e-Book Writing about Literature download

Clear pattern of organization of the material, easy to understand language of presentation, great sample essays to illustrate what is covered in each chapter – these are the major ‘selling’ points of “Writing about Literature” by Edgar V. Roberts. The organizational skills of the writer are remarkable and it makes reading the book a breeze, and comprehending the ideas is easy. For the college student in any English Composition or English Literature class this is an essential guide which can make learning enjoyable and fun.
Each chapter presents an important element in writing about a story or a poem in a clear and easy to grasp pattern. For example, when Roberts explain how to write about plot and the development of conflict and tension in literature, he explains why it is important, gives definition to the literary terms in a short, condensed and clear language, and offers at least one example essay for review, in which the major focus points are underlined. Each chapter is organized under the same fashion as the title suggests [writing about literature] – and becomes writing about a certain element in a literary work. Thus, the reader learns how to write about plot, point of view, character, close reading, structure, and setting, amongst others. The chapters are easy to follow and facilitate a good studying of the material.
Another key element which makes it easy to learn is the language used by Roberts to convey the ideas to the reader. Short sentences, guidelines for reading a story, short paragraphs, statements of the main ideas covered by each chapter – they all make for a structure which is regimented and unobtrusive, and above all, not intimidating or overwhelming for the student, especially if this is their first ‘dab’ at writing about literature on a college level. The language of the author seems to be aimed at trying to teach the students essential writing skills, which can take the reader beyond the primary goal of the book as stated in its title.
The best teaching tool offered in the book are the sample essays at the end of each chapter. They perfectly illustrate what the author defines and explains and they offer great examples of what writing about literature really means. Roberts truly finds the best way to support the ideas he presents to the reader with the use of these illustrative essays. Each of them is followed by a commentary and short analysis of the structure of the essay, or the language used to solve the problem. For example, Roberts’ analysis points out the thesis statement, the ideas in a certain paragraph and also the method of development used in the essay [exposition, illustration or a mixture of both]. The sample essay can be used by students as reference for structure and organization of sentences and paragraphs, when they write their own essays in an English Composition or English Literature class.
Besides the ability to expand one’s knowledge base, the main purpose of “Writing about Literature” is to teach students how to write essays on literature and in this aspect it has largely succeeded to achieve its goal. The organization of the chapters, the easy to comprehend language of the author and the perfectly selected illustrative essays make this book an essential guide for the college student in their studies of literature.

Takes AP Literature to a new level -- beyond the mechanics and terminology -- to creatively and intelligently writing about it. A must!

Horrible, I didn't end up using the book for the course so it is basically a waste of money.

Ordered for School

The book is one I had to purchase for a writing class. It was pretty good, but nothing overly amazing about it. It was helpful at times.

The book was in great quality. Thank you!

Bought this for my wife who teaches English Language and Literature. She seems happy with it and has made good comments about the various sections of the book that she has used. It provides reasonably easy to understand methods to literary writing. It has become a handy reference for her along with all the other stuff she uses regularly. Her rating is a 4 out of 5 stars.

great book; opened my eyes to how to study and write about literature; I recommend it highly to all students taking liberal education classes