Nathaniel Hawthorne's fiction has left a lasting impression on writers, scholars, and readers around the world.

Though Nathaniel Hawthorne once referred to himself as the "obscurest man in American letters," his remarkable achievements as a novelist and short-story writer have given him a lasting reputation in American literature. His impressive body of work includes the novels The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables and the short stories "Young Goodman Brown" and "Rappaccini's Daughter," all staples of high school English classes.

The works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez attracts the interest of both historians and literary critics as his fiction has helped bring greater exposure of Latin American culture to the rest of the world. Editor Harold Bloom cites the literary origins of Marquez as being "Faulkner, crossed by Kafka." The Colombian writer and Nobel Prize winner's best-known works, including One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera, and The General in His Labyrinth, are explored in depth in this indispensable resource. Students of literature will find tips for writing effective essays on Marquez and his works.

Although he spent much of his career in obscurity, Herman Melville, the author of classics such as ""Moby-Dick"", ""Billy Budd"", and ""Bartleby, the Scrivener,"" has since become known as one of America's greatest writers. ""How to Write about Herman Melville"" offers valuable paper-topic suggestions, clearly outlined strategies on how to write a strong essay, and an insightful introduction by Harold Bloom on writing about Melville. This new volume is designed to help students develop their analytical writing skills and critical comprehension of the author and his major works.

Offers advice on writing essays about the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and lists sample topics.

Presents a brief biography of Shirley Jackson, thematic and structural analysis of her works, critical views, and an index of themes and ideas.

Arguably the most revered and researched author of all time, William Shakespeare has forever changed the face of literature.

Provides a biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne along with critical views of his work.

The Birthmark deals with the husband's deeply negative obsession of his wife's outer appearances and what does that entail for these two young couples. The birthmark represents various things throughout the story. Two of the main representations are imperfection and mortality. American novelist and short story writer Nathaniel Hawthorne's (1804–1864) writing centers on New England, many works featuring moral allegories with a Puritan inspiration. Hawthorne has also written a few poems which many people are not aware of. His works are considered to be part of the Romantic movement and, more specifically, Dark romanticism. His themes often centre on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity.

Offers advice on writing essays about the works of author Ernest Hemingway and lists sample topics from his novels and stories.