Reviews current adolescent literature and finds the emphasis is on the theme of alienation. He puts it in the context of larger society and examines examples of the trend- which turn out to be most of the substantive titles of recent note. (Editor/RB)

A study of English literature offers a knowledge of other minds and, more importantly, a process of "extending sympathy" or imaginative identification. (HOD)

Relates how one teacher helped another overcome his prejudice against his American Indian students by showing him that English literature--even "Beowulf"--can be as valid in the curriculum as Native American literature. (JL)

Traces the history of English prose from Francis Bacon to the present, commenting on the quality of various authors' writing and of fiction today. (HTH)

Suggests that students who have found "Shane" to be an exciting literary experience can be motivated to read other heroic literature such as "Beowulf" if the teacher presents it with an eye toward motivation. "The Odyssey" might follow os another epic poem. (TJ)

Interviews Joseph Papp, director and founder of the New York Shakespeare Festival. Discusses how to teach Shakespeare to high school students. (MM)

Outlines the life of Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of "The Secret Garden." Argues that it not only tells an enthralling tale, but takes readers on a journey through the history of English literature. Discusses the gothic tradition and romanticism of "The Secret Garden." Lists classic elements in the book and offers five ideas…

A guide to the most notable authors and illustrators of children's books, from the early nineteenth century to the present day, is presented. Some early classics are also included. Approximately 300 names are listed. Editorial emphasis has been placed on those English-language authors, both British and American, who constitute the heritage of…

Historicism critiques cultural history and cultural materialism as a methodology for literary analysis. Questions the finality of interpretation, how original values change, and whether dramatic history implies actual history. Using Shakespearean plays, analyzes the power and politics of a play in relation to its audience; posits that cultural…

Compares Roman Polanski's film adaptation of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" with the original novel by Thomas Hardy. Suggests that a comparative analysis of the two works enhances students' awareness of Hardy's artistry and sharpens their ability to respond critically to literature. (MM)

Discusses the realities of teaching Shakespeare in the schools. Describes the beliefs undergirding the Folger Library's Shakespeare education program--Shakespeare is for all students; the teacher's job is that of tour guide and not translator; students learn Shakespeare by doing Shakespeare--and that students should make their own connection with…

John Milton presented a wide spectrum of materials and ideas illuminating the literary landscape like a rainbow which critics and authors have been discussing for centuries. One example of the multiple layers of meaning in Milton's poems is found in Sonnet XIX, which can be useful for both forensic discussion as well as for composition…

Making connections for teachers between Shakespeare and his historical context on the one hand and secondary students on the other, this book presents background information, commentary, resources, and classroom ideas to enliven students' encounters with Shakespeare. The book concentrates on "Romeo and Juliet,""Julius…

Controversy often arises over the teaching of English literature in courses and programs in English as a foreign language (EFL). However, language and literature cannot be separated. Each has something important to offer in the development of a well-rounded student. Literature teaches idiomatic language and cultural context; it can also improve…

One of a series of works aimed at presenting contemporary critical opinion on major authors, this collection includes essays by Arthur Mizener, Wyndham Lewis, Hugh Kenner, R. P. Blackmur, Elizabeth Sewell, S. Musgrove, George L. K. Morris, F. R. Leavis, D. W. Harding, Allen Tate, Ezra Pound, William Empson, John Peter, Denis Donoghue, and Donald…