Writing About Literature

by Edgar V. Roberts

KEY BENEFIT: This brief version of the original "Writing About Literature discusses clearly and succinctly how to write about the elements of literature. It provides concise discussions and sample papers for students who are writing about the elements of literature, utilizing a process approach to writing. Chapters contain discussions of important literary subjects--such as character, setting, and symbolism--followed by a guide to the necessary steps for students to produce good essays. The "Ninth Edition maintains and strengthens the features that have brought this book such acclaim in previous editions, while enhancing both content and strategy.

Genres: Writing, Teaching, Textbooks, Education, Nonfiction, School, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Nora Taller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me great insight on literary analysis, but I did not pick this up on my own free will. I had to read this for school. And I would not suggest reading this book in its entirety. Its just not particularly necessary and really boring. But if you need to know more about literary analysis and essay writing, select chaptors may be a good fit.

[Jane Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regard this as The Literature Bible. This is a MUST for aspiring academics in want of learning the ART and Contextualizing SKILLS of writing all forms of literature.

[Catherine John · Rating 1 out of 5]

if you want to know how to write a paper... don't read this. Klink will scream at you for asking.

[Jonathan Brammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a paint-by-numbers guide to writing literary essays. Geared towards undergraduates, a lot of the information should have already been covered in an AP high school class, and the stories and poetry is chosen because they easily illustrate the Roberts' concepts and terms. Most literary analysis is not so straigtforward as this. The most useful chapter is the detailed outline of basic prosody - nobody knows what an ampibrach or bacchius is off the top of his head.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas, but most of the literature he references is too obscure to be of use to me. I'm translating a lot of his teaching ideas into twenty-first century possibilities. I feel like this might have been a book one of my English teachers used in the early 90s.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish I'd had this book in high school. I might have understood what my English teachers were trying to get out of me a little better. This is an excellent guide for high school and college students taking literature courses.

[L.E. Fidler · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have to read this for school. because i make my students read it.
and i think it's only fair for me to suffer as well.

but, damn, is it dry writing...

[Thalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous resource for my writing (which needs all the help it can get) Again, I find I need a little more sometimes but this a is definitely a solid reference book. Easily four stars.