Quick Guides to Novels and Plays Series

“Adam Bede” was the first novel written by George Eliot. Actually, George Eliot is the pen name of Mary Ann Evans. The book was first published in 1859. The first edition of the book was published pseudonymously, although Mary Ann Evans was already well published author and an extremely respected scholar of her time. “Adam Bede” has never gone out of print ever since its first publication. The book is prescribed in the course of studies in various college and universities in the syllabus of English Literature for higher level students. There is no denial that “Adam Bede” is one of the best examples of realism in English literature. The author has given an accurate presentation of the contemporary life as it was and did not invent plots of characters to make it subjective in any way so as to tell how the world ought to be. Quick Guide: Adam Bede Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Overview Chapter Four: Summary of the Novel Chapter Five: Literary Significance Chapter Six: Thematic Analysis

“Goldfinger” by Ian Fleming was first published in England on 23rd of March 1950. It was published by Jonathan Cape. It was the seventh novel written by Fleming in James Bond series. The original title of “Goldfinger” was “The Richest Man in the World.” It was written between January and February in the year 1958. The story of “Goldfinger” revolves around the investigation by M16 operative James Bond into the gold smuggling activities of Auric Goldfinger. Quick Guide: Goldfinger Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: History and Background Chapter Three: Themes and Characters Chapter Four: Plot Summary Chapter Five: Reception and Response

“Sylvie and Bruno” revolves around two main plots. One of the plots is set in the real world, and the time is of the Victorian era when the book was published. The second plot is set in the fantasy world of Fairyland. The second plot of the story is a fairy tale, which includes various nonsense elements and poems. It is somewhat similar to Lewis Carroll’s “Alice” books. The main story of the novel is set in Victorian England. It is a social novel. The characters in the novel remain involved in various discussions on various concepts and aspects of morality, philosophy, society, and religion. Through the discussions held among the characters, the author obviously brings to light the shortcomings of the contemporary British society.

“Vanity Fair” by William Makepeace Thackeray was first published in 1848. It happens to be a novel without a hero. The book satirizes the society in early 19th century Britain. The title of the novel “Vanity Fair” comes from “The Pilgrim’s Progress” written by John Bunyan which was first published in 1678. It was being widely read while Thackeray was writing his novel. Quick Guide: Vanity Fair Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Critical Analysis

“Woman In Mind” by Alan Ayckbourn is definitely one of the best plays written by him. It was his 32nd play. It is uniquely original play that deals with a subject matter that is not very common. The play has two settings: a real world and an imaginary world. The play revolves around the central character Susan who lives in two worlds: her real world with her husband and her son, and her world of fantasy in which she lives with her imaginary husband and a daughter. Susan’s character continues to impress the audiences till the very last scene. The play deals with the themes which are highly relevant to the modern world and people living in this world. Quick Guide: Woman In Mind Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Background Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Setting Chapter Five: Summary of the Play Act One Act Two Chapter Six: Critical Response

Although the story is focused on Silas, an individual, the role of the society is also significant. The theme of the individual versus the community is quite significant in the novel. Silas is the title character, but the story is very much about the community of Raveloe in which Silas lives. A kind of tension prevails between the community and Silas all through the story. He spends a few years in total isolation, but with the changing circumstances he becomes a part of the community. The author seems to be exploring the relationship between an individual and the surrounding community he lives in. Quick Guide: Silas Marner Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Summary All Chapters Chapter Five: Thematic Analysis

Ian Fleming is known for his James Bond novels. He is one of the most widely read novelists in the young world. “Casino Royale” was the first novel written by Ian Fleming. With the success of this novel, he went on to write further eleven novels and two short story collections. Many other novelists continued the trend and kept James Bond alive in their novels. The story of “Casino Royale” revolves around the central character James Bond, called 007. He happens to be a secret agent of the “Secret Service.” Quick Guide: Casino Royale Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: History and Background Chapter Three: Character and Themes Chapter Four: Plot Summary Chapter Five: Critical Reviews

