This site provides guidance in creating literature circles based on cross-curricular themes that will help to improve literacy. The site emphasizes both theory and practice, with lots of practical suggestions.

Twenty-six half hour videos on literary analysis for high school students that feature authors, scholars, actors and noted critics. Topics include The Art of the Essay, Setting and Character in Short Fiction, Responding to Literature and...

Written in 1891, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, depicts the life of a young country girl. The characters in this novel are analysed in detail. The site also includes an analysis of the various themes in the novel that was deemed controverial...

Throughout the course of the 19th century, the middle classes expanded rapidly. Those moving up the social scale had to learn new modes of behavior and ways of life. These articles research how this sector of society was reflected in the...

A series of articles that research how gender roles were defined in the 19th century, and how they were represented in the literature of the period.

The 19th century saw a rapid technological change, together with paradigm shifts in scientific understanding. These articles research how authors responded to the new possibilities afforded by technology and science.

These articles answer the following questions about novels between 1832-1880: From Charles Dickens to Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Gaskell to George Eliot, how did the writers of this period use fantasy, realism, sensationalism, and...

This in-depth, insightful article from "Western Buddist Review" examines the theme of leaving home as it relates to several of Forster's works (e.g., "The Road to Colonus," "The Machine Stops," and "Howards End.")

This site includes a definition of the term naturalism, important characteristics and themes of the literature movement, quotes pertaining to it, links to important figures in naturalism, and further bibliographical information.

Using short fiction by Raymond Carver and the art of Edward Hopper, this short unit plan explores the theme of alienation. This site includes questions, a list of suggested works, a reflection sheet, and an interactive exhibit of...

A scholarly essay discussing the theme of dreams in Emily Bronte's novel "Wuthering Heights."

Explore the Georgian period in its social, political, and historical contexts, with overviews of popular politics, the rise of consumerism, and entertainment.

These articles research the following questions related to the Victorian Age: Why was crime such a popular subject in 19th-century fiction? How did literature balance fear, social commentary, and entertainment? How were gruesome murders...

Explore polite culture, sensibility, and sentimentalism in the 18th century, and how these concepts are reflected in the writing of the period.

From courtship rituals to cross-dressing to love poetry, examine the ways in which Shakespeare and Renaissance writers explored identity, sexuality, and gender roles.

From Wordsworth's Westminster Bridge to Blake's Chimney Sweepers; from Dickens's pickpockets to Jack the Ripper; and from Wells's War of the Worlds to Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes; discover the diverse ways in which writers in this...

Gothic fiction has intrigued and unsettled readers for more than two centuries. These articles research how these works reflect the political, social, and cultural contexts in which they were written.

Discover how Shakespeare's work was influenced by other cultures, and how in turn it's been interpreted in other nations over 400 years.

From cross-dressing in Twelfth Night to magical storms in The Tempest; from deception in Much Ado to biting satire in The Alchemist, discover the beauty and complexity of Shakespearean and Renaissance comedies.

This famous short story is explored in depth in this interesting site. This informative site helps to take the mystery out of the characters, the plot and theme.

One of Tennessee Williams most famous plays is profiled in detail in this informative and fascinating site. Read about the characters, their motivations, dreams and the reality of their lives.

Discover the ways in which writers captured the fast-changing world around them during the 20th Century.

This site provides links to nine essays written by students at Middlebury College for a Spring 1996 course on Dostoevsky. The topics range from "Dostoevsky and Social Issues" to "Dostoevsky and the Theme of Children."

Great research site! Includes his themes, perspectives, form, style, audience, comparison and contrast in writing.