary of essential literary terms, a timeline, a helpful
bibliography, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness. Making
reading more enriching, rewarding, and enjoyable, The Handy
Literature Answer Book is a wonderful, eye-opening read!