“The Book of Margery Kempe” is said to have been originally written sometimes in the 15th century in English. It is one of the earliest autobiographies written in English. However, it came to be known only through a book of extracts which was published in the 16th century. The original 15th century manuscript was found in the collection of an English Catholic family in 1934. The written manuscript was dedicated to an anonymous priest. The document was the record of the spiritual life of a woman, Margery Kempe of King’s Lynn. She was a very fascinating woman, the daughter of a former mayor of Lynn. She was the wife of John Kempe. Quick Guide: The Book of Margery Kempe Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Critical Analysis

“Sons and Lovers” is considered as one of the best novels written by D. H. Lawrence. The book was first published in 1913. It was highly successful, and even today it is included in some of the best English novels ever written. The book was included in the list of The Modern Library of 100 best novels of the 20th century. When the novel was first published, it received a lukewarm reception. There were some allegations of obscenity. However, there were more positive reviews. Quick Guide: Sons and Lovers Copyright Chapter One: Introduction to "Sons and Lovers" Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The novel is subtitled “A Tale of Manchester Life.” Though the book was first published anonymously, it came to be known widely that Elizabeth Gaskell was the author of the book. “Mary Barton” received mixed reviews after its first publication. The positive ones praised its honesty and fidelity to fact, whereas the negative reviews mostly criticized it for presenting a distorted picture of the relationships between the employer and employee in England. Since the novel was published anonymously, it created an obvious sensation. According to Elizabeth Gaskell, she was also sometimes a part of the group of authors who made guesses about the writer of the book. Quick Guide: Mary Barton Copyright Chapter One: Introduction and Overview Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

Camille is Therese’s husband. He happens to be an egocentric person. He is a sickly character. Therese wants to liberate herself from that bond of marriage. Eventually, when Therese gets an opportunity, she begins her passionate affair with Laurent, who happens to be one of Camille’s friends. In the preface to this novel, Emile Zola describes that his motive was to study the temperaments of the characters and not characters. It was obviously a quite detached and scientific approach. Quick Guide: Therese Raquin Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

“Cover Her Face” was the first novel written by P. D. James. It is a crime novel. The book was first published in 1962. The story revolves around the investigations done by detective Adam Dalgliesh. He loves writing poetry. The detective happens to be investigating the death of a young and ambitious maid. He investigates a family that seems to be involved in the death because they have reasons to want her gone or dead. Quick Guide: Cover Her Face Chapter One: About Cover Her Face Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Summary of the Novel Chapter Four: Critical Analysis

The story is highly inspired by the earlier literary works such as “Heart of Darkness” and “Lord of the Flies.” The story revolves around the adventures of a young Englishman who happens to be in search of a legendry, idyllic beach that is untouched by tourism. “The Beach” was adapted into a movie in the year 2000. It was directed by Danny Boyle. Quick Guide: The Beach Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Major Characters Minor Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Critical Review

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams is a Four Act play. It was first enacted in 1955. The play was produced by the Playwrights’ Company. It is known as one of the best known plays written by Tennessee Williams, and it is also said to be the author’s favourite. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1955. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is set in a plantation home in the Mississippi Delta. The place belongs to Big Daddy Pollitt. He happens to be a very rich cotton tycoon. The play explores the relationships among the members of Big Daddy’s family. He happens to be close to his son Brick and his son’s wife Maggie, the ‘Cat’ in the play. Quick Guide: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Summary Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Act I Act II Act III Act IV Chapter Five: Critical Commentary

