Literature

Themes Self  vs  Society The novel criticizes the patriarchal society that deprives a woman of her freedom to think, feel and act as she pleases. Girls are taught from a young age to betray their own instincts and live a dual life which consists of an inner and an outer self. Edna defies society by moving out of her own...

From: Literature Guides

Defining ‘Structuralism’ in a brief statement is not less than a challenge. It is not only hard to define but also takes multiple forms of a common denominator as evidence. The ‘structures’ which many ‘ ‘structuralists’ used have acquired diverse significations. Fortunately, upon comparing and analyzing various meanings of this discipline to define structuralism, this synthesis seems possible and feasible...

From: Literary Movements

"The Giving Tree" is one of Shel Silverstein’s most well-known works. It was written and illustrated by him in the year 1964. It is published as a children’s picture book. The poem celebrates nature’s giving, and laments humans’ taking, and reminds us about the little things in life that bring us the most happiness. The Giving Tree BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN...

From: Poem Examples

CONTENTS Introduction One of Shakespeare’s earlier plays, Romeo and Juliet is one of two tragedies written between 1590-1595. The play is based on a fourteenth-century Italian short story, or novella, yet Shakespeare’s version of the tale is distinctly different than the source text. As Shakespeare adapted the tale for the Elizabethan stage, he wove elements of Elizabethan drama and a...

From: Literature Guides

Summary Well respected German scholar, Doctor Faustus, becomes discontented by the constraints of conventional knowledge forms – logic, medicine, law, and religion – and resolves to practice magic. He receives instruction in the black arts from his friends Valdes and Cornelius, soon he embarks on a new career as a magician and summons the devil Mephistopheles. Choosing not to take...

From: Literature Guides

Characters and Analysis Sethe The main character in the novel. Sethe is a fiercely independent woman and devoted mother. Having endured the violence and dehumanizing horrors of slavery, she becomes resolved to murder her own children rather than allow them to return to the plantation at Sweet Home. This haunts her for the rest of her life. The novel deliberately plays...

From: Literature Guides

CONTENTS Summary  Even though Night by Elie Wiesel is not a memoir in the true sense of the word, the following study guide will frequently reference it as one due in part to the book’s collection of testimonials, depositions, and emotional honesty that is often reflective of the memoir genre. It is evident that Eliezer is meant to act, to a...

From: Literature Guides

Summary Our protagonist and hero, as it were, is Hercule Poirot, a very talented detective and Belgian police officer who has already retired. We meet him as he is taking the Taurus Express which is going to travel to Stamboul (now Istanbul). Poirot takes particular notice of two other people on the train. Mary Debenham and Colonel Arbuthnot act as...

From: Literature Guides

"Annabel Lee" is the very last piece of poetry by the great Edgar Allen Poe. Here Poe gives his own voice to a lamenting narrator who dictates a heart-wrenching story of how the cruel nature had conspired to rob him of his love - Annabel Lee, but has failed as his love for her extends beyond her grave. Annabel Lee...

From: Poem Examples

CONTENTS Bernard Marx An Alpha-caste male who feels inferior due to his small stature in relation to other Alpha-caste males. This insecurity makes him discontent overall and he develops resentments toward the World State. His last name is evocative of Karl Marx and the parallel between the Marx’s critique of culture and Bernard’s discontent with his culture is evident. However,...

From: Literature Guides