Contains plans for two lessons that examine different translations of "Beowulf" in order to study the nature of translation and examine the verse structure of the original text. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional...

The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come; Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan (1628-1688) and published in February 1678. It is regarded as one of the most...

This is "'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow': An Allegory for a Young America," an exceptional student example of literary analysis as well as an explanation to the main body of her paper. A link to the MLA website is also provided.

This lesson focuses on reader-response literary criticism including the purpose of reader response, the structure of a reader-response essay, how to criticize with examples, and an example of a reader-response essay using "The Secret...

Reviews of 26 Japanese movies that each include a list of suggested reading materials, plot summary, suggested grades, and a brief lesson plan. They are organized into two groups: one for students of literature and the humanities, and...

"A Model of Christian Charity" is a 1630 sermon by Puritan layman and leader John Winthrop, who delivered on board the ship Arbella while en route to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It is also known as City upon a Hill and denotes the...

The objective of this site is to guide young scholars through a self-directed exploration of pioneer life in reference to the book, "My Antonio." Students will have an opportunity to work on combining the study of history and literature...

This article "The Use of Nature in American Gothic" focuses on how nature is used in American Gothic literature.

Many reading programs claim to boost student performance, but how is that measured? Johns Hopkins University examined more than 200 published studies to create this quick guide to programs.

This is the text and audio of the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, a narrative poem first published in January 1845, and is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere.

This is text and audio of Chapters 1-4 of Walden; or, Life in the Woods, by transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. It is a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings and a manual for self-reliance.

This is the text and audio of Chapter 2.2 of Walden by transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. It focuses on where he lived and what he lived for.

Resources for Romeo and Juliet consist of a summary, analysis of themes and characters, a list of questions, and teacher resources. Each of the Acts and Scenes are discussed in great detail. An excellent set of questions is also included.

Read background information on The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue and Frame Story in this informative site that includes a look at the characters.

One of Shakespeare's early comedies, The Comedy of Errors, is a delightful comedy that is profiled in depth in this site. Read about the major characters, important quotations and themes.

Written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I the themes in this play still resonate. Read about the characters and themes in this informative site.

In this play written by Shakespeare a tale of loss and redemption is told. This site gives excellent insights into the characters, their motivations and important quotations from the play.

This site provides an amazing insight into Shakespeare's King Lear. Read about the major characters, themes and important quotations in the play in this fascinating site.

Written in 1851 this tale is about Captain Ahab's quest for revenge on the White Whale. Read about the quest, themes and the characters in this fascinating site.

One of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, The Taming of the Shrew, is analysed in great detail in this informative site. The characters and their actions as well as important quotations from the play are discussed.

Brief biography on American novelist Kathryn Stockett and background about her first novel The Help. Includes summary and a look at how its message can apply to readers today.