1. Education

Classic Literature: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
'Romeo and Juliet' Quotes
Romeo and Juliet is a play about star-crossed lovers. The play is one of the most famous works by William Shakespeare. Lovers (Romeo and Juliet) are caught between two worlds, as their families feud to the death. Fights, witty lines, secret marriages, and untimely deaths--the play is unforgettable! Here are a few lines from Romeo and Juliet.
'The Great Gatsby' Quotes
The Great Gatsby (1925) is one of the greatest American classics. The novel was written in Paris by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and it has come to be seen as a representation of the Jazz Age. The Great Gatsby relates the story of Jay Gatsby--as told by Nick Carraway. Here are a few quotes from The Great Gatsby.
'To Kill a Mockingbird' Quotes
To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee. The book depicts the experiences of a young girl, Scout, and her family in a Southern town. This controversial work deals with aspects of racism, and involves other aspects of violence and alienation. Here are a few quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
'Lord of the Flies' Quotes
The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, was first published in 1954. This tale of schoolboys stranded on a desert island is the best-known work by Golding. The novel is now sometimes compared to The Cacher in the Rye as one of the popular books for high school and college students. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
Atticus Finch Quotes
Atticus is one of my favorite father figures in literary history. He's a strong character, but he's also willing to stand up for what he believes. He represents an important role model for Scout. Here are a few of the quotes from Atticus Finch, in To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee).
'Of Mice and Men' Quotes
Of Mice and Men is a novel by John Steinbeck. This tragedy was first published in 1937. The story is told from the third-person omniscient point-of-view. Of Mice and Men follows the misadventures of Lennie and George, two ranch hands in California. Here are a few quotes from Of Mice and Men.
'Night' Quotes
Night, by Elie Wiesel, is a fictional work of Holocaust literature, although it has a decidedly autobiographical slant. Wiesel based the book--at least in part--on his own experiences during World War II. The book has received considerable acclaim, and the author received the Nobel Prize in 1986. Here are a few quotes from Wiesel's famous novel.
'1984' Quotes
George Orwell's 1984 is a famous dystopian novel. The novel revolves around the experience of Winston Smith. Big Brother is watching; and thoughtcrime is illegal. Here are a few quotes from 1984.
'Animal Farm' Quotes
Animal Farm is a famous novel by George Orwell. In this novel, the animals all begin to follow the precepts of Animalism, rise up against the humans, take over the farm, and rename the place: Animal Farm. Here are a few quotes from this famous work!
The Catcher in the Rye Quiz
Test your knowledge of "The Catcher in the Rye."
1984 Quiz
Test your knowledge of 1984.: sans serif font font size medium british novel medium color test your knowledge
'Brave New World' Quotes
Brave New World is a novel by Aldous Huxley. This famous (and controversial) work deals with issues of technological advancements, sexuality, and individuality--in a dehumanizing society. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
Literature
What is literature? Why do we read it? Why is literature important? Read more about literature.
Cinderella - Brothers Grimm
Read "Cinderella," by the Brothers Grimm.
'Macbeth' Quotes
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's great tragedies. There's murder, battles, supernatural portents, and all the other elements of a well-worked drama. Here are a few quotes from Macbeth.
'The Great Gatsby' Review
The Great Gatsby is probably F. Scott Fitzgerald's greatest novel--a book that offers damning and insightful views of the American nouveau riche in the 1920s. Read more about it.
'On the Road' Quotes
On the Road is an autobiographical novel by Jack Kerouac, with a stream of consciousness style. The work is associated with the Beat Generation. Here are a few quotes from On the Road.
'Wuthering Heights' Quotes
Wuthering Heights is a famous work of Gothic fiction by Emily Bronte. The work is often been compared with Jane Eyre, which is by Emily's sister, Charlotte. Wuthering Heights is a tale of all-consuming romantic passion. Here are a few quotes from Wuthering Heights.
'Catcher in the Rye' Quotes
The Catcher in the Rye is the famous novel by J.D. Salinger. It is the work for which Salinger is best known. The work has been popular and controversial, and number of the quotes from this book have been cited as evidence of its inappropriate nature. The Catcher in the Rye is often studied in American literature. Here are a few quotes.
