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Classic Literature: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Romeo and Juliet Quotes
Romeo and Juliet is a play about star-crossed lovers. The play is one of the most famous works by William Shakespeare. Lovers (Romeo and Juliet) are caught between two worlds, as their families feud to the death. Fights, witty lines, secret marriages, and untimely deaths--the play is unforgettable! Here are a few lines from Romeo and Juliet.
Lord of the Flies Quotes
The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, was first published in 1954. This tale of schoolboys stranded on a desert island is the best-known work by Golding. The novel is now sometimes compared to The Cacher in the Rye as one of the popular books for high school and college students. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
The Catcher in the Rye Quiz
Test your knowledge of "The Catcher in the Rye."
1984 Quiz
Test your knowledge of 1984.: sans serif font font size medium british novel medium color test your knowledge
The Devil and Tom Walker - Washington Irving (1783-1859)
Read "The Devil and Tom Walker," by Washington Irving.
Death Be Not Proud - John Donne (1572-1631)
Read "Death Be Not Proud," by John Donne (1572-1631).
The Prologue, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Pride and Prejudice Quiz
Test your knowledge about one of the greatest novels of that period. When was the book published? Who are the main characters? Who wrote the novel?
Hamlet Quotes
Hamlet is a famous tragedy by William Shakespeare. The play is filled with death and suicide, madness, incest, and the supernatural. Hamlet's father has been murdered, which inspires a whole series of events--bent on revenge and destined to bring destruction to all. Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. Here are a few quotes from the play.
Great Gatsby Quotes
The Great Gatsby (1925) is one of the greatest American classics. The novel was written in Paris by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and it has come to be seen as a representation of the Jazz Age. The Great Gatsby relates the story of Jay Gatsby--as told by Nick Carraway. Here are a few quotes from The Great Gatsby.
The Story of an Hour Quiz
Test your knowledge of "A Story of An Hour."
Brave New World Quotes
Brave New World is a novel by Aldous Huxley. This famous (and controversial) work deals with issues of technological advancements, sexuality, and individuality--in a dehumanizing society. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
Literature
What is literature? Why do we read it? Why is literature important? Read more about literature.
Macbeth Quotes
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's great tragedies. There's murder, battles, supernatural portents, and all the other elements of a well-worked drama. Here are a few quotes from Macbeth.
1984 Quotes
George Orwell's 1984 is a famous dystopian novel. The novel revolves around the experience of Winston Smith. Big Brother is watching; and thoughtcrime is illegal. Here are a few quotes from 1984.
Adventures of Huckleberry
Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), is the famous tale of Huckleberry Finn, who journeys down the Mississippi River with an escaped slave, Jim. The wit and wisdom of Mark Twain shines through in this novel. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
Antigone Quiz
Test your knowledge of Antigone.
Of Mice and Men Quotes
Of Mice and Men is a novel by John Steinbeck. This tragedy was first published in 1937. The story is told from the third-person omniscent point-of-view. Of Mice and Men follows the misadventures of Lennie and George, two ranch hands in California. Here are a few quotes from Of Mice and Men.
Atticus Finch Quotes
Atticus is one of my favorite father figures in literary history. He's a strong character, but he's also willing to stand up for what he believes. He represents an important role model for Scout. Here are a few of the quotes from Atticus Finch, in To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee).
The Storm - Kate Chopin (1851-1904)
Read "The Storm," by Kate Chopin (1851-1904).
Must Reads in Literature
This list is by no means all-inclusive, but it should give you an idea of a few great classics, which really are worth reading at least once. I've read and enjoyed these titles; and I welcome your suggestions for many more must reads. So, take a look. Read more about these must reads in literature, and then enjoy more works by these classic writers.
The Catcher in the Rye Quotes
The Catcher in the Rye is the famous novel by J.D. Salinger. It is the work for which Salinger is best known. The work has been popular and controversial, and number of the quotes from this book have been cited as evidence of its inappropriate nature. The Catcher in the Rye is often studied in American literature. Here are a few quotes.
The Red Badge of Courage Quiz
Test your knowledge of The Red Badge of Courage.
Animal Farm Quotes
Animal Farm is a famous novel by George Orwell. In this novel, the animals all begin to follow the precepts of Animalism, rise up against the humans, take over the farm, and rename the place: Animal Farm. Here are a few quotes from this famous work!
