Essays and Research Papers on (All) Literature

A 5 page research paper/essay that investigates Le Guin's novel A Wizard of Earthsea, in terms of how it reflects Le Guin's Taoist perspective. The writer first defines Taoism and then discusses Taoist ideas in the novel. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page essay that examines the role that the character of Rev. Hightower plays in Faulkner's novel Light in August. The writer argues that while this is a secondary character in the novel, he is crucial to the structure of the work. No additional sources cited.

6 pages. Typical of those who are persecuted by their own guilt, Okonkwo refuses to accept the fact that his actions are those which have already been predisposed. A large part of historic Nigerian populations has been all about survival -- a state of mental, physical, spiritual, political and social survival. In this paper the symbolic use of the ...

6 pages in length. The very process of living life and expanding one's existence has often been perceived as a rebirth of sorts, with writers taking the concept to an infinitely high level of appreciation. The Tale of Genji provides a look into Kyoto court, where emotional sensitivity, dignified behavior and exquisite taste ...

This 5 page paper considers how and why Beowulf can be considered a hero. The paper argues that it is more than deeds that marks a hero, but also the way in which they behave and relate to others. The paper uses quotes form the text to support this argument, going on to apply it ...

Erdrich’s Leap -- A Feminist Story?: This 5-page essay examines Louise Erdrich’s short story The Leap. An analysis relevant to the story’s evidence of feminism is also included. Bibliography lists 3 sources. SNFemin1.doc

This 8 page paper provides an overview of the mediaeval work concerning King Arthur's knights who sought the Holy Grail. The significance of the Grail is defined and the legend is discussed. Christianity as it existed at the time is discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 6 page paper looks at the problems with Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. This futuristic novel is explored. The characters' situations, and the plot, are discussed in detail. No additional sources cited.

This 6 page paper focuses on humor and irony in Caribbean poetry, with attention to seven separate pomes, each by different authors. The use of nature as an element is also discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 7 page paper which discusses the tragedy found in the main characters of some of Joyce Carol Oates' short stories. The stories discussed are "The Passion of Rydcie Mather," "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been?," and "The Crying Baby." Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.

This 5 page report discusses Shakespeare’s “Troilus and Cressida” in terms of mimetic theory. It should be understood that 'mimetic' means to imitate. But in terms of artistic expression . . . to imitate what? Ultimately, it is the notion of imitation within the context of an artistic reproduction, such as poetry, painting, literature, and/or drama. The mimetic theory is ...

A 5 page essay that examines Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil," Richard Wright's Black Boy, and Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" as to what these three works of literature say about conformity and nonconformity. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which discusses the themes of revenge and justice, as well as others, as seen in particular plays within Orestia. The plays examined are Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and the Eumenides. Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.

This 5 page paper looks at scientific aspects of Shelley's Frankenstein. The debate as to whether or not the science is positive or negative is explored. Tampering with nature is seen as being detrimental. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines the novel and the film "The Perfect Storm," discussing various aspects such as the forces of nature, factual information concerning such a profession, and man's position in nature. Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which presents critical reviews of the story "A Severed Head" by Iris Murdoch. The paper discusses what appear to be the reactions towards her story during the time of its publication and during other times as well. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which compares scenes from the novel and the film version of "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This 5 page report discusses Dante Alighieri's (1265-1321) classic and notes that it has always been and is more than likely to remain fascinating to countless moralists, poets, and readers throughout the ages. Dante’s various “guides” serve to cause the reader to consider and re-consider their assumptions about damnation and who “deserves” to be damned. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A paper which looks at the way the family is treated in Anna Karenina, in terms of social and cultural values, the respective roles played by men and women in society, and the way that infidelity is perceived and dealt with on a gender-oriented basis.

A 7 page paper which analyzes Edgar Allen Poe as he relates to two of his works. The works discussed are "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

Franklin, Jefferson and De Crevecoeur – One Theme?: This 6-page comparative essay examines selected works by authors, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Michel-Guillaume-Saint-Jean de Crevecoeur in an attempt to find a common ground. Coming from very diverse backgrounds it is hard to imagine what themes they might share in their prose. Nonetheless, in the ...

A 5 page essay that examines two books by Chicano author Rudolfo Anaya, Heart of Atzlan and Zia Summer. The writer argues that by placing his characters' actions in a context that demonstrates the web of cultural and familial influences that formed them and continue to affect them, Anaya gives his characters depth and scope ...

Can We Really Like Jay Gatsby?: This 8-page analytical essay examines the reasons why Fitzgerald’s protagonist in his novel, The Great Gatsby can be deemed a likeable character. Generally, murderers, liars and infidels are not redeemable. Nonetheless, there is something about Jay Gatsby that is unforgettably profound. Bibliography lists 6 sources. ...

There are many different types of metaphors that are used in common context to the point of losing their distinction of metaphors and being connoted as direct identifiers. The use of the word 'sight' is one such instance. This 5 page paper explores the short story, Cathedral, by Raymond Carver in terms of the metaphor of sight. ...

Contemporary (twentieth century) literature has evolved to a state where the empirical, imaginative and the spiritual aspects of writing are all considered to be valid. This 5 page paper provides a critical analysis of the one act play, The Cuban Swimmer, by Milcha Sanchez-Scott. Bibliography lists 3 sources.