'A Christmas Carol' Quotes
Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol (1843), is the famous tale of Scrooge, who is visited by spirits from the past, present and future. The novel is a celebration of Christmas, but it is also a story of redemption. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
'Hamlet' Quotes
Hamlet is a famous tragedy by William Shakespeare. The play is filled with death and suicide, madness, incest, and the supernatural. Hamlet's father has been murdered, which inspires a whole series of events--bent on revenge and destined to bring destruction to all. Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. Here are a few quotes from the play.
'Picture - Dorian Gray' Quotes
The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only known novel. The work first appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, and it was revised and published as a novel the following year. The work was considered scandalous and immoral when it first appeared, but it was really a way for Wilde to write about his philosophy of art. Here are a few quotes from The Picture of Dorian Gray.
'Things Fall Apart' Quotes
Things Fall Apart is an important African novel by Chinua Achebe--one of the most greatest classics of its time. The book involves the class of cultures and belief systems, as colonization affects the people. Here are a few quotes from Things Fall Apart.
Jane Eyre Quiz
Test your knowledge of Restoration literature.: sans serif font font size medium greatest novels medium color jane eyre
Victorian Period
The Victorian Period revolves around the political career of Queen Victoria. She was crowned in 1837 and died in 1901 (which put a definite end to her political career). A great deal of change took place during this period — brought about because of the Industrial Revolution; so it's not surprising that the literature of the period is often concerned with social reform. Read on.
William Shakespeare Biography
(1564-1616) British writer. William Shakespeare is recognized as one of the greatest writers of all time,
'Death of a Salesman' Quotes
Featuring Willy Loman, Death of a Salesman has been seen as an attack on the American dream. Death of a Salesman is one of the works for which Arthur Miller became most famous, bringing him international acclaim. Here are a few quotes from Death of a Salesman.
'Grapes of Wrath' Quotes
Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck, Nobel-Prize winner for literature. Published in 1939, the novel centers around the Joads, a family of sharecroppers, who journey to California to find a new life--amidst the Dust Bowl devastation of the Great Depression. Here are a few quotes from Grapes of Wrath.
'The Raven' Poem
The Raven is a famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe. Here's the full text.
'All Quiet On The Western Front' Quotes
All Quiet On The Western Front is a novel by Erich Maria Remarque. The book was published in 1929, and it was the author's way of coming to terms with the war. Parts of the book are autobiographical. All Quiet On The Western Front also has a history with censorship, as the book was banned in Germany. Here are a few quotes from All Quiet On The Western Front.
'King Lear' Quotes
King Lear is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, based on a legendary king (Leir). The plot has influenced various other novels, including A Thousand Acres, by Jane Smiley. Take a look at these quotes from King Lear, one of the greatest tragedies in English literature.
'Fahrenheit 451' Quotes
Fahrenheit 451 is a novel by Ray Bradbury. The work is one of the most beloved works by Bradbury, but it's also controversial. Here are a few quotes.
'Of Mice and Men' Review
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a touching tale of the friendship between two very different men--set against the backdrop of the United States during the depression of the 1930s. Read more about Of Mice and Men, in this review from James Topham.
'The Giver' Quotes
The Giver is a novel by Lois Lowry. It's about Jonas, who becomes the Receiver of Memories, and then begins to understand the deepest secrets of the society. Here are a few quotes from The Giver.
'The Black Cat' - Short Story
The Black Cat is a famous short story by Edgar Allan Poe. Find the complete text here.
Stream of Consciousness
What is stream of consciousness? Read more about stream of consciousness.
'Heart of Darkness' Quotes
Heart of Darkness is a famous work by Joseph Conrad. The author's experiences in Africa gave him plenty of material for this work. Heart of Darkness is the tale of a man who gives into the enticements of power. Here are a few quotes from Heart of Darkness.
'Alice in Wonderland' Quotes
Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, was first written for Alice Pleasance Liddell. The book was first published in 1865. This book and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, are still popular and widely translated. Here are a few quotes.