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel by Harper Lee. The book depicts the experiences of a young girl, Scout, and her family in a Southern town. To Kill a Mockingbird deals with aspects of racism, and involves other aspects of violence and alienation. Here are a few quotes from To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
The Black Cat - Edgar Allan Poe
Read "The Black Cat," by Edgar Allan Poe.
Fahrenheit 451 Quotes
Fahrenheit 451 is a novel by Ray Bradbury. The work is one of the most beloved works by Bradbury, but it's also controversial. Here are a few quotes.
Keep a Reading Log / Journal
A reading log or book journal is a great place to react to what you read. You can find out exactly how you feel about the characters; you may gain insight about the theme and plot; and you can expand your overall enjoyment of the literature. Here are a few idea starters. Feel free to build your own list of questions as you start your life-long habit of keeping a reading log or book journal. Read on.
Wuthering Heights Quotes
Wuthering Heights is a famous work of Gothic fiction by Emily Bronte. The work is often been compared with Jane Eyre, which is by Emily's sister, Charlotte. Wuthering Heights is a tale of all-consuming romantic passion. Here are a few quotes from Wuthering Heights.
The Knight's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
John Steinbeck Novels
John Steinbeck became known as an important American writer with his epic novel, The Grapes of Wrath (1939), for which he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1940. Other early works include Tortilla Flat (1935), In Dubious Battle (1936), Of Mice and Men (1937), and The Long Valley (1938). He was also known for a profusion of short stories, nonfiction works, and more.
Romantic Period
Many scholars say that the Romantic period began with the publication of "Lyrical Ballads" by William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge in 1798. The volume contained some of the best-known works from these two poets including Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and Wordsworth's "Lines Written a Few Miles from Tintern Abbey."
All Quiet On The Western Front
All Quiet On The Western Front is a novel by Erich Maria Remarque. The book was published in 1929, and it was the author's way of coming to terms with the war. Parts of the book are autobiographical. All Quiet On The Western Front also has a history with censorship, as the book was banned in Germany. Here are a few quotes from All Quiet On The Western Front.
On the Road Quotes
On the Road is an autobiographical novel by Jack Kerouac, with a stream of consciousness style. The work is associated with the Beat Generation. Here are a few quotes from On the Road.
Henrik Ibsen's Plays
Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) was a Norwegian playwright, famous for A Doll's House, The Master Builder, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, and Hedda Gabler. Read more about the works of Henrik Ibsen.
The Wife of Bath's Tale, Modern - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
The Pardoner's Tale, Modern English - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Heart of Darkness Quotes
Heart of Darkness is a famous work by Joseph Conrad. The author's experiences in Africa gave him plenty of material for this work. Heart of Darkness is the tale of a man who gives into the enticements of power. Here are a few quotes from Heart of Darkness.
Jane Eyre Quiz
Test your knowledge of Restoration literature.
The Canterbury Tales Quiz
How many tales are a part of "The Canterbury Tales"? Why were the pilgrims on a journey, and where were they going? Test your knowledge about "The Canterbury Tales."
A Christmas Carol Quotes
Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol (1843), is the famous tale of Scrooge, who is visited by spirits from the past, present and future. The novel is a celebration of Christmas, but it is also a story of redemption. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
The Necklace - Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)
The girl was one of those pretty and charming young creatures who sometimes are born, as if by a slip of fate, into a family of clerks.
A History of English Literature
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Abelard and Heloise
Abelard and Heloise are one of the most celebrated couples of all time, known for their love affair... and for the tragedy that separated them.
Jane Austen Quiz
Why was Jane Austen so famous? What are some of her most well-known works? Which characters fall in love? And what happens? Test your knowledge about Jane Austen.
The Devil and Tom Walker
Washington Irving published "The Devil and Tom Walker" in 1824 as part of his short story collection, "Tales of a Traveller." The story has been compared to the classic story of Faust, a scholar who makes a deal with the devil. Read more about "The Devil and Tom Walker."
Things Fall Apart Quotes
Things Fall Apart is an important African novel by Chinua Achebe--one of the most greatest classics of its time. The book involves the class of cultures and belief systems, as colonization affects the people. Here are a few quotes from Things Fall Apart.
The Miller's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Who Wrote It? -- Quiz
Test your knowledge about who wrote these bits of literature, with this quiz by Tamra Willett-Johnson.
