This title is one of a series of literature guides using graphics, active learning techniques and self-test questions and is intended to encourage an explorative reading of and response to the text, develop the skills and techniques required by English literature coursework and complement the teaching approach used in schools. The book offers a brief plot synopsis, a double-page graphic overview and insight into the text, a short introduction to major characters and themes, a who's who in the text - introducing a cameo icon for each major character. It explains major and minor themes in the texts - introducing thematic icons, gives a detailed commentary on the text, linked closely to the text for ease of reference, and features icons to enable flexible following of themes and characters. There is also a self-test quiz for each section, focusing on skills that will be required for coursework and exams and a checklist of important quotes. Guidance on structure and content of exam essays is given with examples of questions.

 

This book is part of a book series called Letts Literature Guide .

This book is aimed at children in secondary school.

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 1994 by Letts Educational .

Martin Stewart has previously worked as a recycling technician, university lecturer, barman, golf caddy, and English teacher. Having written his first book on Post-Its as an eight year-old, it was his time back in the classroom that made him understand the unique joy of writing for younger readers. A native of Glasgow, where he still lives, he enjoys buying books to feed his to-be-read pile, and combining the city's urban splendour with walks on the beaches of Scotland's west coast. Martin's first novel, Riverkeep, was longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. Follow him on Twitter: @martinjstewart.

This book has the following chapters: Plot synopsis; characters and themes in "The Major of Casterbridge"; who's who in "The Major of Casterbridge"; themes in "The Major of Casterbridge"; text commentary; self-test questions; self-test answers; pairing; writing an examination essay.