Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 5 page fictional account of what Hitler might have thought if he read Wells’ classic work of science fiction. Written as though by Hitler himself, this paper illustrates a captivation with the wonders of science and how those wonders can be turned toward human betterment as well as with the parallels between the ...

A 4 page essay that critically analyzes Cather's short story, "The Sculptor's Funeral." The writer argues that this is a masterpiece of the short story writer's art. Within the space of a few thousand words, Cather reveals truths about human nature and the human condition. By the end of the story, the reader has a ...

A 4 page paper which presents a hypothetical dialogue on the book “Ceremony” by Leslie Silko.” No sources cited.

This 3 page paper compares the movie One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and The Yellow Wallpaper. Examples given from both texts/film. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 7 page paper provides a brief biographical sketch of Hemingway. Furthermore, this paper examines the plot of "The Short, Happy Life of Francis Macomber" as well as using quotes and evidence from the story to support the thesis. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 3 page paper analyzes theme, setting, symbolism and more in this popular tale. This paper explores the dark themes outlined in this story. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper provides an in-depth analysis of this passage. This paper discusses not only the literal interpretation but also provides analytical insight into the deeper meanings of this passage, including its relgious implications. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 8 page paper discusses the use of the character Beloved symbolically throughout the story. Examples, quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 10 page paper which analyzes literary criticism on Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic tale combined with a consideration of Roland Joffé's film, discussing some of the shots the filmmaker uses and what they intend to convey. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses the symbolism of the character Beloved in Toni Morrison's novel, Beloved. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines how the chapter, inspired by Ayn Rand's Objectivist novel, "The Fountainhead," defines Howard Roark as selfish because he refuses to budge or sell his soul while Peter Keating is selfless because he was willing to do anything to sell out anyone. No sources are used.

A 5 page paper which examines the theme of narrow-mindedness in John O’Hara’s short story “Do You Like it Here?” No additional sources cited.

This 6 page report discusses John O'Hara's short story "Over the River and Through the Wood." In the story, the writer presents a deceptively simple situation in which a grandfather travels with his grand-daughter to what had once been his home. O'Hara's greatest strength as a writer is in the ways that he tells certain details while also ...

A 4 page analysis of the use of revenge in this great tale of horror. The author makes three distinct points in regard to Poe’s use of this element. These include his ability to keep the intention of revenge just under the surface of the tale to the final moment, the slowness and ...

An 8 page paper which examines how O’Connor’s characters achieve their moment of grace at their deaths and the role, if any, violence in this recognition. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 6 page paper discusses and applies the Aristolian structure for the tragic play to Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. Examples given, cited from texts. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and Louise Erdrich’s “The Red Convertible.” No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper examines a passage from Milton's, "Paradise Lost" which describes Adam's interaction with Raphael. Furthermore, analysis is provided in terms of how this passage relates to the entire work. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper examines the abuse Tess receives at the hands of these two men. This paper explores the different nature of their abuse, and how it affects Tess. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper examines the theme of modernity as presented by Swift in "The Battle of the Books" and "The Tale of the Tub". This paper asserts that Swift was a fan of the classics, believing that modernity did not encourage thoughtful and thorough pursuit of knowledge. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper examines the chapter called "Lulu's Passion" from this book which describes life in post-colonial America. This paper focuses on the hardships that Lulu endured. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4 page paper chronicles the development of the literary heroine through the ages, profiling the characters of Anna Karenina, Sarah(French Lieutenant's Woman), Nora (The Doll's House) and Maria (Maria Nef). Bibliographpy lists 3 sources.

An 8 page paper reviewing three types of motivations for banning books. It appears that books are banned in the 20th century according to one of three categories of reasons: social, political and sexual. Banned books discussed here to address each classification are Mark Twain’s "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," John Steinbeck’s ...

This 4 page paper discusses the role of Ruby as a minor character in Charles Frazier's Cold Mountain. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page essay that examines Thousand Pieces of Gold, Ruthanne Lum McCunn's biographical account of a nineteenth century immigrant Chinese woman who survives extraordinary trials. The writer looks at why Lalu Nathoy initially refuses Charlie Bemis' offer of marriage. In a life where there has been little opportunity to experience anything but hardship, marriage ...