Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 2.5 page paper which analyzes a limited aspect of the novel, that of the conflict between a society that demands conformity and an individual such as Huck who delights in remaining a non-conformist. No additional sources are used.

This 3 page paper examines the theme of greed and moral decay as evidenced in this classic Fitzgerald story. This paper highlights how this theme is evidenced in the story, and how Fitgerald illustrates the consequences of greed. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 6 page paper which analyzes Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 6 page paper provides an overview of the historical context and religious symbolism in Herman Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines the character of Henry in Stephen Crane’s “The Red Badge of Courage” arguing that he was brave because he faced himself and grew to a man in the process. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

An 8 page paper which argues how Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” can be interpreted as a story that speaks of the freedom from love. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

7 pages in length. The metamorphosis Taylor Greer experiences throughout her life-affirming road trip and subsequent events with Turtle, Lou Ann, Mattie, Esperanza and Estevan speaks to the woman-child's ability to pursue and conquer some of the most challenging endeavors placed upon her plate. That she engages in these situations with a mixture ...

This 4 page paper examines the role of Sam in this poignant story about racism and apartheid in South Africa. Essentially, the story is about whether or not Sam (the influence of good) is able to outweigh Hally's father's negative influence. This paper highlights the main themes of the story as well as ...

This 3 page paper evaluates the Faulkner work through a Marxist point of view. The class difference that seemed to propel Snopes to commit arson is accentuated. No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper discusses the major points of the essay by Mary Jane Schenck on O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find. Quotes cited from both texts. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page research paper that argues that Santiago in the Hemingway novella The Old Man and the Sea is a Christ-like figure. The writer discusses the numerous allusions to Christian symbolism that are in this narrative and their ultimate meaning. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page summary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “This Side of Paradise.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

An 8 page paper that begins with a short overview of Capital Crimes by Stuart Woods. The story focuses on a serial sniper targeting conservative personalities and politicians. Real life serial bombers, serial killers and serial snipers are related to the theme, which proposes that these killers are all mentally unbalanced. The paper compares Wood's ...

This 6 page paper discusses the issues of feminism raised in Miller's portrayal of women in Death of a Salesman. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which examines how Raymond Carver and Kate Chopin treat the subject of love. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines why Emily killed Homer in Faulkner’s short story “A Rose for Emily.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 2.5 page biographical consideration of one of America’s most beloved authors. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper takes a look at the Enlightenment period and how Aldous Huxley's Brave New World opposes it. Both ideas are considered in terms of how they manifest in today's society. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines how Hawthorne’s short story takes on the historical controversy, particularly in terms of the emphasis on the couple’s marriage, which turns the theme from a consideration of the ideal society into a statement of what marriage means and how it changes the people who enter into it. Bibliography ...

This 4 page paper discusses the symbolism of the Loman family as representative of the American Society. Examples given, character analysis included, as well as brief synopsis. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper which compares the stories “The Chocolate War” and “The Giver” and the film “Stand By Me.” No additional sources cited.

This 4 page paper compares and contrasts Ibsen's Dolls House to Raisin in the Sun on the issue and themes of money. Quotes cited. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 11 page paper provides an overview of the major elements in Ray Bradbury's book, Fahrenheit 451. This paper outlines the three specific sections in the book. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of the first 3 sections of George Orwell's 1984. No additional sources cited.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. This paper outlines the main characters and then provides an overview of the acts of the play. Bibliography lists 1 source.