The Giver
Science Fiction allows us to imagine what could be--in science and technology. This genre of fiction pushes the boundaries of our imagination, helping us to question what is possible. But, it also helps us to come to terms with the moral issues of many of the controversial issues of our times: life and death, cloning, artificial and alien existence, individuality, alienation, bioengineering, and beyond. Explore space and the interior of the human body. Here's a gallery of books.
Literature in Time - Literary Periods
Brief list of Literary Periods in history from Old and Middle English through the Victorian Period to the Modern Period in literature.
The Merchant's Tale, Modern English - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Dracula Quotes
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic vampire tale. First published in 1897, the novel drew from vampire myth to create a literary legacy. Even though stories like Polidori's The Vampire and Le Fanu's Carmilla already existed at the time Dracula was first published, Stoker helped to spawn a new dimension in horror literature. Here are a few quotes from Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice was first published on January 28, 1813. Jane Austen's novel was written during the Romantic period, and it was her second novel. Pride and Prejudice is regarded by many to be her most famous and best-loved work of fiction, with its focus on young ladies in search of husbands. Discover the words of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice.
New Year's Day Quotes
It's the first day of the year, a time when we remember the year that's past, make resolutions, plan for the year ahead, and just have fun! Writers have said a lot about the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Celebrate the start of a whole new year--with these quotes from famous authors like Charles Lamb and Benjamin Franklin.
Crime and Punishment
What happens when a poor man has murderous thoughts? But, then, what happens when Raskolnikov feels guilty? Here are a few famous quotes from Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
A Farewell to Arms Quotes
A Farewell to Arms is a novel by Ernest Hemingway. The book was published in 1929, and the popularity of this work contributed to Hemingway's status as an American legend in literature. Hemingway drew from his wartime experiences to tell the story of Frederic Henry, a volunteer in the Italian army. Here are a few quotes from this tragic love story, A Farewell to Arms.
Death of a Salesman Quotes
Featuring Willy Loman, Death of a Salesman has been seen as an attack on the American dream. Death of a Salesman is one of the works for which Arthur Miller became most famous, bringing him international acclaim. Here are a few quotes from Death of a Salesman.
Victorian Period
The Victorian Period revolves around the political career of Queen Victoria. She was crowned in 1837 and died in 1901 (which put a definite end to her political career). A great deal of change took place during this period — brought about because of the Industrial Revolution; so it's not surprising that the literature of the period is often concerned with social reform. Read on.
Jane Eyre Quotes
Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre (1847), is the famous tale of an orphan, who must overcome seemingly overwhelming odds to survive. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel...
Slaughterhouse-Five Quotes
Slaughterhouse-Five is an anti-war novel, by Kurt Vonnegut. The work was first published in 1969, and it's been called an American classic. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the novel is drawn from the Vonnegut's war-time experiences in World War II. Here are a few quotes from the novel.
The Giver - Lois Lowry
The Giver is a novel by Lois Lowry. It's about Jonas, who becomes the Receiver of Memories, and then begins to understand the deepest secrets of the society. Here are a few quotes from The Giver.
Walden Quotes
Henry David Thoreau's Walden was published in 1854. The essay details the experiment in personal independence and self-reliance that Thoreau underwent, starting on July 4, 1845. Here are a few famous quotations from the essay...
Romantic Poetry - British
In the Romantic period in British literature, poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, and Keats reflected the revolution and creative spirit of the age. Read poetry from the Romantic period.
Coming Through the Rye - Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Read "Coming Through the Rye" by Robert Burns -- Scotland's greatest poet.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nes
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is the famous novel by Ken Kesey about insanity and the individual--with the concept of revolution figured in. The book is set in an Oregon insane asylum and centers around the struggles of patients to gain some sense of freedom in the repressive environment. Here are a few quotes from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Awakening Quotes
Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening (1899), is the famous tale of Edna Pontellier, who leaves her family, commits adultery, and begins to rediscover her true self--as an artist. Here are a few famous quotations from the novel.
The Scarlet Letter Quotes
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter, his famous tale of adultery and alienation, in 1850. The novel has become a popular (and sometimes controversial) focus of literary study in American literature. Here are a few quotes from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
War of the Worlds Quiz
Test your knowledge of "War of the Worlds."
