Using Cliffnotes and Literature Study Guides in the Classroom

Cliffnotes and literature study guides share a similar reputation as graphic novels or comic books. While we parents and educators are pleased to see that students read and enjoy reading, we bemoan them as not 'real' literature. We consider CliffsNotes the baby food of literature. CliffsNotes dice and strain out the more difficult parts of literature to make complete books palatable and easier to digest. Is this real learning? Should students be made to put more effort into comprehension of literature? Do Cliff Notes make literature too easy for students?

As teachers, we cannot imagine why everyone doesn't share our zeal for plot, characterization, theme, metaphor and imagery. We love to plunge our arms up to the elbow in the grist of motif, symbolism and critical analysis. We delight in dialog and nuance. Our hearts beat fast over Hawthorne, Shakespeare and Dante.

But while these may be our nectar and ambrosia they leave many students a little cold. As teacher merrily orates in middle English from Chaucer, student looks blankly in bewilderment. No matter how passionate we may be about literature, it means precious little if our students don't understand or learn. If they don't share our enthusiasm, they should at least complete our class with a better grasp of literature. CliffsNotes and internet study guides condense literature into a bite-sized pieces. When a work of literature becomes manageable, hopefully, students will be encouraged to pursue the literature itself.

For teachers who struggle with accepting CliffsNotes for student use, consider this. Textbooks don't often do a thorough job of helping students understand literature. Textbooks are written, primarily, to teachers, not to students. Textbooks have been proven to stultify real love of literature. Textbooks dissect and dehydrate works of literature. But still we routinely use textbooks in literature classrooms.

Where the textbook often dissects and dehydrates literature, CliffsNotes distill literature and extract the essence. Cliff Notes explain, guide and amplify literature. CliffsNotes are written for the student, in terms she can understand and utilize. Cliff Notes detail setting, time frame and historical details. They outline character analysis and relationships, typically in the form of a cognitive web. CliffsNotes narrate and guide the reader through the plot. They explain and describe major themes and symbolism from the book. Cliff notes do this is a way that students understand. Think of CliffsNotes as a textbook supplement.

If our goal in education is to impart wisdom and to instill a lifelong love of learning, what better way than to make material relevant, meaningful and manageable for students?