Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 4 page paper which examines how Edith Wharton uses irony in “The Age of Innocence.” No additional sources cited.

A 7 page paper which examines how Edgar Allan Poe’s life affected his writings. Among the works considered include “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and “The Raven.” Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 3 page paper is based upon Edgar Allen Poe's, "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym". The purpose of the paper is to define the role that both Agustus and Dirk Peters play in this story, and their relationship to Pym in terms of prompting his growth. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 7 page essay that contrasts and compares the writing styles of three brilliant American nineteenth century writers. The writer argues that examination of representative works from these authors demonstrates that Twain's intention is primarily humorous, as typified by his short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," while Davis' goal in "Life in ...

An 8 page paper which examines the importance of nature in the works of Hermann Hesse. The works discussed are “Tree and River,” “Studies and Travels,” and “Mind and Desires.” No additional sources cited.

An 8 page paper which examines three of Flannery O’Connor’s stories, discussing the theme of violence and salvation. The works discussed are “Revelation,” “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” and “Greenleaf.” Bibliography lists 5 sources.

7 pages in length. The writer focuses upon gender and social intolerance as it relates to the story's overall theme. Annotated bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines William Faulkner’s novel “That Evening Sun” from a historical perspective that involves the Old South and the New South as well as Old South and the North. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page paper which compares Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” with “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg” by Mark Twain. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page discussion of the bias which is characteristic of much of anthropological research. While some scientists contend that research can be designed and conducted in such a manner that one’s values, or the values of the subject, do not interfere with the findings; others contend that such research is an impossibility, that ...

This 4 page paper discusses the science fiction novel, Ender's Game. Analysis of themes, quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 page paper which examines how Stephen Crane’s life relates to his works. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 10 page paper details elements of the American Jazz Age which can be found in Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page paper which examines if Faulkner is indicating that relationships are real, or if they are merely built on human need as it relates to his novel “As I Lay Dying.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which defines the term “racist” and then provides quotes from the novel to support the contention. No additional sources are used.

A 4 page paper which discusses the similarities between Virginia Woolf’s Clarissa Dalloway in “Mrs. Dalloway” and Katherine Mansfield’s Bertha from “Bliss.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper compares and contrasts the shifts in perspective between two essays on childhood. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This paper posits that life is what Vladimir wants to feel, touch and smell in 'Waiting on Godot' by Samuel Beckett. Estragon does not understand Vladimir’s desires, so he ignores or refutes everything Vladimir says when he speaks of Godot. He talks only of waiting for Godot, but not of finding it. As his friend ...

A 3 page essay that discusses Huck's search for identity in Samuel Clemens' (Mark Twain's) novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Throughout the narrative, Huck tries on different persona. He attempts to be "sivilized" under the care of the Widow Douglas and her sister Miss Watson. Journeying down the Mississippi in the company of a Jim, ...

A 3 page paper which examines the character of Starbuck in Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the possibility of an alternate action by Sammy, the protagonist of John Updike's A&P. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page research paper/essay that examines O'Connor's famous short story in regards to how the author blends the topic of narcissism and cultural ethnocentrism with a view of spirituality that blurs the line between what is "good" and "bad," forcing the reader to consider the psychic pain of the "Misfit," as well as the ...

A 5 page paper which examines the homosexual tendencies in the characters Mrs. Dalloway in “Mrs. Dalloway” and Rachel Vinrace in “The Voyage Out” both by Virginia Woolf. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

Review of the early years as told by Count Basie to Albert Murray in the book "Good Morning Blues" Bibliography lists 1 source. jvBasie.rtf

An 8 page paper which compares the characters of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat” and “The Telltale Heart.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.