Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 7 page paper that discusses and analyzes Aldous Huxley's last novel, Island. This novel describes a Utopian society that, in many ways, anticipated the current debates concerning sustainable growth, ecological concerns and criticism of the rampant industrialization and consumerism that has shaped so much of Western society. Basically, in this novel, Huxley offers ...

This 4 page paper is a report on the book: Ordinary Courage by Josephy Plumb Martin. Quotes cited from text which deals with Revolutionary war. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts the critiques of two reviewers: Salvidar and Wells of John Updike's short story, A&P. Quotes cited from works. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 9 page paper which examines Louisa May Alcott’s presentation of society in her novel “Little Women.” Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This 5 page paper provides analysis of the difference between the way in which the narrator presents the main character Phoenix versus the way in which the other characters in this story perceive her. This paper bases this analysis on the difference between the internal reality of Phoenix versus the way in which others ...

A 4 page paper which discusses the development of the character Ishmael in David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars.” No additional sources cited.

A 4 page overview of the lessons imparted in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening" and Linda Brent's "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl". The author emphasizes the point that although these books are vastly dissimilar in many respects, they are both 19th century works about women trying to find their place in the ...

This 4 page paper examines the impact of colonization as it is described in the following literature: "Anil's Ghost", "Maru", "Sozaboy", and "Heart of Redness". This paper seeks to highlight the often devestating impact of colonization upon local villages and communities. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the satire in Evelyn Waugh's book, The Loved One. Examples, quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the similarities and differences between Stella Gibbons' parody of the Victorian genre of writing, paralleling the works of Hardy and Austen. Quotes cited from texts. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper argues that twentieth century fiction has by and large portrayed city life as being dangerous and negative. Works discussed are The Great Gatsby, In the Cut and A Little Yellow Dog. Various themes are discussed and quotes are included from each of the three works. Bibliography lists ...

A 4 page paper which examines the life and work of the author Lois Lowry. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper illustrates the various ways in which the American Dream is depicted in Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. Bibliography lists 1 source.

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.