Essays and Research Papers on (All) Literature

This 9 page paper describes and compares the Franz Kafka stories, 'The Judgement' (1913) and 'The Metamorphosis' (1915).

A 5 page paper looking at two of Franz Kafka's posthumously-published novels, The Trial and The Castle, showing how they reflect the concerns of European modernism. The paper also notes that while their tone was a little too bleak and existentialist for most Americans of the Modernist period, Americans today are rediscovering Kafka because he ...

This 5 page report discusses the transformation of modernism in terms of Kafka's 'The Trial' and F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' The inherent differences of writers in the same modernist period but in Europe compared to America is also discussed. Bibliography lists only the two works themselves as sources.

A 4 page review of theme, character, and structure in Herman Hesse's 'Damien.' Meanings, metaphors, and characteristics of the novel are examined. No Bibliography.

A 7 page research paper on Hermann Hesse's novel of the same name. The writer details the themes of the novel, and relates them to the story and the text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 7 page paper discusses how German author Thomas Mann's life (1875-1955) affected his works. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 6 page paper that discusses the major themes in Thomas Mann's classic, The Magic Mountain. The focus of this paper is on the importance of disease, and the comparison Mann makes between the disease, the sanitarium and the outside society (the ills of society). FREE outline page included. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay on the use of the mountain and sanitarium setting as a device to portray the environment in which Hans Castorp develops an understanding of the horrors of the war. The paper proves Hans' progress in terms of the setting—from his introduction to reality at the sanitarium to a rejection of ...

A 3 page analysis that examines that Gustav von Aschenbach, the protagonist in Thomas Mann's Death in Venice, illustrates the ideas concerning morality discussed by Freud in his work Civilization and Its Discontents. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper examining one episode of comic relief in Goethe's Faust. It concerns the Devil's advice to a first-year student trying to decide on a field of study, and contains considerable irony and satire. The paper concludes that the Devil's cynicism actually serves to throw Faust's sincerity into higher relief. Bibliography lists three ...

A 10 page research paper and essay exploring the issue of why, how and who were self-exiled in Paris. The writer focuses on a philosophical introduction to the mindset of the Parisian public and explores the works, politics and lifestyles of Gertrude Stein, Anais Nin, and Henry Miller. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 3 page essay that examines how the ribald tales of Giovanni Boccaccio in his fourteenth century book, The Decameron, reflected the changing social structure brought about by the Black Death and also foreshadowed the intellectual freedom which would develop as part of the Renaissance. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page paper on this landmark work in Renaissance literature and the art that shared its aesthetic goals. The writer details Castiglione's view of Neoplatonic beauty, and then relates it specifically to the works of two Renaissance artists, Michelangelo and Leonardo da vinci. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 2 page discussion of Canto V in Dante's 'Inferno.' Please call for more information. No bibliography.

A 6 page paper dealing with the question of why Dante chose to use himself as the protagonist, and shows how the four levels of meaning in the story all come together in the characterization of Dante. Bibliography lists five sources.

A 5 page paper looking at Cantos 31, 32, and 34. The paper analyzes The Inferno in terms of imagery, characterization, and theme, with a particular look at Dante's horror of betrayal. Bibliography lists one source.

This 15 page research paper examines the pivotal Canto III of the 'Inferno' by Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Specific passages are analyzed, with the position that this medieval allegory laid the foundation for Christian conservative groups such as the New England Puritans, and questions whether or not theirs was a forgiving God. Bibliography ...

This 6 page research paper analyzes the punishment of the tyrants and murderers in the seventh circle, where the punishment of violent sinners takes place. Specifically discussed is why the crime of murder is considered less of a sin according to Dante's ascending circles to Hell than it is perceived today. Bibliography lists ...

8 pages in length. Broken down into sections, the writer reviews & analyzes each of The Inferno's first 11 cantos.

A 3 page essay discussing Marie de France and her lover's passion and her assertion that God must be on their side. The writer illustrates how this attitude expresses the conflict between love and 'Christian values' in the story. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper discusses The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli. Examples of Machiavellian monarchies are noted as the writer interprets the political meaning of Machiavelli's writing. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

7 pages in length. An analytical examination of this classic work in political theory. The writer pays particular attention to Chapter XXI in which Machiavelli discusses how The Prince will gain great esteem if he engages successfully in important enterprises. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 9 page paper that provides an overview of the basic leadership concepts supported in Machiavelli's The Prince, and then suggest comparisons with leaders of recent times. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper that considers the elements of rulership presented in Machiavelli's The Prince and demonstrates the contradictions between what a ruler should present and what a ruler should embrace. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper discussing bot the similarities and differences between Plato and Machiavelli's views of political leadership. Bibliography lists 'The Prince' by Machiavelli and 'The Republic' by Plato as sources.