Essays and Research Papers on (All) Literature

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the plays and characters in terms of hamartia (or tragic flaw of the hero), revenge, incest, pursuit of justice, and irony. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines how and why Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” is a tragedy. One additional source cited.

A paper which looks at various aspects of Miller's play, including Willy as the antithesis of the tragic hero, the role of flashback in the narrative, and the socio-political comment which Miller makes on the "American dream".

A paper which looks at Alvarez's novel in terms of symbolic interaction, with specific reference to the culture clash that the sisters experience, and the problems they have reconciling their patriarchal Catholic upbringing with New York culture of the 1960s. Bibliography lists 2 sources

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts Naguib Mahfouz’s “Arabian Nights and Days” and the Grimm Brothers’ “Rapunzel.” No additional sources cited.

A 14 page research paper/essay that argues that the precepts of transcendentalism can be seen in the work of both Louisa May Alcott (daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott) and Harriet Beecher Stowe, who were both products of the New England transcendentalist literary culture. Examination of Alcott's Little Women and Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin demonstrates that ...

A 6 page essay that argues that Louisa May Alcott in Little Women used the nineteenth century cult of domesticity to underscore transcendental themes. Examination of Little Women shows that Alcott manages to reinterpret the ideals of domesticity within the context dictated by Transcendentalism, which shows the March sisters remaining true to themselves and ...

3 pages in length. The writer briefly discusses the significance of the café and the interaction between the young and old waiter. No additional sources cited.

A 6.5 page paper (6 pp. + .5 pg. outline) which provides information on when it was built, background information on the poets and writers who are buried there and how some were memorialized there years after they died. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the novel “Arabian Nights and Days” by Naguib Mahfouz as it involves the presence of existentialism and aesthetics. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 6 page essay that examines the influence of transcendentalism in Stowe's novel Transcendentalism was concerned with the value of work as a means for obtaining spiritual development, and, in general put a huge emphasis on the development of a worthwhile inner life that helped the individual remain true or genuine to oneself. These ...

A 3 page paper which examines the symbolism within the classic tale “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” No sources cited.

A 6 page essay that discusses tenets of transcendentalism that are applicable to modern society in the twenty-first century. The writer discusses how transcendental philosophy is defined and then relates the works of Emerson and Thoreau to contemporary society. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper examines this book by Alan Dawley that delves into the industrial revolution and how a city called Lynn fared. Examples are provided. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page discussion of our societal tendency to place the blame on a woman when she becomes the victim of a sex crime. This paper pulls from Joyce Carol Oates" "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" (a short story fictionalizing the real-life murders of Charles Schmid in the 1960s) and the more ...

A 3 page consideration of typical reactions to this short story in terms of where guilt is assigned. This paper reinforces the fact, once again, that the guilt lies with the criminal not with the victim. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Chaucer and his work “Canterbury Tales.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page research paper/essay that analyzes observations made by Lady Montagu's letters from Turkey in the early eighteenth century. The writer argues that unlike many Western travelers in Turkey at this time, Lady Montagu exhibits the intelligence and discernment to recognize where accounts by other Westerners have erred; to recognize where Turkish culture deserves ...

A 3 page essay that discusses the relationship between Mrs. Warren and her daughter Vivie in Shawl's play. The writer argues that the relationship between Vivie and her mother mirrors Victorian morality, but also indicates a progressive attitude on the part of Shaw in that he locates the cause of prostitution not in depravity but ...

A 3 page paper which summarizes “The Iliad” by Homer. No sources cited.

A 20 page paper which examines how the author masterfully employed humor to create a unique heroic characterization. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

An analysis of Sartre's Huit Clos (No Exit) with specific reference to existentialism and Sartre's contention that "hell is other people".

A 5 page paper which examines how the women in Ernest Hemingway’s life influenced his writing of female characters in “Cat in the Rain” and “Hills Like White Elephants.” Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the importance and function of letters in Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines what can be learned about women’s position in fourteenth-century society from this story that is a part of Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.