Books in Cliffsnotes Literature Guides series

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on Walden, you discover the most important work of Henry David Thoreau—his exploration of the transcendentalist's striving to realize the possibility of one's own perfection and divinity. What results is an account of Thoreau's two-year stay at Walden Pond, as he celebrates nature as he moves toward spiritual rebirth and fulfillment.Chapter summaries and commentaries take you through Thoreau's journey, and essays help you understand the Transcendentalist movement and Thoreau's place in it. Other features that help you study includeA section on the life and background of Henry David ThoreauA section of essay questions and theme topicsA selected bibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.CliffsNotes on Don Quixote looks into the story of a man who seeks truth and justice with an internal vision so strong as to see through the illusion of external appearances.Following the journey of a gentle (and mad) knight, this study guide provides summaries and commentaries for each chapter within this popular—and long—novel. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeBiographical sketch and background of the author, CervantesEssays that explore the author's technique, style, and characterizationExplanation and examples of the novel's themes of quixotism, truth and justice, and reality and fantasySuggested discussion questionsBibliography and list of other works by CervantesClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into key elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the familiar format.CliffsNotes on The Fountainhead explores the modern classic that made Ayn Rand famous. The book carried forth the author’s anti-communist ideals and conviction that individuals should not allow their lives to be dominated in any way by the beliefs of others.Following the story of architect Howard Roark as he attempts to achieve success on his own terms, this study guide provides summaries and critical commentaries for each part within the novel. Other features that help you figure out this important work includePersonal background on the author, including a look at the philosophy she termed “Objectivism”Introduction to and synopsis of the bookIn-depth analyses of a broad cast of charactersCritical essays on the author’s writing style and moreReview section that features interactive questions and suggested essay topics and practice projectsResourceCenter with books, film and audio recordings, and Web sites that can help round out your knowledgeClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.Stephen Crane wrote the first draft of The Red Badge of Courage in only ten days. This CliffsNotes supplement carries you along as the story of a young boy named Henry Fleming faces his first battle—not only in war but with his own fear, pride, and cowardice—unfolds. It still remains as one of the best novels about the American Civil War.This study guide carefully walks you through every step of Henry’s ordeal by providing summaries and critical analyses of each chapter of the novel. You'll also explore the life and background of the author and gain insight into how he came to write The Red Badge of Courage. Other features that help you study includeA character map to highlight the relationships between charactersGlossaries after each chapter to define new and unfamiliar termsCritical essays covering topics like figurative language and the structure of the novelA review section that tests your knowledgeA Resource Center with books and websites for more studyClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.CliffsNotes on Anna Karenina delves into the complex web of relationships in Tolstoy’s epic novel. As the characters unfold, this novel draws you into the lives of Karenin, Anna, and others as they struggle through the seemingly hopeless marriage patterns of urban society. Do romantic relationships make us stronger or weaker as individuals?With insights into the characters of Anna Karenina, as well as information about Tolstoy’s own life and background, this study guide will help you get the most out of this classic novel. Other features that help you study includeA character list that reveals names, traits, and key relationshipsSummaries and commentaries on each chapterCritical essaysIn-depth character analysesAnalysis of major themesReview questions and suggested writing topicsClassic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.CliffsNotes on Death of a Salesman shares an intimate glimpse into the dreams and disappointments of an American family.Following the story of Willy Loman, an aging salesman who can't accept change within himself and society, this study guide provides a character list, character map, and character analyses to explore the personalities within Arthur Miller's masterful play. Other features that help you figure out this important work includePersonal and career background of the authorIntroduction to and brief synopsis of the playSummaries and expert commentaries for each act and sceneEssays that explore the play's major themes and the author's manipulation of time and spaceA review section that tests your knowledge and suggests essay topics and practice projectsA Resource Center full of books, publications, films, and Internet resourcesClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.CliffsNotes on The Chosen reveals the condition of American Jews living in two cultures, one secular and one religious. In his classic novel, author Chaim Potok is describing not only the lives of the characters but his own life, as well.With this study guide, you’ll be able to walk a mile in the shoes of a Jewish American of the 1940s. You'll also gain insight into the life of Potok and historical influences on this novel. Other features that help you study includeCharacter analyses of major playersA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersCritical essaysReview questions and suggested writing topicsDiscussion of the firm version of the novel and how it compares to the original workClassic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.In CliffsNotes on The Handmaid's Tale, you come to realize that for every utopia, there's a corresponding dystopia. This tale of a bleak future depicts a time where women are valued only for their reproductive capacities. While this cautionary tale of repression and totalitarianism is horrifying, there are moments of poetic warmth and humor. It is a brilliant satire.This concise supplement to Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale helps you understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study includeChapter-by-chapter summaries and commentariesA timeline of critical events that leads to the climax of the novelA character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the charactersCritical essays on women's roles in the novel, and the use of literary devices, themes, and settingsA review section that tests your knowledgeClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into key elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the familiar format.CliffsNotes on Ethan Frome explores life in the personal prison designed by the lead character, a “ruin of a man” who would rather be miserable with his lot in life than stray from accepted social convention.Following the story of a poor farmer whose devotion to duty and fear of humiliation keep him from tasting happiness, this study guide provides summaries and commentaries for each chapter within this tragic tale. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeLife and background of author Edith WhartonIntroduction to the novel, with a synopsis and character mapFull character list and analyses of central figuresCritical essays on the author’s style, choice of literary tools, and use of themesReview section that features fill-in-the-blank questions, quoted passages, essay questions, and suggested practice projectsResource Center with books, articles, and Web sites that can help round out your knowledgeClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature.In CliffsNotes on The Contender, you look into a moral tale that emphasizes the importance of the fight over the prize, the quality of the struggle over the outcome.Following the development of the novel's protagonist, this study guide's in-depth character analysis covers the coming-of-age of a high school dropout who literally fights young boxers and figuratively braves the inner battles of peer pressure. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeLife and background of the author, Robert LipsyteIntroduction to the book with a synopsis, character list, and character mapSummaries, critical commentaries, and glossaries for each chapterCritical essays focusing on setting, major themes, and the author's writing styleA review section that tests your knowledge and suggests essay topicsA Resource Center full of books, publications, films, and Internet resourcesClassic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.CliffsNotes on Dracula digs into the story of a count who survives by sipping the blood from living (and unsuspecting) donors.Following the hauntingly frightful tale of vampires and victims, this study guide provides summaries and commentaries for each chapter within the nineteenth-century novel. Other features that help you figure out this important work include A look into the life of the author, Bram StokerCharacter list and plot synopsisAn essay exploring the influence of German Expressionism on the American horror filmA list of Dracula film productions, with ratings for eachSuggested discussion questionsClassic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into key elements and ideas within classic works of literature.CliffsNotes on Emma explores a satiric novel that stabs at manners and social classes, all the while delivering entertainment in a mild comic tone and sharing a lesson for the moralist.Following the heroine’s slow and bumpy growth from self-deception to self-knowledge, this study guide provides summaries and commentaries on each chapter within the three-volume plot structure. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeLife and background of the authorIntroduction to and synopsis of the novelCritical analysis of plot, setting, point of view, characters, theme, and styleReview questions and selected bibliography for further researchClassic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.