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 include

• Life and background of the author, Robert Lipsyte
• Introduction to the book with a synopsis, character list, and character map
• Summaries, critical commentaries, and glossaries for each chapter
• Critical essays focusing on setting, major themes, and the author's writing style
• A review section that tests your knowledge and suggests essay topics
• A Resource Center full of books, publications, films, and Internet resources

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