Discusses sexism in the work of Enid Blyton's series "The Famous Five." Defines sexism as a process rather than a thing, which draws its energy from relations of power. Analyzes the texts to provide support for this thesis. Concludes that Blyton's books are not sexist, rather they explore sexism in a way to which children can relate. (PA)

Discusses the life and work of Stephen Schwandt, a mystery writer who incorporates elements of the mystery genre into his nonmystery novels. Suggests that the major strength of his novels is the characters. (RS)

Criticizes the movie "Schindler's List" as portraying the Holocaust in a profane manner. The author suggests Schindler is a bad choice as a protagonist because his story distracts the audience from the real victims. He views the choice of a non-Jew in a heroic portrayal of this type as one culture's way of popularizing another culture's…

Identifies and discusses some recurring characteristics of the wise/witch woman (one of the most interesting stock figures in recent fantasy writing for preadolescent readers) in three recent books. Finds a richly varied portrayal of these powerful women. (SR)

Considers that Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22" represents an inventory of the major pathologies of thought and communication. Uses excerpts from the novel to show the various communicational maneuvers (such as denying reality, absolute literalness, and circular reasoning) that characterize schizophrenic transactions. (PA)

The term androgyny, with its sex-related etymology, is based on untenable social stereotypes and for feminist critics is a dead end. The androgyny myth, like matriarchal myths and myths which deify women, should be replaced. However, a replacement would have to fill a wide niche in order to allow critics to focus from a propitious vantage point on…

Suggests that individuals may differentially identify with and learn from media presentation in terms of whether the images are structured as real or fictional events, and that, independent of the inherent real or fictional structure of the given events, the television format has a fictionalizing capacity in and out of itself. (JMF)

Analyzes the realistic characterization and plot construction of an anonymously written medieval French play. The play, which relates the story of Christ's resurrection, achieves historical realism by replacing music and chant with dialogue, using a logical plot, and limiting historical anachronism. (AV)

Discusses the lack of consistent accuracy about historical figures in Chaucer's "Monk's Tale." The story of Nero fishing in the Tiber with golden nets is corroborated by many other ancient and medieval authors; however, the reference to Julius Caesar as being of lowly birth is peculiar only to Chaucer and a few medieval English authors.…

Critiques five novels by James Salter--THE HUNTERS, THE ARM OF FLESH, A SPORT AND A PASTIME, LIGHT YEARS, and SOLO FACES. Notes that Salter's works have been ignored by literary critics and the public though praised by other authors. (MM)

Recalls the captivating characters; tidy, confident writing and winsome illustrations in the 50-year-old minor masterpiece, "Mr. Popper's Penguins." (SD)