The Nun's Priest's Tale, Modern English - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
The Centre Cannot Hold... The words of William Butler Yeats
"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold..." These and the other lines are part of a poem by William Butler Yeats. It's called "The Second Coming" and it was published in 1921. These lines have become some of the most memorable lines he ever wrote, of his poetry, drama, and prose...
The Sun Also Rises Quotes
The Sun Also Rises brought Ernest Hemingway fame and fortune. The novel also came to be representative of the lost generation of writers. Here are a few quotes from this famous book by Ernest Hemingway.
Great Expectations
We can learn a bit more about the life and experiences of Charles Dickens by reading his autobiographical novel, Great Expectations. Discover the life and misadventures of Pip, the orphaned protagonist of Great Expectations--with these famous quotes, by Charles Dickens.
Huckleberry Finn - - Banned?
Has The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn been banned? And, why would Huckleberry Finn be controversial?
Picture of Dorian Gray Quotes
The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only known novel. The work first appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, and it was revised and published as a novel the following year. The work was considered scandalous and immoral when it first appeared, but it was really a way for Wilde to write about his philosophy of art. Here are a few quotes from The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Greek Mythology Books
Greek Mythology is filled with tales of how the gods came into being, the birth of heroes, and the horrors of monsters. There's the story of Oedipus, the adventures of Odysseus, and so many other tales...
Banned Classics
Books are still being banned every day, but do you know which of the great classics have been banned? Books are controversial because of language, politics, sexuality, or religion. Some books seem to be challenged or banned because of multiple objections from different types of censors. Here's a list of ten...
Mark Twain - Slavery
What did Mark Twain write about slavery? What was his view on slaves? How did Mark Twain's background influence his perceptions on African Americans?
Uncle Tom's Cabin Quiz
Test your knowledge of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Winter Quotes
Winter is a cold time of the year. Leaves have probably already fallen, and snow may be falling right now. Here are quotes about winter, the end of the year.
Essay on Man - Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
Read "Essay on Man," by Alexander Pope. This British poet was one of the most famous poets of the 18th century. He's known for "An Essay on Criticism," "Rape of the Lock," and other works.
Jane Austen Movies
How do you take the classics of Jane Austen, and adapt them to the big screen--without missing many of those subtle details and the complexity in her novels? These movies aren't a substitute for Jane Austen's novels, but the films offer spectacular views into the lives of her greatest heroines--punctuated by the vibrance of costume and the eloquence of music and language. Here's a list of a few adaptations of Jane Austen's novels.
General Book Club Questions
In your book club, you may be reading books on a wide variety of topics. Here are a few questions for study and discussion. These questions are designed to make you think about the book(s). Take a look...
1 - The Awakening - Kate Chopin (1851-1904)
Read The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1851-1904). The Novel was published in 1889, and was considered shocking and immoral.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Quotes
Robert Louis Stevenson made literary history with his story about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This story of the dual personality being personified during a medical experiment has been told and re-told in adaptations since it was first published. Here are a few quotes from Stevenson's famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Mark Twain Quiz
Test your knowledge of Mark Twain.
Mark Twain
(1835-1910) American writer. Mark Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Missouri on November 30, 1835. Read more about Mark Twain's life and works.
The Bell Jar Quotes
The Bell Jar was the famous autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath, though it was first published under the pseudonym, Victoria Lucas. Here are a few quotes from The Bell Jar.
Grapes of Wrath Quotes
Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck, Nobel-Prize winner for literature. Published in 1939, the novel centers around the Joads, a family of sharecroppers, who journey to California to find a new life--amidst the Dust Bowl devastation of the Great Depression. Here are a few quotes from Grapes of Wrath.
A Classic
The definition of a classic can be a hotly debated topic. Depending on what you read, or the experience of the person you question on the topic, you may receive a wide range of answers. So, what is a classic--in the context of books and literature? Read on.
Cyrano de Bergerac Quotes
Cyrano de Bergerac is the most famous play by Edmond Rostand. The work is about Cyrano, a marvelous character--witty, passionate and full of vitality. He is known for his big nose, and he falls in love with his beautiful cousin, Roxane.
Huckleberry Finn - Slavery
What does Mark Twain say about slavery with his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
Classic Erotic Poems
Erotic poems discuss sexual love and desire, and they can be found down through literary history in cultures around the world. These collections include Egyptian love songs, Chinese classics from the Ming Dynasty, Indian love poems, and Goethe's erotic poems. Read more about these classic erotic poems.
