CliffsNotes on Wharton's The House of Mirth (CliffsNotes on Literature) - Softcover

Walker, Bruce Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764537164 ISBN 13: 9780764537165

Publisher: CliffsNotes, 2003

Synopsis

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. CliffsNotes on The House of Mirth takes you into the waning years of the Gilded Age and the moral bankruptcy of New York City's elite class. Edith Wharton's story of a woman - whose beauty causes men to desire to possess her and women to be jealous of her - reflects the complicated struggle of the individual against the social strictures of a powerful, and triumphant, moneyed class. This concise supplement to the satirically critical The House of Mirth, helps you understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study include* Chapter-by-chapter summaries and commentaries* A character map that outline key characteristics and relationships* Insightful character analyses* A critical essay about the opulence and emptiness of the Gilded Age* A review section that tests your knowledge Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure - you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

About this title

About the Author

Bruce Walker is adjunct professor of literature and technical writing at the University of Detroit, MI. He earned a B.A. in English from Michigan State University in 1985. He has been a contributing editor to Gale Group's Literary Criticism Series, Contempory Musicians, Newsmakers, and Encyclopedia of World Biography.

From the Back Cover

Get the most from great literature with CliffsNotes, the original study guides.

Written exclusively by experienced teachers and educators, CliffsNotes are the resource of choice for today?s students. These user-friendly guides make studying a snap?with visual icons flagging key themes, literary devices, and more. With hundreds of titles available in an easy-to-use format, CliffsNotes has the right guide for you.

Inside you?ll find valuable insights on Wharton?s The House of Mirth, including:

Plot

• Brief overall synopsis
• Chapter-by-chapter summaries
• Clear explanations and analysis

Characters

• Character map?who?s who at a glance
• Character analysis (including Lily Bart, Lawrence Selden, Bertha Dorset, and Simon Rosedale)

Themes

• Concise discussion of social codes, money, and other major themes

Study Aids

• Review Q&As and quote IDs
• Essay questions and practice projects
• Glossaries of key words and terms

Edition details

• Publisher: CliffsNotes
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0764537164
• ISBN 13: 9780764537165
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 84