Essays and Research Papers on (All) Literature

A 4 page paper which examines how the works of Irving, Poe, and Hawthorne offer a perfect world that somehow dismisses women through silence, death, or some other way. The works discussed are Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle” and “Sleepy Hollow,” Poe’s “Ligeia” and “To--Ulalume,” and Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” and “Young Goodman Brown.” No additional sources cited.

A 4 page essay that examines the theme of isolation in Susan Glaspell's short story "A Jury of Her Peers" (1917). The writer argues that this narrative exemplifies numerous issues that relate to the genderized nature of the legal system that existed in the US until the mid-twentieth century, as well as other issues ...

A 3 page paper which examines various events and issues in Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart.” No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines how “The Poem of The Cid,” “Ywain The Knight of the Lion,” “Marco Polo’s Travels,” and Dante’s “Divine Comedy” present women. The paper also examines women in More’s “Utopia.” No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper evaluates this infamous work that takes a look at a not so average family. Gregor's transformation is discussed as are all the changes that come about as a result of his metamorphosis. A psychological evaluation is provided. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines the failure and/or success of memory in Georges Perec’s “W or the Memory of Childhood.” No additional sources cited.

This 7 page report discusses the idea that there are definite similarities between the primary female characters -- Nora and Antigone -- in "The Doll's House" and "Antigone." Bibliography lists only the two primary sources.

A paper which looks at the life lessons one can find in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, with regard to Harry's personal development and his interaction with the other characters. Bibliography lists 3 sources

A 5 page analysis of the scene from Homer's Odyssey in which Odysseus destroys the suitors who have invaded his home. The writer argues Odysseus' task is to restore order to this society. The manner in which he accomplishes this task, abetted by his son Telemakhos, demonstrates how they have both matured over the ...

A 5 page paper which examines the Hemingway code hero as it relates to the character of Robert in “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 3 page overview of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fictional glimpse into 1920s society. It is a society which is broken into the ranks of the privileged and the ranks of the working class. Gatsby represents the former and the woman that will become known as Myrtle represents the latter. The parties depicted ...

A 2.5 page paper which considers when, if ever, revenge is okay. No additional sources are used.

A 3 page paper which discusses some of the life lessons found in “My Antonia” by Willa Cather. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page paper which analyzes why Janie sticks with and loves Tea Cake in Zora Neale Hurston’s novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines how the Renaissance manifests itself throughout the text in terms of humanism, politics, and abstract expressionism. No additional sources are used.

A 7 page summary and analysis of Victorian critic Matthew Arnold's essays "The Function of Criticism at the Present Time" and "Sweetness and Light." The writer outlines the major arguments from each essay, commenting on Arnold's style and ideas and then relates these issues to present day society. No bibliography is provided.

This 3 page paper discusses the major themes of Gilgamesh, speaks of the historical and sociological significance of the tale. Quotes included. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 6 page paper contrasts and compares Newgate Prison to the character of Moll Flanders, in Daniel Defoe's novel by the same name. Quotes given from the text. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page personal essay that explains how reading Huckleberry Finn, as a an adolescent, affected the writer's thinking and aided the writer in overcoming ethnocentrism. The writer specifically focuses on the scene where Huck decides not to tell Miss Watson of Jim's location. No additional sources cited.

This 4 page paper discusses the question of literature and life through the analysis of Melville's short story The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids. Quotes cited. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page summary of Mo Yan’s novel “Red Sorghum.” No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which examines how the Irish church representative Swift used satire as a way of hiding his criticism of the English Whig Party. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines the theme of acceptance in the character of Billy Pilgrim in Kurt Vonnegut’s novel “Slaughterhouse Five.” One source cited.

This 6 page paper discusses/analyzes Gary Paulsens young adult novel, Hatchet. Themes, symbolism, conflict, character analysis offered. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the personal journey that Ada must make in Charles Frazier's book, Cold Mountain. Examples and Quotes given from text. Bibliography lists 2 sources.