Treasure Island Quiz
Test your knowledge of "Treasure Island."
Patterns - Amy Lowell (1874-1925)
Read "Patterns," by Amy Lowell (1874-1925).
The Catcher in the Rye
First published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye details 48 hours in the life of Holden Caulfield. The novel is the only novel-length work by J.D. Salinger, and its history has been colorful. The Catcher in the Rye is famous as the most censored, banned and challenged book between 1966 and 1975 for being "obscene," with an "excess of vulgar language, sexual scenes, and things concerning moral issues."
Dramatic Irony
What is dramatic irony? How does dramatic irony relate to literature? Read more about dramatic irony!
Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde created one of the most delightful and memorable social comedies, with The Importance of Being Earnest. It's a comedy of manners that satirizes Victorian manners and customs, but he does it with a light, witty style that's absolutely unforgettable. Here are a few quotes from The Importance of Being Earnest.
Candide Quotes
Voltaire offers his satirical view of society and nobility in Candide. The novel was published in 1759, and it is often considered the author's most important work--representative of The Enlightenment. Here are a few quotes from Candide.
Literature Reading List
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Book Stands and Book Rests
Whether you're studying for a class, reading a heavy textbook, writing a paper, or reading for pleasure, bookstands and book rests perfect tools to prop up your books and hold your place. You can also prop up your notes as you review for a test, or prepare to write a paper. Take a look.
Expository Essay
Classic Literature Directory More: Book Reviews | Homework Help | Back to School | E-texts Expository
The Franklin's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Coming of Age Novels
A coming-of-age story or novel is memorable because the character undergoes adventures and/or inner turmoil in his/her growth and development as a human being. Some characters come to grips with the reality of cruelty in the world--with war, violence, death, racism, and hatred--while others deal with family, friends, or community issues.
Tess of the d'Urberville
Tess of the d'Urberville is a tragedy. The novel details the loss of innocence and the ultimate destruction of a young girl. The novel was one of the last novels by Thomas Hardy, who is also famous for Jude the Obscure. Here are a few quotes from Tess of the d'Urberville.
Huckleberry Finn - River Map
Huckleberry Finn's journey down the Mississippi River is important to the progression of the novel, but where do you find a copy of the map, so you can follow his progress as you read the book? Read more about Mark Twain, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and the Mississippi River.
Stream of Consciousness
What is stream of consciousness? Read more about stream of consciousness.
Classic Literature E-text Directory
literature texts writer directory classic literature homework help directory book: Read works of literature in electronic format.
The Cook's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Feminist criticism
What is feminist criticism? Why do we read and write feminist criticism? Read more about feminist criticism.
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Originally serialized in a paper The Graphic, Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles was first published as a book in 1891. This was Hardy's second-to-the-last novel (Jude the Obscure was his last one). Set in rural England, the novel tells the story of a poor girl, Tess Durbeyfield, who is sent by her parents to a supposedly noble family in the hopes of finding a fortune and a gentleman for a husband. Read more about this famous novel.
The Death of the Old Year
Celebrate the New Year, with this poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Here's The Death of the Old Year.
How do I find the values?
Discover where to find the value of books in your collection. Read on.
Realism - American
What is Realism? Read more about it.
9th Grade Reading List
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1 - A History of English Literature
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Beloved Quotes
Beloved is a novel by Toni Morrison, who uses flashbacks and other devices to draw us through the tragic series of events in Seth's life. A moment of insanity shaped the rest of her existence; and, she (and those around her) would never be the same. Here are a few quotes from this dark novel, Beloved.
Alice in Wonderland Quotes
Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, was first written for Alice Pleasance Liddell. The book was first published in 1865. This book and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, are still popular and widely translated. Here are a few quotes.
Oedipus Rex Quotes
Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) is a famous play by Sophocles. He was fated to murder his father and marry his mother. Here are a few quotes from the play.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow focused on depicting legends. He was a famous American poet, known for poems about Evangeline, Hiawatha and Miles Standish.
William Shakespeare
(1564-1616) British writer. William Shakespeare is recognized as one of the greatest writers of all time, known for works like "Hamlet," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Romeo and Juliet," "Othello," "The Tempest," and many other works. Read more about the life and works of William Shakespeare.
