The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
Overwhelming impulse to steal
Persons with kleptomania experience a recurring and irresistable urge to steal. They do not steal for the value of the item, for its use, or because they cannot afford the purchase. Stolen items are often thrown or given away, returned, or hidden. Kleptomania can begin at any age, and is reported to be more common among females. Kleptomania is distinguished from deliberate theft or shoplifting, where the individual is motivated by a desire to acquire the item, or to fulfill a dare from peers. Shoplifting is more common than kleptomania; it is estimated that less than 5% of individuals who shoplift exhibit symptoms of kleptomania.