'The Storm' - Short Story
The Storm was written by Kate Chopin on July 19, 1898. The short story was first published in The Complete Works of Kate Chopin in 1969. The story is set in the late nineteenth century at Friedheimer's store in Louisiana, and at the nearby house of Calixta and Bobinôt. Read the complete text here...
'Walden' Quotes
Henry David Thoreau's Walden was published in 1854. The essay details the experiment in personal independence and self-reliance that Thoreau underwent, starting on July 4, 1845. Here are a few famous quotations from the essay...
'A Tale of Two Cities' Quotes
A Tale of Two Cities is a dense classic, often studied in classrooms. Charles Dickens published the work late in his career as a popular novelist in Victorian England. The backdrop of the work is the French Revolution; and a whole myriad of colorful characters are in attendance (as is usual for the works of Charles Dickens). Here are a few quotes from the literary master.
The Story of an Hour Quiz
Test your knowledge of "A Story of An Hour."
Ernest Hemingway Works
Here's a list of the major works of Ernest Hemingway.
'Jane Eyre' Quotes
Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre (1847), is the famous tale of an orphan, who must overcome seemingly overwhelming odds to survive. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel...
'The Devil and Tom Walker'
The Devil and Tom Walker is one of the most famous (and controversial) short stories by Washington Irving. He's also known for Rip van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Here's the complete text of this spell-binding tale.
'Importance...' Quotes
Oscar Wilde created one of the most delightful and memorable social comedies, with The Importance of Being Earnest. It's a comedy of manners that satirizes Victorian manners and customs, but he does it with a light, witty style that's absolutely unforgettable. Here are a few quotes from The Importance of Being Earnest.
'Slaughterhouse-Five' Quotes
Slaughterhouse-Five is an anti-war novel, by Kurt Vonnegut. The work was first published in 1969, and it's been called an American classic. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the novel is drawn from the Vonnegut's war-time experiences in World War II. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
'A Farewell to Arms' Quotes
A Farewell to Arms is a novel by Ernest Hemingway. The book was published in 1929, and the popularity of this work contributed to Hemingway's status as an American legend in literature. Hemingway drew from his wartime experiences to tell the story of Frederic Henry, a volunteer in the Italian army. Here are a few quotes from this tragic love story, A Farewell to Arms.
Sister Maude - Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
Read "Sister Maude," by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894).
'The Sun Also Rises' Quotes
The Sun Also Rises brought Ernest Hemingway fame and fortune. The novel also came to be representative of the lost generation of writers. Here are a few quotes from this famous book by Ernest Hemingway.
'Great Expectations' Quotes
We can learn a bit more about the life and experiences of Charles Dickens by reading his autobiographical novel, Great Expectations. Discover the life and misadventures of Pip, the orphaned protagonist of Great Expectations--with these famous quotes, by Charles Dickens.
'Oliver Twist' Review
Oliver Twist is a well-known story, but the book is not as widely read as one would imagine. The novel has all the vivid storytelling and unimpeachable literary skill that Dickens brings to all his novels, but there's also a raw, gritty quality.
Pride and Prejudice Quiz
Test your knowledge about one of the greatest novels of that period. When was the book published? Who are the main characters? Who wrote the novel?
Abelard and Heloise
Abelard and Heloise are one of the most celebrated couples of all time, known for their love affair... and for the tragedy that separated them.
Word Quotes
Words have power. In some myths, spoken words create worlds, creatures, and human beings. Here are some quotes from famous writers.
'Much Ado About Nothing' Quotes
Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's comedies, with one of the most popular Romantic duos of all time. The play has tons of wit, twists, turns... But, hey, it's a comedy. Here are a few quotes from the play.
If You Like Harry Potter
Harry Potter is an international phenomenon, but what do you do when you've read all of the books in the series? The Harry Potter series is filled with magic and adventure. The novels are about a young boy who attends an academy for young wizards. Here are a few books you may enjoy--if you liked the Harry Potter books. Take a look!
The Cry of the Children - Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)
Read The Cry of the Children, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861).
A Classic - The Classics
The definition of a classic can be a hotly debated topic. Depending on what you read, or the experience of the person you question on the topic, you may receive a wide range of answers. So, what is a classic--in the context of books and literature? Discover classics!
