This incredible collection of stories, poems, and plays enables the reader to compare and contrast literature from the different perspectives of culture, race, and gender. Carefully selected readings from the classics through today were chosen for their diversity and universal appeal. The book not only offers the selections themselves, but also offers comparative criticisms of the readings, enabling the reader to more fully understand and enjoy the best of literature through the ages.This anthology covers fiction, poetry, drama, comedy, and criticism from the perspectives of setting, character, plot, point of view, symbolism, theme, tone, and style.For anyone who is interested in owning an anthology that encompasses the greatest writings from the past and present in fiction, poetry, and plays.