The resources found on this page are excellent resources for literary criticism and literary analysis assignments. These resources are found in printed books located at the HCC libraries or as electronic books accessed through the HCC library databases. If you need assistance with accessing any of these materials, please contact your librarian.
The following video introduces you to how to use library online systems to find and access literature resources for your literary assignments.
NOTE: If you are prompted to log-in follow the prompts to enter your NET ID and NET ID Password.
The books listed below are a sample of the type of literature criticism sources available in the HCC Libraries. Use the HCC Library Online Catalog to search for literary criticism and analysis based on your story, author and assignment criteria.
The PDF files below provide helpful search strategies when using the literature databases. If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact your librarian.
The following search terms will assist you in locating literary criticisms located at the HCC libraries using the HCC Library Online Catalog.
Type in an author or story title name, use the next search term box in the Advanced Search screen and type criticism to find literary criticism on a specific author or story title.
The following example is for a specific story title or character name. This is effective search term usage that will bring up solid results quickly.
"Flannery O'Connor"
AND Hulga
This is a great database to browse. At the Home Page, under Most Studied Authors, choose the View All option. The authors covered in this database will be shown and listed here in alphabetical order. Look for your author, such as O'Connor, and choose the author's name. Open the result Header called Literary Works and look for your story title.
This database is a collection of eBooks on a variety of topics. The best way to use this database is to type in your keyword search term(s) and under More Options > to Collection > Literature. See picture below for a sample:
This literary database is a great tool to find resources on themes, figure of speech and symbolism. Below is a sample search term entry.
JSTOR is an article database that is also very good to use for literature research. Here are two simple tips when JSTOR.
1. Use the Advanced Search option
2. After the results populate, narrow results by using the Subject filter. Choose Language and Literature.
When using this database, sometimes searching for the story title as the keyword search term develops the best results. Remember, DO NOT use reviews as a source for literary criticisms. Use Plot Summaries, Overviews, Literary Criticisms types of sources.
Salem Press is a large book publisher. Many of these books are in both print and eBook versions. The Salem Press database provides access to the ebook versions.
Use the Search box to locate resources for your author or playwright.
Published by Oxford University Press, Very Short Introductions introduce students to a topic, concept or in literature, authors and literary themes, genres and styles. The text is written in short, clear and concise terminology for easy understanding. The online database version also provides greater access. Titles are available in Print as well.