General Book Club Questions
In your book club, you may be reading books on a wide variety of topics. Here are a few questions for study and discussion. These questions are designed to make you think about the book(s). Take a look...
Dramatic Irony
What is dramatic irony? How does dramatic irony relate to literature? Read more about dramatic irony!
War of the Worlds Quiz
Test your knowledge of "War of the Worlds."
The Tempest Quotes
The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare. The work was one of Shakespeare's last works; the play was produced in 1611. In The Tempest, Prospero and his daughter have lived on an island for 12 years. They were stranded on the island when Antonio usurped Prospero's rightful place as Duke of Milan. Here are few quotes from The Tempest.
'Charles Dickens: His Life and Work' Review
"No writer in the world's history has had so wide a public as Charles Dickens ," Leacock says. Beyond
'Dracula' Quotes
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic vampire tale. First published in 1897, the novel drew from vampire myth to create a literary legacy. Even though stories like Polidori's The Vampire and Le Fanu's Carmilla already existed at the time Dracula was first published, Stoker helped to spawn a new dimension in horror literature. Here are a few quotes from Bram Stoker's Dracula.
9th Grade Reading List
I recommend the following titles to maintain fluency and reading level and to encourage independent reading. These are a sampling of the titles that often appear on high-school reading lists for 9th grade.
How do I find the values?
Discover where to find the value of books in your collection. Read on.
The Prologue, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
How to Remember What You Read
Reading is important. But, the next step is making sure that you remember what you've read! Memory is sometimes a tricky thing. You may have just read the text, and the concepts and ideas of the poem or novel may not catch on... The images may just fly right out of your head. Here are a few tricks for remembering what you read.
'Their Eyes Were Watching God' Quotes
Their Eyes Were Watching God is a novel by Zora Neale Hurston. It's the story of Janie Crawford, who returns home and tells the story of the last 20 years. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
Myths and Beyond -- Harry Potter Quiz
Test your knowledge of Harry Potter and mythology.
'Pride and Prejudice' Review
Jane Austen is a novelist with an extremely narrow focus that extends, surprisingly, into a wide range of concerns. Her books can be viewed most simply as eerily-good romance novels. Read more about Pride and Prejudice, in this review by John Thornton.
'Mrs. Dalloway' Quotes
Mrs. Dalloway is a famous novel by Virginia Woolf. Here are a few quotes.
A Dream - Edgar Allan Poe
Read "A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe. : edgar allan poe works of edgar allan poe edgar allan poe 1809 holy dream lonely spirit
'Ender's Game' Quotes
Ender's Game is a science fiction novel by Orson Scott Card, who was inspired by Isaac Asimov's Foundation
Romantic Period
"The categories which it has become customary to use in distinguishing and classifying 'movements' in
Anne Frank Quotes
Anne Frank was a young girl who was caught up in the horror of the Holocaust. She received a diary for her 13th birthday, and began penning the words that would make her forever memorable. Read about her hopes, dreams, fears, and tears. Here are just a few quotes from Anne Frank.
'A View from the Bridge' Quotes
A View from the Bridge is a play by Arthur Miller--the work was first staged in 1955. Here are quotes from the play.
Roman Fever- by Edith Wharton (1862-1937)
Read "Roman Fever," by Edith Wharton (1862-1937). Edith Wharton was born Edith Newbold Jones. She's usually recognized by the array of novels she brought to life — filled with manners, modesty, and tragedy.
'Beloved' Quotes
Beloved is a novel by Toni Morrison, who uses flashbacks and other devices to draw us through the tragic series of events in Seth's life. A moment of insanity shaped the rest of her existence; and, she (and those around her) would never be the same. Here are a few quotes from this dark novel, Beloved.
'The Devil and Tom Walker' Questions
The Devil and Tom Walker is the story of Tom Walker, who is tempted by the Devil, who goes by the name of Old Scratch. The story has been compared to the Faust tales by various famous authors. Take a look at these questions for study and discussion.
'Pride and Prejudice' Quotes
Pride and Prejudice was first published on January 28, 1813. Jane Austen's novel was written during the Romantic period, and it was her second novel. Pride and Prejudice is regarded by many to be her most famous and best-loved work of fiction, with its focus on young ladies in search of husbands. Discover the words of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice.
