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…

Intended as an examination of both the novel and the film, this study analyzes the themes and images of "Slaughterhouse-Five." The study is divided into three sections: a thematic analysis of the novel; an examination of the images and camera techniques in the film; and a discussion of similar themes in an effort to show how they are…

This course outline for the study of novels by representative writers of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries emphasizes the various novelistic forms. Study objectives include: (1) explanation of how psychological elements motivate characteristics; (2) explanation of how sociological factors influence characters and situations; (3)…

Based on Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that all works of art lend themselves to critical reviews; critical reviews consist of opinions and support for the opinions; and a critical review may compare and contrast a work in one medium to the same work in…

Weaves a discussion of the female protagonist of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel "Speak" into the main discussion of the female protagonist of Carson McCullers'"The Member of the Wedding." Demonstrates the parallels between the stories as well as the distinctions to reinforce their individual richness, and to assist teachers who may choose to pair…

Contrasts the complaints of a class of gifted students about Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" with their teacher's discomfort at sitting through the long and tedious movie "Brazil." (NKA)

Discusses several approaches that students have found helpful for analyzing "Jane Eyre," including point of view, comparison, character development, language, imagery and symbolism, and the novel's elements of autobiography. (HTH)

Comments on the design of a novel's cover, "The Cure for Death by Lightning," and how it mirrors what is inside the book--it recreates a scrapbook belonging to the adolescent protagonist's mother. Finds the use of color and baking smells significant in the novel. States that the protagonist eventually realizes she needs a scrapbook of…

Discusses the teaching of "Bleak House" to students who are daunted by its length and complexity. Provides suggestions on how to get beyond those complexities and allow students to understand the central concerns of the book. (SRT)

Analyzes three parts of Tunis' novel in view of the author's opening statement, This is a book about the conscience of a man.''

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)

Reexamines the use of the novel, "Murder at the Margin," in college and high school economics instruction. Identifies errors in the book's application of economic principles. Explores the novel's approach to the "prisoner's dilemma" and the making of choices. Concludes that despite problems, the book remains valuable to…

Discusses the religious content in the few books for young adults that deal with religion. Notes that, although these books are few in number, they represent some of the best and most powerful books for young adults. (RS)

Describes how in the late 1930s a novelist named John R. Tunis began publishing a long series of books about various athletic situations and issues of his day. Examines Tunis' attempt to demonstrate where sports sometimes touch contemporary social issues. Explicates three texts: "All-American"; "Keystone Kids"; and "Yea! Wildcats!" (SG)

Suggests that the idea of maturation of the innocent through the tutelage of an experienced adult has been a mainstay in literature. Discusses how each of the parents from the novels "American Pastoral,""The House Gun," and "Disgrace" protests in a private or public way in order to reclaim his/her child. (RS)