In a thematic study she calls The Hero's Journey, the author introduces the classical archetype of the hero and the journey of the hero with Homer's "The Odyssey." After all, the wily tactician dreams up the idea for the wooden horse trick, thereby winning the war for the Greeks. He visits hell and, against all odds, makes it back. He defeats the…

The purpose of this study is to examine four adolescent novels exclusively from the viewpoint of literary criticims. Two of the novels, labeled adolescent by the publishers, are "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel and "His Enemy, His Friend" by John Tunis; the other two, not labeled adolescent by the publishers, are "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok, and "A…

Examines the problems of spoken poetry, both from the poet's viewpoint and from the viewpoint of adolescents in literature classes. Considers the efficacy of conceptualizing poetry, especially spoken poetry, as popular art. (RL)

Reviews five teenage films and recommends that teachers see them and then discuss them with their students. (NKA)

A psychological interpretation of the character development of David, in Ester Wier's The Loner," and a suggestion that study of this novel might enhance an adolescent's self-image. (RD)

An Earlier version presented as a speech at the University of Vermont, Burlington, September 1968.

Paper presented at Annual Convention of National Council of Teachers of English (Milwaukee, Wis., November 29, 1968).

This dissertation presents a method for teaching secondary students many recognized critical approaches to the study of literature, so that they may choose the methods that function best for them with a given work. The novels of a contemporary American author, Jack Matthews, are used to show how the method operates. The investigator reports many…

Describes the Johari Window, a specialized questioning strategy for the study of characterization in fiction. Asserts that this method promotes classroom discussion, provides motivation to analyze a character in depth, develops students' empathy for a specific character, and encourages inferential thinking. (MM)

Report offers several working definitions of the process of critical thinking, then describes several ERIC documents dealing with ways of teaching critical thinking in general on the secondary level, and finally points to some aspects of learning about literature and language that involve critical thinking skills. (Author)

Discusses the female characters in the novels of Lois Duncan, especially in their roles as victims. Argues that, although these characters often begin the novels as stereotypes, they usually turn out to be complex individuals by the novel's end. Shows how Duncan encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions. (HB)

Novels intended for adolescent readers have the following qualities in common: a tone that is implied by the diction and the syntax; themes that relate to adolescent concerns such as the search for status and identity, breaking family ties, and handling sex; a predilection to teach through example or to convey a message; and an atmosphere of…

Literature experts, educators, and a national cross-section of interested laymen were gathered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress to define major objectives in literature instruction, to suggest tasks to sample these objectives and exhibit the achievements, interests, and attitudes of those exposed to literature, and to describe…

Reviews 11 new young adult novels. Suggests that too many works in this genre glamorize adolescent problems instead of dealing realistically with them. (RBW)