“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry one of the most highly acclaimed historical novels. The story is set during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. The German forces have occupied Denmark for three years. Like in other neighboring countries, they have started hunting the Jews in Denmark, their businesses are being closed. Annemarie, the central character of the novel, is a ten year old Dane girl. Ellen Rosen is her best friend. She is Jewish. When the soldiers come looking for Ellen's family, she is sent to the house of Annemarie. The story describes how Annemarie saves her friend and her family from the German soldiers. Eventually, Annemarie helps them escape Denmark. Quick Guide: Number the Stars Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The play revolves around the title character Major Barbara, who happens to be an officer of the Salvation Army. Her full name is Major Barbara Undershaft. She is shocked and disillusioned when she finds out that her Christian denomination has accepted money from an armament manufacturer, her father, and a whiskey distiller. She takes a serious decision and determines to bring a message of salvation to people who have plenty will be more fulfilling and genuine than converting the starving in return for bread. Quick Guide: Major Barbara Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Summary Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

“The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a highly romantic short story. The story every masterly explores obsession with human perfection. The story was first published in the March 1843. It was published by The Pioneer. Then the story appeared in Mosses from an Old Manse. It was a collection of short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and it was published in 1846. Quick Guide: The Birthmark Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The protagonist and the narrator of the book, John Howard Griffin, is a middle aged white man. He lives in Mansfield, Texas in 1959. Griffin wants to understand what difficulties the blacks face in the United States. He is totally committed to the cause of racial justice. He is quite frustrated because he can’t understand as a white man what the blacks experience. Eventually, he decides to take a very radical step. He decides to change the color of his skin, and he takes the help of a doctor and undergoes medical treatment. The color of his skin is changed and he temporarily becomes a black man. Quick Guide: Black Like Me Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Brief Account Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Commentary

“Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins was first published in 2010. It is a science fiction novel. This book is the last part of the story which begins in the first book “The Hunger Games” and which was followed by the other part “Catching Fire” in 2009. It is the continuation of the story of Katniss Everdeen. When the book was first released, it sold 450,000 copies in the first week. It was beyond the expectations of the publisher. The book generally received positive reviews. Quick Guide: Mockingjay Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Major Themes Chapter Five: Complete Summary Part One Part Two Part Three Chapter Six: Response

The title of the novel is an allusion to the doxology which is often used to end the Lord’s Prayer: "For thine is the kingdom, (and) the power, and the glory, now and forever (or forever and ever), amen." In the United States of America, the book was published with the title “The Labyrinthine Ways” in the year 2005. It was selected by Time Magazine as one of the best one hundred novels in English language written since 1023. “The Power and the Glory” was a highly successful piece of writing and it was very well received by the readers, critics, and reviewers. Quick Guide: The Power and the Glory Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: History and Background Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Plot Summary Chapter Five: Review and Reception

The story of the novel revolves around the central character Isabel Archer, a spirited young American woman. As the story progresses, she affronts her destiny and finds it overwhelming. Fortunately, she becomes very rich by inheriting a huge amount of money. As a result of being the owner of a large amount of money, she becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. The novel is set in Europe, mostly England and Italy. The novel is considered to be the masterpiece written by James in the early period of his writer career. Quick Guide: The Portrait of a Lady Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

Courtship, humility, patience, violence, revolution, sacrifice, human rights, apprenticeships, and the increasing tension between the Loyalist and Patriots are some of the major themes of the novel. There is also the inclusion of the Boston Tea Party in the events which are described in the novel. Several other significant events which have been described in the novel include the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the British blockade of the Port of Boston, and the midnight ride of Paul Revere. “Johnny Tremain” was awarded the Newbery Medal in the year 1944. It was declared the bestselling children’s book as of the year 2000 in America. Quick Guide: Johnny Tremain Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The play is set in a very small town of Hillsboro. Most of the people know each other there. They go to the same church and have same beliefs. When Bert Cates is jailed, they gather together to condemn him. They don’t like a person who gives a different opinion from their’s. Danger of a limited perspective is one of the major themes of the play. The townspeople do not like the person who is different or an outsider. In the case of Cates, they unite and try to defend their belief. Cates happens to have taught evolution to his students. Quick Guide: Inherit the Wind Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Summary Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Act One Act Two Act Three Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

