Essays and Research Papers on African-American Literature

This 8 page paper provides an overview of both movements but suggests that the Irish Renaissance had a significant influence on the Harlem Renaissance which came a bit later. Difference and similarities are noted. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of James Baldwin's famous story about a musician living in Harlem. The relationship with his brother is the primary focus of the work. The paper provides an analysis of the setting, language and other key elements of the story. No additional sources cited.

5 pages. This example essay of Jingling Bracelets by Maximilliam Schlaks considers several topics that are found within the storyline. Each of these topics is developed with a topic sentence as well as supporting details from the story. Quotes are used within this sample paper as well. Bibliography lists 1 source. ...

A 5 page research paper that analyzes August Wilson's play Fences, which is a multigenerational look at an African American family and is, principally, the story of Troy Maxson and the psychological fences that isolate him from his friends and family. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay/research paper that argues that Paule Marshall in her book Praisesong for the Widow and Toni Marshall in her novel Beloved define and utilize community in similar ways. In each book, community, a sense of "belonging," of being tied intrinsically to other human beings, provides a saving grace that pulls the ...

Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin is based on stereotypes, yet seeks to present the slave as a human being with foibles and greatness. This 5 page paper argues that, through the use of melodrama and parody, Uncle Tom's Cabin made a strong, abolitionist statement. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 10-page research paper on Lorraine Hansberry’s watershed 1959 play. Included are a synopsis, the thesis, and an analysis of the characters’ actions. Lists 1 source.

An eight page paper which looks at the concepts of manners, social convention and personal ethics in relation to race and gender constructs in Southern fiction, with particular reference to Chestnutt's 'The Marrow of Tradition' and Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'.

An eight page paper which looks at the concept of cultural identity as defined by four writers, and the way in which they have reconciled their own identity with that delineated by a multi-ethnic society. Bibliography lists 4 sources

A 5 page essay that analyses Langston Hughes' "Who's passing for who?" and Dorothy West's "The Typewriter." In these works, the reader encounters narratives that deal with how African American men in the first half of the twentieth century searched for identity and a respected place in a society that was intent in relegating ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the book, but focuses on characterization. A short sample review, and sample advertisement, are each included. No additional sources cited.

A five page paper which analyses Leslie Marmon Silko's story 'Lullaby' from the perspective of W.E.B. du Bois' theories of black art and culture. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

6 pages in length. Nella Larsen's Passing possesses many important components with regard to marriage that, if not taken in their direct context, will be overlooked by the average reader. It is essential to also look beyond the author's obvious intention with regard to the story's overall meaning so as not to miss ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the use of dark and light in James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues." No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which compares the approach of the first person narrative in John Updike's "and Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson." Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page paper discusses this novel which is set in Kenya during the Mau Mau rebellion. Issues such as the uprising, the colonial situation and land issues are examined both from a historical context as well as in terms of this novel. Bibliography lists 1 source.

5 pages in length. As one of the most socially and politically prolific writers of the twentieth century, Ernest Gaines has dedicated his life – both literary and personal – to the struggle of racism. His novels have been highly acclaimed for their insightful and dramatic looks deep into the sociological detriments that ...

6 pages in length. Assessing the prejudicial differences that exist among people in Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street" and Paule Marshall's "From the Poets in the Kitchen," and to examine the issues of stereotyping and discrimination is to almost always address the issue of social class. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This paper examines Toni Morrison's novel Sula, and the author's use of color and sensual description to help move the plot along. The paper notes that Sula can be considered "black" literature as it echos much of the story-telling aspects prevelant in oral storytelling. Bibliography lists 1 source.

5 pages. This paper discusses the way in which the issue of race relations is presented in Bessie Head's The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses and Ralph Ellison's Battle Royal. Compares the two stories with each other as well in the strategies they used to deal with racial relations. Bibliography lists 2 sources. ...

A 10 page research paper that analyzes how Naylor handles the characterization of male characters in The Men of Brewster Place. The writer argues that this book increases the reader's understanding of how a black man can be an ex-con, a drunk, or half a dozen other things that are all negative, and still also ...

A 5 page paper which examines the characters in Richard Wright’s “The Man Who Lived Underground” as well as his other stories found in “Eight Men.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines professional criticism of the acclaimed 1959 play about a Chicago African-American family. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

6 pages in length. Lillian Smith's Strange Fruit addresses the prevalence of racial discord as it existed more than fifty years ago; indeed, Smith could never know the extent to which contemporary society continues to struggle with racial issues she depicts in her book. The assumptions that the town of Maxwell has about ...

A 5 page paper which examines the significance and meaning of invisibility in Ralph Ellison’s “The Invisible Man.” The paper argues that his invisibility is directly linked to a theme of blindness and lack of social responsibility. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.