CLIFFSCOMPLETE Shakespeare’s The Tempest
William Shakespeare
Explore Shakespeare's enchanting island in The Tempest, a tale of magic, betrayal, and forgiveness. Edited with complete text, commentary, and glossary, this CliffsComplete edition offers a deep dive into one of Shakespeare's most captivating plays. Discover the secrets of Prospero's island and the power of redemption.
Critical Insights
Sylvia Plath
A collection of critical essays analyzing Sylvia Plath's novel, The Bell Jar, exploring its themes, historical context, and enduring relevance. The essays delve into the novel's portrayal of mental illness, societal expectations for women in the 1950s, and Plath's own life experiences.
Daniel Deronda
George Eliot
Set in Victorian England, Daniel Deronda tells the intertwined stories of Gwendolen Harleth, a beautiful and headstrong young woman facing financial ruin, and Daniel Deronda, an idealistic man searching for purpose and identity. As Gwendolen navigates the complexities of marriage and societal expectations, Daniel becomes increasingly drawn to his Jewish heritage and the Zionist cause. A profound exploration of love, duty, and the search for meaning, Daniel Deronda challenges readers to confront questions of identity, belonging, and the moral responsibilities we have to ourselves and others.
Death of a Salesman
Arthur Miller
A poignant exploration of the American Dream gone awry, Death of a Salesman follows Willy Loman, a traveling salesman grappling with failure, disillusionment, and the haunting echoes of his past. As he struggles to reconcile his aspirations with the harsh realities of his life, Willy's desperate search for meaning leads him down a tragic path, forcing his family to confront the devastating consequences of his shattered dreams.
Don Quixote de la Mancha
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Embark on a timeless journey with Don Quixote, a noble yet eccentric man who sets out to revive chivalry and right the world's wrongs. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, Quixote's adventures are filled with humor, imagination, and poignant reflections on the nature of reality and illusion. A cornerstone of Western literature, this novel explores themes of idealism, madness, and the enduring power of storytelling.
East of Eden
John Steinbeck
Set in the rich farmland of California's Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, exploring themes of good and evil, love and hate, and the struggle for redemption. A masterpiece of American literature.
Electra
Sophocles
A new translation of Sophocles' Electra, a powerful and enduring Greek tragedy. This edition includes notes, an introduction, an interpretive essay, and a discussion of the play's afterlife, offering a comprehensive exploration of the themes of revenge, justice, and family conflict within the House of Atreus.
Great Expectations
Charles Dickens
A young boy named Pip encounters an escaped convict, setting in motion a series of events that will change his life forever. From humble beginnings in the marsh country to unexpected fortune and a journey to London, Pip's great expectations lead him on a path of self-discovery, love, and the harsh realities of society.