Famous Heroines
In exploring the world of literature, these heroines come immediately to mind: Edna Pontellier, Madame Bovary, Moll Flanders, Anna Karenin, Lily Bart, Jane Eyre, Hester Prynne, Elizabeth Bennet, Daisy Miller, and Murasaki Shikibu. Other heroines include: Lucy Honeychurch, Antonia Shimerdas, Ellen Olenska, Josephine (Jo) March, and Isabel Archer. Read more about famous fictional heroines. These novels feature just a few of the many...
Love's Philosophy - Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)
Read Love's Philosophy, by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822).
Mary Shelley
Famous for Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, and the wife of the Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Read more about the life and works of Mary Shelley.
The Prioress's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Moby Dick Quotes
Moby Dick is a famous American novel--epic in scope. This quest tale was first published in 1851, but the book didn't achieve its acclaim as a masterpiece until many years after Herman Melville was dead. Here are a few quotes from Moby Dick, the great American novel...
Waiting for Godot Quotes
Waiting for Godot is a play by Samuel Beckett. The play depicts the meaninglessness of life--with its repetitive plot, where nothing much happens. Here are a few quotes from Waiting for Godot.
James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl is a favorite author for readers of all ages. He is the mastermind behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and countless other famous books. Take a look at these books... Explore a few of his greatest classics.
The Elizabethan Period - A History of English Literature
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The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus - Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593)
Read "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593).
The Call of the Wild Quotes
"The Call of the Wild" is a novel by Jack London (John Griffith London), which was serialized in the summer of 1903--to popular acclaim. The book is about Buck, a dog who eventually learns to survive in the wilds of Alaska. Read quotes from "The Call of the Wild," by Jack London.
King Lear Quotes
King Lear is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, based on a legendary king (Leir). The plot has influenced various other novels, including A Thousand Acres, by Jane Smiley. Take a look at these quotes from King Lear, one of the greatest tragedies in English literature.
A Note to An English Major
What do you say when someone asks you why you're an English major? You may have taken up the major simply because you love to read. What will you do with the degree?
Steinbeck: Novels 1942-1952
Steinbeck's focus is ever on the beauty and horror of human nature--what we do to each other for good or evil in the contexts of war and everyday experience. Read about this collection.
The Complete Works - Walt Whitman (1819-1892)
Read the collected works of Walt Whitman.
Banned Books - A List
So, you want to read a banned book? Here's a list of banned and challenged books.
Adjectives - An English Grammar - W. M. Baskervill
Read An English Grammar, by W. M. Baskervill and J. W. Sewell.
Mark Twain - Twain Meaning
What does "Twain" mean? How did Mark Twain encounter the term? Read more about Mark Twain.
Death Be Not Proud - A Memoir
In Death Be Not Proud, John Gunther explores the process of death: discovery, fighting, living on, and then dying. The process becomes just a little bit easier, as humor, human kindness and courage all are woven in. More than just about dying, this memoir becomes a study of living.
The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Romance Classics
A romance is a love affair or emotional attachment. In literature, the story of a romance between the hero and heroine is often idealized. Read classic romances, including: Gone with the Wind, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Wuthering Heights. Discover classic romances!
Of Mice and Men Books
John Steinbeck's classic novel, Of Mice and Men, was first published in 1937. Despite the controversies and book banning that have surrounded the text, this story of George and Lennie in the Salinas Valley has become one of Steinbeck's most beloved works. Read more about Of Mice and Men.
The Gift of the Magi - O. Henry
Read "The Gift of the Magi," by O. Henry.
5 - A History of English Literature
Read "A History of English Literature.": history of english literature edmund spenser sir thomas more european renaissance fifteenth centuries
The Monk's Tale, Modern English - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
The Summoner's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.
Brave New World
In a futuristic society based on pleasure without moral repercussions, Aldous Huxley places a few oddball characters to stir up the plot. Read more about Brave New World.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: Novels
F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for The Great Gatsby, but he created a great many other novels and stories. Read about Fitzgerald's works from 1920-1922.
Black Boy Quotes
Black Boy, by Richard Wright, was first published in 1945. This autobiographical novel was a bestseller, and it is an important 20th-century work of literature. Another famous novel by Richard Wright, Native Son, was published in 1940. Here are a few quotes from Black Boy.
The Reeve's Tale, Modern - Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400)
Read The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340?-1400). Ths work of British literature is one of the most famous pieces of the period.

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