“Nightmare Abby” by Thomas Love Peacock was first published in November 1818. It was the third of his novels to be published. In the year 1837, the book was republished after a little revision by the author in Volume 57 of Bentley’s Standard Novels. Like most of the novels written by Peacock, it was also well received and widely accepted. It was more popular among the young readers of the time. Quick Guide: Nightmare Abbey Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Major Themes Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Famous Quotes and Passages

The story revolves around a group of explorers and adventurers who were searching an unexplored region of Africa. Allan Quatermain was the leader of the group. They were searching that region for the missing brother of one of the party. “King Solomon’s Mines” is the first English adventure novel that is set in Africa. The novel is said to be the genesis of the Lost World literary genre. The book has its historical significance. It is assumed that many future story writers and novelists took the lead from “King Solomon’s Mines” and started writing ‘lost world stories.’ Quick Guide: King Solomon's Mines Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: History and Background Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Plot Summary Chapter Five: Literary Criticism

“The Italian” By Ann Radcliffe is subtitled “The Confessional of the Black Penitents.” It was first published in 1797. It is a gothic novel, the last one that Ann Radcliffe published during her lifetime. Her other novel “Gaston de Blondeville” was published posthumously in 1846. The major themes of “The Italian” are love, devotion, and persecution by the Holy Inquisition. The story has a dark, mysterious, and somber tone. The novel also deals with the contemporary issues. It was the time of the French Revolution. The issues at that time were religion, aristocracy, and nationality. Quick Guide: The Italian Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Characters Chapter Three: Plot Summary Chapter Four: Setting and Places Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The story is loosely based on the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” which was written by Philip K. Dick. The screenplay of the film was written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. The story of the film revolves around a dystopian Los Angeles in November 2019. Tyrell Corporation is a very powerful manufacturing company which produces genetically engineered organic robots called Replicants which happen to be visually indistinguishable from adult normal human beings. There are some other mega corporations around the world and they also produce such robots. Quick Guide: Blade Runner Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Summary Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Response and Reception

Dostoyevsky was greatly inspired by the works of other famous writers such as Pushkin, Gogol, and Karamzin. The English and French writers inspired him too. The novel is based on the theme of poverty, but it very minutely explores the life of poor people, their relationship with rich people. In literary naturalism the theme of the relation of poor people with rich people is often used by authors. Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova develop a deep friendship, but it is odd. That friendship remains strong until Dobroselova loses her interest in literature. Quick Guide: Poor Folk Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: History and Background Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Style and Themes Chapter Five: Plot Summary Chapter Six: More about 'Poor Folk' Chapter Seven: Thoughts on “Poor Folk”

“Orlando” by Virginia Woolf is subtitled “A Biography.” It was first published on 11th of October in 1928. It happens to be a semi-biographical novel. The story is based in part on the life of Virginia Woolf’s lover Vita Sackville West. “Orlando” is often said to be Virginia Woolf’s most accessible novels. It is considered highly influential statistically, and it is evaluated as important in literature generally. The book is highly significant in the history of women’s writing and gender studies. It has been prescribed in the course of study in many schools and colleges around the world where students study English Literature. Quick Guide: Orlando Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Overview Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis

The story of the book revolves around struggle of Gunther’s teenage son who was suffering from a brain tumor. It records the boys struggle to overcome the tumor, and his death at the age of seventeen. The story describes the time when his son, Johnny, experiences the first symptoms of the tumor soon after being given a clean bill of health. The author describes Johnny's struggle against the tumor and multiple surgeries which he faces bravely. Johnny complains that he has a stiff neck and one day it leads to an operation by the doctors. Finally, they discover that there is a big tumor, the size of an orange. Quick Guide: Death Be Not Proud Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Plot Summary Chapter Three: Characters Chapter Four: Complete Summary Chapter Five: Critical Analysis