A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for Owen Wister's The Virginian, considered by many to be the first fictional western written. As a fictionalized historical account of post-Civil War Western America, The Virginian gives readers a social picture of the West in the late l9th century. Moreover, Wister's writing encourages discussion concerning the concepts of equality, social standards, and law and justice and reveal the fundamental philosophy which directed society at that time and place. These concepts and philosophies continue to affect politics today. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Wister's classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons it has stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.