Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A paper which looks at the similarities between the themes and ideas expressed in the poetry of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, with reference to their concepts of nature, God and sexuality. Bibliography lists 4 sources

This 10 page paper analyzes two of Nathaniel Hawthorne's short stories for symbolism, setting and characterization which illustrate the theme of perfection and man's sinful nature. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 5 page paper which evaluates, describes and responds to the text and its depiction of the culture of the South Sea Islands. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper examines the utopian societies presented in "Brave New World" and "Walden Two". These stories are compared and contrasted in regards to how the utopian society is achieved and the means by which the governments gain their control. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an analysis of this poignant book. Furthermore, this paper examines the cultural plight of the Mexicans and their struggles in coming to America. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the work of Richard Wright and Clifford Odets as it reflects issues during the 1930s. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page essay that discusses the theme that Hemingway, in this narrative, captures the pathos of lives that encompass nothing, that is, they have no relationships to give life meaning and purpose. Hemingway develops this complex theme through the dialogue of two waiters as they wait for their last customer, an old man, to ...

This 10 page paper discusses the themes of sin and retribution in Hawthorne's Minister's Black Veil, Young Goodman Brown, and Lady Eleanore's Mantle. Symbolism, imagery, and and quotes cited from texts included. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 10 page paper which examines Anne Rice’s use of sexuality in her vampire novels. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A comparison between London's To Build a Fire and Krakauer's Into the Wild, with specific reference to the way in which the respective protagonists react to and deal with the natural environment.

A 10 page paper which analyzes various elements from Faulkner’s stories “The Sound and the Fury” and “Light in August.” Bibliography lists 18 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses the images of masculinity which are prsented in Crane's Maggie, and Chopin's The Awakening. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper examines the story of "The Three Strangers" in regards to characters, plot, imagery, theme, narration, etc. This paper furthermore explores the way in which this story relates to Victorian era themes and trends. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper examines the character of Belphoebe in relation to the mirror in Spencer's, "The Faerie Queene". Furthermore, this paper analyzes the dance of the Graces in Book 6 of this classic epic tale. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper discusses the theme of freedom in the novle, Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Vern. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 3 page paper focuses on a review of William Leuctenberg's 'Perils of Prosperity,' a book that examines the politics and culture of the United States from the First World War to the start of the Great Depression. No sources are cited.

This 3 page paper examines the way in which Wilde depicts women, love and marraige in this classic piece of literature. This paper refers to specific episodes in the story in order to correlate the thesis with the ideas of Wilde. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the pursuit of material wealth, and its ultimate destructiveness, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses the movie/novel of Beloved by Toni Morrison as being based on the nature of the Furies. Examples given from text and movie. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page essay that examines the character of William Marshall, whom the writer argues plays a pivotal role in Lillian Hellman's play The Little Foxes. Examination of the play demonstrates that Marshall provides the impetus from which all subsequent action results. As well as providing an easy means for relating exposition, Marshall also serves ...

A 3 page essay that briefly looks at the "transformational" literature of this period, which the writer argues is exemplified by Mark Twain and Henry James, in that their writing reflected the social upheaval of the time. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares plays by Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. The writer argues that while Miller's plays had a broader thematic scope (e.g. The Crucible is applicable to the McCarthy era), Williams' The Glass Menagerie is still a "mature" drama, as it offers insight into human relationships. Bibliography lists ...

This 7 page paper examines these two very similar stories in regards to plot and characters. Furthermore, this paper asserts that modern playwrights could enhance these plays through the use of make-up, costume, scenery, etc. in a way that would appeal to modern audiences. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper provides an analysis of what Hester thinks about her sin. Furthermore, this paper examines whether or not Hawthorne himself approved of her attitude toward her sin. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper using Albom’s “Tuesdays with Morrie,” Coelho’s “The Alchemist” and Quinn’s “Ishmael” to reflect on the development of values and self-awareness over time. Age and experience escort the individual to the threshold of wisdom. They will not push their charge through the door, but they do encourage that s/he step ...