'Of Mice and Men' Summary
Of Mice and Men is a famous and controversial American novel by award-winning writer, John Steinbeck.
Improve Your Reading Speed
Reading can be fun, but it can also be time-consuming if your speed is not as fast as you'd like it to be. An average reading speed can range from 200 to 350 words per minute, but that rate can vary depending on the material and your reading experience. It's also important to understand what you are reading--even when you improve your speed. Here are a few tips to help you improve your reading speed.
'The Bell Jar' Quotes
The Bell Jar was the famous autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath, though it was first published under the pseudonym, Victoria Lucas. Here are a few quotes from The Bell Jar.
'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' Quotes
Robert Louis Stevenson made literary history with his story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This story of the dual personality being personified during a medical experiment has been told and re-told in adaptations since it was first published. Here are a few quotes from Stevenson's famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
A History of English Literature
Read "A History of English Literature.": history of english literature anglo saxons prose and poetry french period writer directory
Antigone Quiz
Test your knowledge of Antigone.: sans serif font font size medium greek tragedy medium color antigone
'Crime and Punishment' Quotes
What happens when a poor man has murderous thoughts? But, then, what happens when Raskolnikov feels guilty? Here are a few famous quotes from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
'Moby Dick' Quotes
Moby Dick is a famous American novel--epic in scope. This quest tale was first published in 1851, but the book didn't achieve its acclaim as a masterpiece until many years after Herman Melville was dead. Here are a few quotes from Moby Dick, the great American novel...
The Canterbury Tales Quiz
How many tales are a part of "The Canterbury Tales"? Why were the pilgrims on a journey, and where were they going? Test your knowledge about "The Canterbury Tales."
The Pardoner's Tale, Modern English - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
The Elizabethan Period - A History of English Literature
Read "A History of English Literature.": spanish treasure fleets history of english literature wise guidance elizabethan period literary effort
Ripe Figs - Kate Chopin (1851-1904)
Read "Ripe Figs," by Kate Chopin (1851-1904).
Literature Quotes & Sayings
What have writers said about literature? How has literature affected them? What causes writers to continue to attempt to make a difference with words, creating new worlds and experiences in literature? Read these quotes about literature. Find out what writers from around the world have thought of creating works of art.
'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' Quotes
Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), is the famous tale of Huckleberry Finn, who journeys down the Mississippi River with an escaped slave, Jim. The wit and wisdom of Mark Twain shines through in this novel. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
'Alas, Babylon' Quotes
Pat Frank (Harry Hart Frank) published Alas, Babylon in 1959. It takes place in Florida, centering around the Braggs. Here are a few quotes from this post-apocalyptic novel, which is one of the first novels of the nuclear age.
'The Awakening' Quotes
Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening (1899), is the famous tale of Edna Pontellier, who leaves her family, commits adultery, and begins to rediscover her true self--as an artist. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
Who Wrote It? -- Quiz
Test your knowledge about who wrote these bits of literature, with this quiz by Tamra Willett-Johnson.
'The Hobbit' Quotes
The Hobbit is a book by J.R.R. Tolkien, a famous Oxford professor, essayist and writer. The story centers around Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is caught up in a grand adventure. Here are a few quotes from The Hobbit.
Defining Terms: Myth, folkl...
Fairy tales, myths, legends, and folklore are terms that may seem to mean the same thing, but they have profoundly different meanings. Read more about it...
Spring Offensive - Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)
Read "Spring Offensive," by Wilfred Owen (1893-1918). Owen is famous for his poetry depicting World War I.
A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim - Walt Whitman (1819-1892)
Read A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim, by Walt Whitman.
'The Necklace' Short Story
The Necklace is often studied as a short work in world literature. The story is by Guy de Maupassant, and he infused the story with heartache, with the wounds of self-sacrifice--the stuff we can't ever forget or be allowed to let go. And, then, what happens when the hellish torment is over? Here's a story you may not soon forget.
