Notes of Kafka's "Trial"

by Herberth Czermak

Published 15 September 1976
Kafka's books are filled with the blurring of reality and dreams. The "real" world is never enough for Kafka's characters, and they are always left yearning for a firm metaphysical anchor that they can never quite grasp. This book describes a man's persecution by an overwhelming power.


The Magic Mountain

by Stafford Cliff and Herberth Czermak

Published 27 October 1969
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background -- all to help you gain greater insight into great works you're bound to study for school or pleasure.In "CliffsNotes on Mann's Magic Mountain, " you follow the journey of Hans Castorp in his search for self-education in what is considered to be one of German novelist Thomas Mann's earliest and finest works. Mann would later win the Nobel Prize and write one of the most acclaimed novels of the 20th century, "Doctor Faustus."In this study guide, you'll find Life and Background on the Author, a Character List, and Critical Commentaries on each chapter of "Magic Mountain." You'll also find in-depth character analyses and critical essays on the following: The "Buldungsroman"Mann's Technique and StyleInfluences on Thomas MannThe East, the West, and GermanyThe Novel's Medical AspectsAs well as suggested review questions, essay topics, and a selected bibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure -- you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

The stories of this turn-of-the-century writer concern the disillusionment of modern man. To Kafka and to the people in his stories, life is often absurd and meaningless, with only a faint ray of fleeting hope.This concise supplement to Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and other stories helps students understand the overall structure of the works, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author.This volume also covers "The Judgment, A Hunger Artist, A Country Doctor, In the Penal Colony, The Hunter Gracchus, The Burrow, Investigations of a Dog, A Report to an Academy, The Great Wall of China, " and "Josephine the Singer or the Mouse Folk."

The Ambassadors

by Stafford Cliff and Harvey D Bea

Published 24 February 1969
The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background -- all to help you gain greater insight into great works you're bound to study for school or pleasure."CliffsNotes on James' The Ambassadors" offers a close look at perhaps the most widely admired of Henry James' novels and makes an excellent introduction to his work. In this novel, you'll dig deep into James' most significant themes and the best of his style and technique.In this study guide, you'll find Life and Background of the Author, A Brief Synopsis of the story, and more: Critical CommentariesCharacter AnalysesCritical EssaysEssay Topics and Review QuestionsSelected BibliographyClassic literature or modern-day treasure -- you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.