Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

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 ...

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.