Walden Quiz
Test your knowledge of "Walden.": sans serif font font size medium walden pond concord massachusetts medium color
Mrs. Dalloway
When Virginia Woolf was working on the draft version for "Mrs. Dalloway," she called her fledgling novel
The Prologue, Middle English - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
The Friar's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Of Marriage and Single Life - Fracis Bacon (1561-1626)
(1561-1626) British writer One of the pioneers of modern scientific thought Bacon's writings fall into three categories philosophical,purely literary and professional
'Breakfast at Tiffany's' Quotes
Breakfast at Tiffany's is a novella by Truman Capote, who tells about a one-year relationship/friendship between Holly Golightly, and an unnamed narrator. Here are a few quotes from Breakfast at Tiffany's.
The Other Two - by Edith Wharton (1862-1937)
Read "The Other Two ," by Edith Wharton (1862-1937). Edith Wharton was born Edith Newbold Jones. She's usually recognized by the array of novels she brought to life — filled with manners, modesty, and tragedy.
The Rise and Fall
Henry Adams once wrote: "One friend in a lifetime is much; two are many; three are hardly possible. Friendship
'A Christmas Carol' Stave 1, Part 1 - Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens builds the backdrop of Ebenezer Scrooge's world, complete with his portrayal of ultimate greed (and its eventual end). Here's the first part of Stave 1, A Christmas Carol.
'Coming Thro the Rye'
The Catcher in the Rye . He tells his fantasy to his sister, Phoebe (he's the "catcher in the rye," rescuing
'Atlas Shrugged' Quotes
"It was the joy of admiration and of one's own ability, growing together." -Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
The Wife of Bath's Tale, Modern - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Medieval Period
The term "medieval" comes from the Latin meaning "middle age." The term medieval (originally spelled
Little Snow-White - Brothers Grimm
Read "Little Snow-White," by the Brothers Grimm.
William Shakespeare - A History of English Literature
Read "A History of English Literature.": history of english literature village of stratford stratford on avon john shakespeare external stimulus
Flowers for Algernon Quotes
Flowers for Algernon is a famous novel by Daniel Keyes. In this novel a man develops higher intelligence. The book follows his evolution from his low level, through his experiences of coming to understand the world around him. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
'Lord of the Flies' Review
Every year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles a list of formal complaints filed by patrons demanding that certain books be removed from schools or public libraries. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, persistently makes the top 100 on this list (in 2006, the novel reached number 70 on the banned books list).
I Know Why The Caged Bird
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a famous book by Maya Angelou. This work is told from a first-person perspective, and it is the first in a series of her autobiographical books. The book has been popular since it was first published in 1969. Here are a few quotes from I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.
Brush up on Your Shakespeare -- Quiz
Why was Jane Austen so famous? What are some of her most well-known works? Which characters fall in love? And what happens? Test your knowledge about Jane Austen.
'A Doll's House' Quotes
A Doll's House is a famous and controversial play by Henrik Ibsen. Here are a few quotes from A Doll's House.
'The Handmaid's Tale' Quotes
The Handmaid's Tale is a bestselling novel by Margaret Atwood. The setting has been described as a feminist dystopia, where war and pollution has made pregnancy and child-birth increasingly difficult. Women are enslaved as prostitutes/virginal concubines--in an effort to repopulate and control the population. Here are a few quotes from The Handmaid's Tale.
'The Gift of the Magi' Story
The Gift of the Magi is a popular Christmas story about love and sacrifice. The work is one of the most famous stories by O. Henry, an American writer.
John Steinbeck Novels
John Steinbeck became known as an important American writer with his epic novel, The Grapes of Wrath (1939), for which he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1940. Other early works include Tortilla Flat (1935), In Dubious Battle (1936), Of Mice and Men (1937), and The Long Valley (1938). He was also known for a profusion of short stories, nonfiction works, and more.
The Miller's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe was inspired by the story of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who went to sea in 1704. Selkirk requested that his shipmates put him ashore on Juan Fernandez, where he remained until he was rescued by Woodes Rogers in 1709. Read more about Robinson Crusoe.
Preface - Picture of Dorian Gray - Preface - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
Read Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).
Treasure Island Quiz
Test your knowledge of "Treasure Island."
