Handbook for Literary Analysis (1)

I was very excited about this item at first - it's hard to find a text which includes various aspects of literary analysis, especially one aimed at high school level students. However, once I was able to properly go through it, I found very little of substance. Each topic is given only a cursory overview. Most of the book consists of long excerpts from novels, but without any accompanying analysis. The sample student essays are a nice feature, but at $30 a book, I'd rather actual lessons. I didn't feel the series was worth $60, not when we ended up having to cull our lessons from the internet and other resources.ETA: For the same amount of money, I found this item: Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing (4th Edition)  to be much more helpful. At 1000 pages, it is able to amply cover almost all aspects of literary analysis. Terms are clearly explained, example stories are provided, analysis is offered, and the author also suggests how to apply what is learned to one's own writing. In addition, there are critical thinking questions after each story, and at the end of each chapter. The final few chapters offer insight on how to write clear essays. Note that this is a university level text, and as such, some of the selections may be too mature for younger readers. However, I have so far found only a few stories I would prefer my 15yo daughter not read.

This handbook remains one of the most useful components of a successful Literature curriculum. It is simple enough for the inexperienced reader yet rich enough for the developed scholar. I would highly recommend it to both students and adults.

I am currently using this book with my daughter. I love how it teaches the student to recognize a well written book. The student learns how to dissect classics and pull out themes, plots and more. As they read the assigned books they also learn how to identify the authors worldviews and compare them with the Biblical one. My oldest daughter also used this book and it prepared her well for future Literature classes. She continues to refer to it even now while taking an AP Language and Comp. class. Well done, Dr. Stobaugh.

The "Handbook for Literary Analysis" is a very helpful companion to Dr. Stobaugh's "Skills for Literary Analysis" text book. It provides a morein-depth explanation for each topic he covers. There are numerous excerpts from many classic literary works that further emphasize the explanations. It has short commentaries and definitions as well as sample student essays. Overall I would say this is an essential addition to Dr. Stobaugh's "Skills for Literary Analysis" course and has helped me tremendously.

This is a very good book! I would recommend it to any student! Thanks for an excelent book, Dr. Stobaugh!