In this article, the author describes several innovative activities for engaging students in studies of literary characters: voting on superlatives for characters, creating characters' Facebook profiles, and composing creative dialogs in which characters from different works meet each other. The author points out that it is this self-knowledge…

Examines the reasons why so many people have preconceptions about how much "truth" is in fiction. Notes the effects of believing that authors base their fiction primarily on personal, "true-to-life" experiences. (RL)

The human condition can be better understood by reading both fiction and nonfiction. (JH)

An experienced secondary teacher shares some common misconceptions about literary analysis. The activities, which help the students to practice theory and read drama, poetry and fiction, are described.

A content analysis plan is presented for determining the degree of sexism in a literary work. (JH)

Author uses Moffett's theory of discourse to analyze Steppenwolf'' by Hermann Hesse. (GB)

Reviews Robert Newton Peck's "A Day No Pigs Would Die," pointing out the values of a courageous display of duty to others and to tasks at hand, and a vision that appreciates the natural order of life. (EL)

Examines the symbolism and theme of Eudora Welty's Petrified Man" and finds the most pitiless indictment of the venal spirit of modern civilization. (Author)

Describes a ten-week elective English course for seniors. (DD)

Offers a method for using structural analysis of literature, specifically, students discussed both structure and content within the context of four short stories, thus enriching their understanding of each by way of contrast. (SRT)