The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background - all to help you gain greater insight into great works you're bound to study for school or pleasure. In CliffsNotes on Malamud's The Assistant, you follow the noble yet bitter life of the owner of a small, failing grocery store and the struggles and transformation of a self-educated drifter. Covering the novel's classical five-stage structure of situation, complication, turning point, climax, and resolution, this study guide carries you along a path of discovery about the life and background of the author, the novel's characters, and the following: Brief summary of the novel Chapter-by-chapter summaries and commentaries Critical analysis of technique and style Glossary of words and phrases Essay questions and review topics to help polish your knowledge Selected bibliography for further reading Classic literature or modern-day treasure - you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.