The Hero's Journey

by Harold Bloom

Published 28 February 2009
The hero's journey, a quest that leads to self-discovery, has been central to literature since the earliest epics. Covering the role of the hero's journey in Beowulf, The Lord of the Rings, Moby-Dick, and To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hero's Journey contains about 20 original and reprinted essays and critical analyses that discuss the role of the title's subject theme in a great work of literature.

The Labyrinth

by Harold Bloom

Published 30 April 2009
This title discusses the role of labyrinth in ' The Garden of Forking Paths', 'Great Expectations', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'Paradise Lost' and other literary works. 20 essays and critical analyses help students to unravel this complex theme.

Death and Dying

by Harold Bloom

Published 30 April 2009
This text discusses the role of death and dying in works such as 'Beloved', 'Heart of Darkness', 'King Lear', 'A Separate Peace', and many others.

Alienation

by Harold Bloom

Published 28 February 2009
This work discusses the role of alienation in 'The Catcher in the Rye', 'Waiting for Godot', and 'Hamlet'. It features about 20 original essays and reprinted critical analyses that give students of literature valuable insight into this theme.

Human Sexuality

by Harold Bloom

Published 30 March 2009
This text discusses the role of homosexuality in works such as 'Lolita', 'Madame Bovary', and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' in 20 original essays and critical analyses.

The American Dream

by Harold Bloom

Published 30 April 2009
The American Dream discusses the role of this theme in great works of literature such as ""The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"", ""Death of a Salesman"", ""The Great Gatsby"", ""Their Eyes Were Watching God"", and many others. With 20 essays and reprinted articles, this new title from the ""Bloom's Literary Themes"" series gives context and guidance to students studying the literary theme of the 'American dream'.

The Grotesque

by Harold Bloom

Published 28 February 2009
This title discusses the role of the grotesque in Frankenstein, Edgar Allan Poe's short stories, and Winesburg, Ohio. With excerpts of critical analyses and original essays, this title also discusses the use of this theme in literature through the centuries.

Rebirth and Renewal

by Harold Bloom

Published 30 June 2009
This book discusses the recurring literary theme of rebirth and renewal in 'The Canterbury Tales', 'The Great Gatsby', 'The Scarlet Letter' and others. The book contains explanatory essays and critical analyses from which students studying lterature can gain insights.