Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

This 12 page paper provides an overview of Chaim Potok's novel The Chosen. This paper outlines the characters, and then provides a chapter by chapter review of the book.

This 14 page paper provides a comprehensive overview of the character of Dominick in Wally Lamb's novel I Know This Much Is True. This paper outines the basic elements of Dominick's character as they relate to stereotypical elements. Bibliography lists 19 sources.

This 10 page paper provides a summary of the characters and a chapter-by-chapter overview of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.

This 12 page paper provides one view of the character of Turtle in Barbara Kingsolver's "Pigs in Heaven". This paper applies Freud's Ego Defense to an understanding of Turtle. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 11 page paper provides an overview of the characterizations and narrative style of The Green Mile. This paper outlines some of the elements of the film as well as Stephen King's novel. Bibliography lists 5 source.

This 3 page paper examines the writings of Miller and Aristotle as concerns tragic plays. Their concepts are exampled in Death of a Salesman and Oedipus Rex. Quotes cited from texts. Bibliographpy lists 4 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the psychological descent of the protagonist of Faulkner's A Rose for Emily. Quotes cited from the text. Brief synopsis included, symbolism, characterization. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper gives a sample of how a historical introduction to a work of fiction might read and be constructed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the use of characterization in Chicano literature. The works of Anaya are discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page essay that summarizes and analyzes Ray Bradbury's science fiction short story "August 2026: There will come soft rains." The writer argues that this narrative is poetic in its style, tone and imagery. It is a softly sardonic commentary on the cleverness of Western civilization, which is pictured as capable of producing ...

A 5 page paper which compares “The Children’s Story” by James Clavell and “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. No additional sources cited.

This 4 page paper examines the reason why this book has been banned, and asserts that it should be able to be taught in schools. This paper highlights the controversy associated with this book, and offers insight from critics as well. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page review of Shirley Jackson’s novel “The Lottery”, the chilling story of an annual ceremony in which the inhabitants of a small village draw lots to determine who will be stoned to death that year. Complying with the authoritarian regiment which was in place the people of “The Lottery”, even the family ...

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.