Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

This 4 page report discusses Willa Cather's 1918 novel and the relationships between young Jim Burden, Antonia Shimerda, and Antonia's father. Young Jim is himself is something of an immigrant, the proverbial stranger in a strange land, when he goes to live with his grandparents in Nebraska. It does not come as any surprise that he so relates ...

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 ...

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 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 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.

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.

This 4 page paper discusses the six principles of Objectivism as discussed in her work, The FountainHead. A brief synopsis is included as well as quotes from the work. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper discusses the themes of fate and free will as depicted in Hawthorne's short story: Young Goodman Brown. Quotes cited from sources. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the use of symbolism in each work. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines and analyzes the beginning of chapter 30 in Herman Melville’s “Billy Budd.”

A 3 page paper which compares Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” with the film version directed by James Whale. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which examines how fear motivates the characters in Poe’s poem, “The Raven” and in short stories “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Black Cat” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 3 page paper gives an overview of the book, Tales of the Otori, book one. Themes are discussed. Quote cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page paper which focuses on the development of Nick in Fiztgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” No additional sources cited.

A 6 page essay that examines the theme of good versus evil in Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. The writer argues that the protagonist, a young Hispanic boy, has to learn to deal with the cultural dichotomies inherent in his environment. The interesting perspective that Anaya brings to this conflict is the ambiguity ...

5 pages in length. Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman possesses many important components pertaining to Willy and Biff's strained relationship that, if not taken in their direct context, will be overlooked by the average audience member. It is essential to also look beyond the author's obvious intention with regard to the story's ...

This 3 page paper compares and contrasts two of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short stories: The Minister's Black Veil and The Great Stone Face. Quotes cited from the texts. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Gilman’s story “The Yellow Wallpaper” from a feminist perspective. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the premise of Paul Tillich about the 'courage to be' and applies that to six various selections from modern film and literature. Bibliography lists 6 sources.