Study guides: books, letter r

Richard II by William Shakespeare

Richard II by William Shakespeare is a historical drama, the first one in the epic tetralogy that is called Henriade by some researches. It tells us the tragic story of the aforementioned King Richard II, from the pinnacle of his power to the downfall, imprisonment and, finally, murder. The author deliberately shows us Richard as the magnificent King on his throne at the very beginning of his...

Richard III by William Shakespeare

Richard III by William Shakespeare is the fourth and the last part of the tetralogy called Henriade by some of the critics. It tells us about the short but bright reign of King Richard III, who is described as a ruthless ruler, ready to do anything and everything to get his power. The play is the one of the longest in the First Folio and can compete only with Hamlet. In the full variant, with...

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

One of the many things that Daniel Defoe’s novel entitled “Robinson Crusoe” did was instilling in everyone the thirst for adventure and admiration for traveling. Published in 1719, the book is a major piece of catastrophe writing that glorified the ability to survive under any circumstances.  The events of the book are presented from its main narrator and protagonist...

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Mildred Taylor wrote “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” in 1976 as a continuation of her previous novel written a year before that. The novel is set during the Great Depression times and talks about racial issues in the society. The book is intense. The events are taking place in the geographical heart of the racist movement, the language used by characters is harsh, the actions can&rsquo...

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

In late 1590s William Shakespeare wrote this eternal love story that every one of us grew up admiring. It was one of his most popular works, having been played numerous times and then translated into thousands of languages and interpretations. If there still exist unproved speculations that Shakespeare didn’t write his books, it is actually no secret this particular the story of two lovers...

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard

Tom Stoppard wrote what is often considered an absurdist book entitled “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”. This tragicomedy was first staged in Edinburgh and has won for its author a place on the international area along with Samuel Beckett and other writers of this genre. There’s a certain beauty to absurdist texts – through confused plot they deliver a greater...