One of Shakespeare's romantic comedies, this play is set in the seaport town of Messina, in Sicily. The drama concerns "the battle of the sexes" and focuses on the barbed wits and intrigues that two sets of lovers and their friends and family create. Brimming with wit and antagonism, the play has amused and provoked audiences for centuries.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on The Tempest, you follow the famous story of Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Through magic, Prospero conjures up a storm that brings a ship full of his enemies to the island on which he and Miranda live. What follows is Shakespeare's comic masterpiece that's full of intrigue and romance. Summaries and commentaries lead you, act by act, through this Shakespearean classic, and critical essays give you insight into the play as a political romance. Other features that help you study include Character analyses of the main characters A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters A section on the life and background of William Shakespeare A review section that tests your knowledge A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on Henry V (the final play in Shakespeare's political tetralogy), you once again meet young Prince Hal who is now the ideal Christian monarch, King Henry V. To retain power and increase revenue, he finds he must lead his soldiers in battle against France to reclaim land and titles. A character study on King Henry V and a close look at sixteenth century politics shed light on the Bard's intentions for the play. You'll also explore synopses of the three related history plays that lead up to Henry V. Count on CliffsNotes on Henry V for detailed summaries and commentaries on every scene to help you appreciate the complexity of the play. Other features that help you study include A list of characters and their roles An interactive quiz Essay topics and review questions Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

This CliffsNotes guide includes everything you’ve come to expect from the trusted experts at CliffsNotes, including analysis of the most widely read literary works.

This CliffsNotes guide includes everything you’ve come to expect from the trusted experts at CliffsNotes, including analysis of the most widely read literary works.

Join the journey through Middle-earth in the study guide of these two epic fantasies suggestive of life in medieval days, a classical battle between good and evil and the quest for a magical ring. This guide covers all four volumes of this unforgettable fantasy.

This CliffsNotes guide includes everything you’ve come to expect from the trusted experts at CliffsNotes, including analysis of the most widely read literary works.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on Snow Falling on Cedars, you explore David Guterson's bestselling novel, in which a murder trial forces the residents of an island in the Pacific Northwest to revisit the time in history when both the Japanese and Japanese-Americans were discriminated against. The novel explores the effects of war, the difficulties of race, and the mystery of human motivation in a story that's a combination murder mystery, courtroom drama, and tragic love story. Summaries and commentaries guide you through the novel, and critical essays help you understand the author's narrative techniques, use of details, and symbolism. Other features that help you study include A section on the life and background of David Guterson A section on the historical background of the novel A character list Additional critical essays on the role of gender and use of duality in the novel Review questions and essay topics Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

This is the famous 19th-century play about a great swordsman and poet with the unseemly large nose. Although he is feared by opponents, he cannot court the woman of his dreams, except through anonymously sent poems, which makes for a romantic and adventurous tale.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. CliffsNotes on Anna Karenina delves into the complex web of relationships in Tolstoy’s epic novel. As the characters unfold, this novel draws you into the lives of Karenin, Anna, and others as they struggle through the seemingly hopeless marriage patterns of urban society. Do romantic relationships make us stronger or weaker as individuals? With insights into the characters of Anna Karenina, as well as information about Tolstoy’s own life and background, this study guide will help you get the most out of this classic novel. Other features that help you study include A character list that reveals names, traits, and key relationships Summaries and commentaries on each chapter Critical essays In-depth character analyses Analysis of major themes Review questions and suggested writing topics Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.