'The Pearl' Quotes
The Pearl is a novel by John Steinbeck. What happens when a young diver finds a pearl of extraordinary beauty (and value)--particularly when he lives in such an impoverished state? Be careful what you wish for--the old saying certainly applies here. In the end, what does the pearl bring him besides heartache and sorrow? Here are a few quotes from The Pearl.
A Note to An English Major
What do you say when someone asks you why you're an English major? You may have taken up the major simply because you love to read. What will you do with the degree?
Keep a Reading Log / Journal
A reading log or book journal is a great place to react to what you read. You can find out exactly how you feel about the characters; you may gain insight about the theme and plot; and you can expand your overall enjoyment of the literature. Here are a few idea starters. Feel free to build your own list of questions as you start your life-long habit of keeping a reading log or book journal. Read on.
'Waiting for Godot' Quotes
Waiting for Godot is a play by Samuel Beckett. The play depicts the meaninglessness of life--with its repetitive plot, where nothing much happens. Here are a few quotes from Waiting for Godot.
John Steinbeck - List of Works
John Steinbeck was a world-renowned novelist, playwright, essayist and short-story writer, famous for his works involving the region of his birth. His work has stirred controversy, and offered a unique view into America.
'Cry, The Beloved Country' Quotes
Cry, The Beloved Country is the famous African novel by Alan Paton. The story follows the journey a minister, who travels to the big city in search of his prodigal son. Cry, The Beloved Country is said to have been inspired (or influenced) by In a Province (1934). Alan Paton started the novel in 1946, and the book was finally published in 1948. Here are a few quotes from Cry, The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton.
Greek Mythology Books
Greek Mythology is filled with tales of how the gods came into being, the birth of heroes, and the horrors of monsters. There's the story of Oedipus, the adventures of Odysseus, and so many other tales...
'Great Expectations' Review
Great Expectations is one of the most famous and much-loved novels by the great master of Victorian prose, Charles Dickens.
Book Price Guides
How much is your book worth? Is there a book you want to purchase, but you don't know the value of the book? These price guides should pave the way for you to better understand what books to buy, when to sell, and how much those books are worth. Read more from these book price guides.
Coming of Age Novels
A coming-of-age story or novel is memorable because the character undergoes adventures and/or inner turmoil in his/her growth and development as a human being. Some characters come to grips with the reality of cruelty in the world--with war, violence, death, racism, and hatred--while others deal with family, friends, or community issues.
'Picture Dorian Gray' Review
Oscar Wilde's only novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891) is a classic instance of the aestheticism of the late 19th century's English literature... For greater emphasis, Wilde defines the artist as free of ethical sympathies and morbidity. Read more about the novel.
Virginia Woolf Biography
(1882-1941) British writer. Virginia Woolf was born on January 25, 1882, in London. Woolf became one of the most prominent literary figures of the early 20th century, with novels like Mrs. Dalloway (1925), Jacob's Room (1922), To the Lighthouse (1927), and The Waves (1931). Read more about the life and works of Virginia Woolf.
Love's Philosophy - Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)
Read Love's Philosophy, by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).
Jane Austen Quiz
Why was Jane Austen so famous? What are some of her most well-known works? Which characters fall in love? And what happens? Test your knowledge about Jane Austen.
'Brave New World' Review
In a futuristic society based on pleasure without moral repercussions, Aldous Huxley places a few oddball characters to stir up the plot. Read more about Brave New World.
'The Color Purple' Quotes
The Color Purple is an Pulitzer-Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. The book has sparked controversy and applause for its chosen topics as well as for the way it represents African-American life--particularly for a young woman--in the 1930s. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
'Tess of the d'Urberville' Quotes
Tess of the d'Urberville is a tragedy. The novel details the loss of innocence and the ultimate destruction of a young girl. The novel was one of the last novels by Thomas Hardy, who is also famous for Jude the Obscure. Here are a few quotes from Tess of the d'Urberville.
The Knight's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
'The Call of the Wild' Quotes
The Call of the Wild is a novel by Jack London (John Griffith London), which was serialized in the summer of 1903--to popular acclaim. The book is about Buck, a dog who eventually learns to survive in the wilds of Alaska. Read quotes from The Call of the Wild, by Jack London.

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