The original CliffsNotes study guides offer a look into critical elements and ideas within classic works of literature.In CliffsNotes on The Contender, you look into a moral tale that emphasizes the importance of the fight over the prize, the quality of the struggle over the outcome.Following the development of the novel's protagonist, this study guide's in-depth character analysis covers the coming-of-age of a high school dropout who literally fights young boxers and figuratively braves the inner battles of peer pressure. Other features that help you figure out this important work includeLife and background of the author, Robert LipsyteIntroduction to the book with a synopsis, character list, and character mapSummaries, critical commentaries, and glossaries for each chapterCritical essays focusing on setting, major themes, and the author's writing styleA review section that tests your knowledge and suggests essay topicsA Resource Center full of books, publications, films, and Internet resourcesClassic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.