1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

Study Guides

If you're having a hard time understanding literature, don't despair. After you've read the poem, short story, play, or novel, take a look at these study guides. Find questions, lists of terms for consideration, and more. Read on.
1984 Study Guide
1984 is a novel by George Orwell. This Great English Novel discusses: the devastating effects of an authoritarian society, where thoughtcrime is illegal.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Study Guide
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel by Mark Twain. This adventure novel was published in 1884, and it tells the story of Huck Finn's trip down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave, Jim.
Awakening Study Guide
The Awakening is a novel by Kate Chopin. The book was published in 1899, and it centers around Edna Pontellier. She is a young wife and mother until she begins to awaken to herself (who she is and what she wants) while on vacation in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Here's a study guide for The Awakening.
Catcher in the Rye Study Guide
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D. Salinger. This Great American Novel discusses: alienation, "phoniness," coming of age (growing up), and more. Holden is an outsider, with a cynical view of the world and others. Here's a study guide of The Catcher in the Rye.
Death Be Not Proud Study Guide
John Gunther was already an established journalist when he wrote Death Be Not Proud. Learn more about this famous death memoir, with this study guide.
Devil and Tom Walker Study Guide
"The Devil and Tom Walker" is one of the most famous short stories by Washington Irving. The work was published in 1824 as part of the Money-Diggers series, in his short story collection, Tales of a Traveler. Set in New England, the story takes place in the 1700s.
Madame Bovary Study Guide
Madame Bovary is a novel by Gustave Flaubert. This Great French Novel discusses: sex, alienation, and hopelessness. Dreams are never realized; hopes are dashed; and passion is meaningless.
Of Mice and Men Study Guide
Of Mice and Men is a novel by John Steinbeck. This Great American Novel centers around two farm hands: George and Lenny. They are alienated and outsiders--running from one place to the next--but they still want a piece of the American Dream.
Scarlet Letter Study Guide
The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Set in New England, with a Puritanical mentality, this Great American Novel discusses: sex, punishment, and the psychological effects of guilt.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Study Guide
An anonymous writer created "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" in the 14th century. The Green Knight attends the New Year celebrations at King Arthur's Camelot to issue a challenge, which was taken up by Sir Gawain. Read more about "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
Story of An Hour Study Guide
"The Story of An Hour" is a short story by Kate Chopin. The story was published in 1894, and it spans a one-hour span of time in the life of Mrs. Millard.
Treasure Island Study Guide
Treasure Island is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. This Great Adventure Novel centers around Jim Hawkins, a young boy who is caught up in the search for a long-lost treasure. There's pirates, mutiny, a treasure map--all the elements of a memorable adventure tale.

Explore Classic Literature

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature
  4. Study Guides

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.