Ayn Rand's novel "The Fountainhead" can be a useful text in an undergraduate English class, helping students think through issues of individualism. Rand's own concept of the self, however, ignores its social dimensions. (Contains 7 notes.)

The author discusses a visit Saul Bellow paid to his class on the contemporary American novel. (MM)

The study of literature need not be bound by book or classroom, but may be enhanced by observing community activities first hand. (MM)

Considers Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary technique of providing various, often conflicting, accounts of a narrative scene or event. Analyzes Hawthorne's rhetoric of rumor as featured in "The Scarlet Letter." Shows how Hawthorne tried to translate the dynamics of interpersonal communication into print in this novel. (HB)

Considers how teaching Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" creates special problems--and thus affords special opportunities--not encountered in the reading of or critical response to this text. Discusses different editions of "Frankenstein" and reasons for using them. Notes that "Frankenstein" is a story that appeals to all…

Goes beyond N. Auerbach's interpretation--"primacy of the sisterhood"--of the first part of "Little Women" to point out that Alcott creates in the novel's second half a balance for the female ambitions expressed and sought after in the first and gives the males in the family the opportunity to participate in a new, expanded…

Examines students' difficulties in reading literature and suggests methods for helping them to develop and improve skills necessary for the mature reading of literature. (MM)