Author Description

A world's worth of fiction, poetry, essays and drama are divided into several thematic sections: origins and insights; gender and identity; war and violence; race and difference; and individualism and community. The editors' introduction discusses the meaning and function of literature, writing as a social act, and guidelines for writing the literary essay. Appendices discuss the elements of fiction, poetry and drama; researching literary sources; and critical approaches, using Hamlet as a case study. A note about film and video is also included. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.