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This website deals with my analysis of the works of the principal writers of American and British literature. These explications are culled from lectures and handouts which I developed during my thirty-five years of teaching literature at the university level and from my publications in scholarly books and journals.
I analyze around two hundred writers and six hundred works. My students often found these analyses helpful not only in understanding the literary works, but also in research and term papers.
Futhermore, college and high school teachers and teaching assistants have frequently requested copies of my handouts to use in their classes since most of the handouts are designed for a one-hour class period.
Any teacher or TA who believes that these handouts may be beneficial is free to use them in their classes. However, since the materials on this site are copyrighted, I ask that no one repost them on other sites.
Concerning the link MY NOVEL, it is under construction. In 2013 I plan to begin a free serialization of my novel The Mysterious Plus, a cross-generational account of the French-Algerian War and its aftermath.
Please use the Blog link for comments about any aspects of my website. They will be much appreciated.
Blogs from some of the 25,000 or so visitors to my website indicate that they have found it enlightening and helpful in understanding and appreciating literature. I hope that you will too.
May 16th, 2012 - 22:25
Dear sir,
I graduated with a B.A. in English Literature two years ago and would like to continue my studies at postgraduate levels. You have no idea how happy and excited I am to have found your invaluable website. So many thanks for putting these handouts on your site for free.
Sincerely,
Sara
May 17th, 2012 - 12:23
Dear Sara,
Thank you for your nice comments about my literary website, which I am happy to offer free. The website has proven much more popular than I ever imagined. The site has had vistors from 94 countries and around 20,000 visits.
I wish you success as you pursue your literary studies in England.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Tarvin
May 4th, 2012 - 18:06
Would you please send me a complete analysis of “Rape of the Lock” with the answer of the blanks? Your analysis is excellent, but I had a few problems filling in the blanks. Thank you so much.
May 10th, 2012 - 13:35
Dear Salaudhddin,
An answer key has been added to “The Rape of the Lock.” I hope it helps you.
Best wishes,
Dr. Tarvin
May 4th, 2012 - 03:34
Good Day Sir!
I need your help. I’m studying British Literature and need a thorough analysis of the Neoclassical period. Could you please add some information to your literary website on this period? Congratulations on your wonderful and helpful website.
Best regards,
SM
May 17th, 2012 - 12:58
Dear Sergiu Marin,
I have added a lengthy handout on the Neoclassical period in British Literature. It is listed on the British Literature page under N. I hope you find it helpful.
I have never visited Romania although I made several visits to your neighboring country Greece. I have Romania is a very beautiful country.
If you have any futher literary questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Dr. Tarvin
December 19th, 2011 - 19:19
Would you please send me a complete analysis of “Beowulf” with the answer of the blanks. Your analysis enchanted me so much, but I had a few problems filling in the blanks. Thank you so much.
Best regards,
Rezaul Karim Raju
February 2nd, 2012 - 10:38
Dear ReZaul,
I was very happy to provide an answer key to the BEOWULF handout of my website, at your suggestion. For your convenience, I have also attached it to an email. I hope it arrived in time. Thank you for your interest in my literary website.
Sincerely,
Dr. William L. Tarvin
August 3rd, 2011 - 17:20
DR. Tarvin,
What a helpful website this is! I am a student in Introduction to Literature and focusing on various authors and poets. Currently I am studying Langstan Hughes. One question I have is what is the connection between the theme of “Harlem” and Black Pride?
Sincerely Bobbie Regan