How do you write essays about literature? Where do you start? What do you include? How do you use literary theory in a literature paper? These books explore the complexity involved in writing about literature...
1. Writing About Literature
by Edgar V. Roberts. Pearson Education. From the publisher: "This book is a tool that allows the reader to think critically about literature in order to effectively write about it... This useful book contains information about the process of reading, responding to, and writing about literature."
2. Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature
by Wilfred L. Guerin, John R. Willingham, Earle Labor, Lee Morgan, and Jeanne C. Reesman. Oxford University Press. From the publisher: "Now in its fourth edition, A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature has became a perennial classic for learning the close reading of literature."3. Writing Essays about Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet
by Kelley Griffith. Harcourt Brace College Publishers. From the publisher: "The book provides clear explanations and assignments for analyzing fiction, poetry, and drama, as well as discussion and examples for researching and writing essays on topics of literature."4. Reading and Writing from Literature
by John E. Schwiebert. Houghton Mifflin Company. From the publisher: "Fifteen chapters of guidance on writing about literature include information on keeping a reading notebook, researching and documenting essays, creating a writing portfolio, and planning, drafting, and revising essays. Students learn to create reading notebooks and transform notebook entries into actual papers."5. Writing Through Literature
by Linda Anstendig, and David Hicks. Prentice Hall. From the publisher: "The only book of its kind to date, this process-oriented book emphasizes writing through literature, offering accessible and multicultural reading selections."6. Exploring Literature : Writing and Thinking About Fiction, Poetry...
by Frank Madden. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers. From the publisher: "The first five chapters offer comprehensive coverage of reading and writing including a highly praised Chapter 4: 'Interpretation, Evaluation, and Argument' giving readers the detailed guidance and the confidence they need to write strong essays."7. Reading and Writing About Literature
by Phillip Sipiora. Prentice Hall. From the publisher: "This user-friendly book identifies eight theoretical approaches to reading and writing about literature. Each chapter provides detailed discussions of how learners can use these traditional and contemporary approaches to enhance their ability to analyze, enjoy, and study literature."8. Hell and Back
by Tim Parks. Arcade Publishing. From the publisher: "'Hell And Back' offers a wide range of wonderfully challenging, always provocative reflections on literature and the art of writing. The lead essay on Dante sets the tone for the entire collection: erudite, contemplative, witty, and meticulous, it constantly offers new insights into 'The Inferno'."9. The Classic Guide to Better Writing
by Rudolf Flesch. HarperCollins. From the publisher: "Fifty years ago, Rudolf Flesch and Abraham Lass wrote this handbook to teach people how to write more effectively. A half-century later, skilled and novice writers alike continue to rely on this timeless reference."10. Texts and Contexts : Writing About Literature with Critical Theory
by Steve Lynn. Addison-Wesley Longman. From the publisher: "This second edition includes cultural criticism and an expanded treatment of political criticism, as well as additional coverage of the research process and the internet."