Parallel Text

Accessible classic literature

Featuring the original text and a line-by-line modern translation on facing pages, each text brings classic works to life.
Ensure comprehension while helping students appreciate the original language of Shakespeare and early British and American authors.
Critical thinking questions and text-based activities throughout encourage discussion and analysis.
Introductory material offers historical and cultural context.

“[Parallel Text] worked beautifully. I was able to get students to read it and they weren’t struggling. They really got into the story and weren’t bogged down by the language. [The text] was very faithful to the original and only translated when necessary. They could see the differences were actually very small. Students were able to appreciate the story and it was easy to teach.”

English Teacher
Young Women's Leadership School
New York, New York

Shakespeare

Prereading activities for each act
—prereading questions
—a preview of literary elements
—words to know
—an act summary
After-reading activities for each act
—discussion questions
—analysis of the literary elements
—four to five writing prompts
After-reading activities for the entire play
—discussion questions
—analysis of the literary elements
—four to five writing prompts
—multimodal and group activities

Early American Literature: Beginnings to 1870

Recall and literary analysis questions for each selection.
Units organized by time period.
Original writings in a variety of genres—essays, speeches, diary and autobiographical excerpts, and poetry.
Numbered paragraphs and stanzas for easy reference.

British Literature: 449–1798

Recall and literary analysis questions for each selection.
Units organized by time period.
Original writings in a variety of genres—sonnets, novels, essays, diaries, and ballads.
Numbered paragraphs and stanzas for easy reference.