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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, but getting the most out of a great work can sometimes be daunting.
Making reading more enriching, rewarding, and enjoyable, The Handy Literature Answer Book: Understand and Enjoy Meanings, Symbolism, and Signs in Great Works deciphers and analyzes stories, novels, and verses by providing insightful, in-depth answers to nearly 400 common questions. You will learn fascinating tidbits such as …
An engaging, easy-to-read look at literature, this handy primer from two highly regarded experts covers basics such as themes, symbols, context, and other literary devices. Different literary forms are analyzed. Hundreds of important stories and great works are used as illustrative examples. Boosting your reading experience, The Handy Literature Answer Book is a wonderful, eye-opening read!
“… piecing together disparate plotlines in a novel … the use of symbolism and allusion … The Handy Literature Answer Book: An Engaging Guide to Unraveling Symbols, Signs, and Meanings in Great Works just made that job much easier. Daniel S. Burt and Deborah G. Felder … provide guidance for getting the most out of short stories, poems, memoirs, literary nonfiction, as well as the novel. … an exceptional project …” —Foreword magazine
“… Burt and Felder teach readers to analyze poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and literary nonfiction. … The “Recommended Essential Works of Literature” is particularly valuable. … A solid addition to classroom libraries and most useful as a resource for middle and high school English teachers.” —School Library Journal
“The writer / reader on your gift list will truly enjoy “The Handy Literature Answer Book” by Daniel S. Burt, PhD, and Deborah G. Felder. It’s a book about books, authors, reading and more books.” —Bookworm Sez
“… offer general and specific advice for reading different types of literature. They address the definition of literature; how it should not be read; and how to read poetry, short stories, novels, drama, and literary nonfiction …” —Book News
Daniel S. Burt, Ph.D. received his doctorate degree in English and American Literature from New York University. He has more than 30 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in writing and literature at NYU, Wesleyan University, Trinity College, Northeastern, Wentworth Institute, and Cape Cod Community College. He served for almost a decade as a dean at Wesleyan University. Burt is the author of Understanding Literature, Next Thinking; Literary 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Novelists, Playwrights, and Poets of All Time; The Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time; and The Chronology of American Literature.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
World Literature Timeline
1. What is Literature and How to Read It
2. Why Read Literature & How NOT to Read It
3. Poetry
4. Short Stories
5. The Novel
6. Drama
7. Literary Nonfiction
8. Critical Approaches to Literature
Appendix 1—Glossary of Essential Literary Terms
Appendix 2—Listing of Selected Essential Poems, Stories, Novels, and Dramas
Bibliography
Index