Essays and Research Papers on (All) Literature

A 3 page discussion of society and kingship in the African epic 'Sundiata.' The writer discusses the roles of royalty, masculinity, cultural arts, and more. No Bibliography.

A 2 page paper discussing the novel 'Women at Point Zero' by Nawal Sadawi and its linking of issues relating to feminism, sexuality, and culture. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page analysis of Alifa Rifaat's short story "The Telephone Call" (from "Distant View of a Minaret" in which the writer attempts to assess the symbolic meaning of the call itself. It is argued that the late-night, anonymous ringing was not a "sign" from the heavens but rather a lesson of faith for its ...

5 pages worth of brief discussions of 8-10 African short stories; from every region of the continent. Stories reviewed appear in a collective book entitled 'African Short Stories.' Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper about the Old English epic. The writer provides an overview of the story and then analyzes its importance to contemporary readers today. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper examining whether Beowulf is as much a Christian as he claims. There are numerous pagan references throughout the epic, including among them monsters, sorcery and drinking of blood. Had Beowulf been truly Christian in his convictions, he would have understood that he would have no need of treasure after ...

A 3 page essay in which the writer analytically presents Hrothgar as the most 'human' character in the epic 'Beowulf.' It is posited that while Hrothgar does indeed have all of the qualities necessary for greatness, he is the one character with whom we can most identify. Also examined is Hrothgar's relationship with Beowulf and ...

A 5 page paper comparing Beowulf, the oldest work in English literature, with an African epic, Sundiata. The paper concludes that the two works define heroism differently; while Beowulf is interested primarily in promoting himself as a valiant warrior, with Sundiata the emphasis is always on his people. Bibliography lists four sources.

A 5 page paper examining the way the anonymous authors of these two early works deal with the presence of women in their tales. The paper notes that in both cases, women function as forces of primal but somehow irrational passion that need to be 'smoothed over' and subjugated by men in order for ...

A 5 page paper that discusses the difference between the two heroes in these works. Beowulf and Gawain both represent the characteristics of heroes, but both demonstrate them in different ways. While Beowulf fights his battles to achieve fame and glory, Gawain battles the Green Knight in service to Arthur. There personal ...

A 6 page paper comparing the characters of Beowulf and Achilles (Greek mythology for Achilles). Shows basic similarities in their actions, but very different motivations. Bibliography lists a total of four sources (including the two primary ones).

This 10 page paper considers the issue of virtue as presented in the Old English version of the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and considers why the poet would have used a pagan symbol (the Green Knight) to show the nature of virtue from a Christian perspective. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

In 5 pages, the writer discusses conflicting and overlapping obligations of knighthood as present in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

A 5 page paper comparing the views of honor and virtue in the three works: Sir Gaiwan and the Green Knight, The Canterbury Tales, and Henry IV Part 1. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper discussing how magic is employed in the two works. King Oberon uses the magical potions in order to effect his own short-term gain; Sir Gawain uses his as an aid in keeping himself pure as he desires to be. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page analysis of de Troyes' tale on the subject of how pure love leads to transformation of the individual—where Yvain and other characters are representatives of both the personal soul and the community soul. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper showing how the title character in Chretien de Troyes' medieval romance learns to appreciate the value of love. The paper concludes that in the Middle Ages a successful man's life was supposed to be carefully calibrated to include both love and adventure -- a public life and a private -- and ...

In this 3 page essay, the writer discusses such things as the importance of nobility in Knighthood, chivalry, and the 'human side' of Knights as evidenced by the character of Yvain. This is contrasted with Nobles- who were not treated as heroes in this genre of literature. Specific examples from the story are provided. Bibliography ...

A 2 page look at the anonymous French chanson de geste, The Song of Roland. It analyzes why Roland takes such a long time to blow his horn to summon aid, and determines that it was initially pride, but then sound military strategy. Bibliography lists 1 source.

Some say that courage is danger, difficulty, or pain without fear. It contains elements of will power and self-sacrifice. Courage will inspire men to hold their ground when every instinct calls upon them to run away. In The Song of Roland bravery and courage are the main themes. Three of the main characters reflect concepts ...

5 page discussion of dreams and open dream interpretation in the epic 'Gilgamesh.' No Bibliography.

A 2 page essay demonstrating how the character of Gilgamesh does indeed fall under the classic and definitive explanation of a 'hero' as well as how the elements of his story comprise that which genuinely defines an 'epic.' Bibliography lists 2 sources.

In this 6 page essay, the writer argues that Odysseus (from 'The Odyssey') and Gilgamesh (from 'The Epic of Gilgamesh') were both heroes in the classic, definitive sense. It is reasoned that their violent tempers and mood swings actually had some 'redeeming value.'-- Excellent comparisons are made between the two characters. No Bibliography.

A 4 page paper comparing and contrasting views on immortality and the afterlife in these two ancient texts. The paper concludes that their two conceptions of the afterlife closely resemble the main alternatives of belief -- heaven versus nonexistence -- held by people in our own day. Bibliography lists two sources (the books).

In 6 pages the author discusses the medieval scholar and compares him to other medieval people. There were many types of people that existed in medieval times, from peasant, to scholar, to nobleman. The scholar was a very dedicated person that was also called an intellectual, a historian, and a cleric in medieval times. ...