Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

This 4 page paper discusses Orwell's themes and discussion in regard to langauge. Freedom of speech is discussed in relation to the novel. Quotes cited from novel to support argument. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 7 page paper which examines what the character of Gatsby stands for in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” The paper discusses how he is reflective of society’s struggle to achieve the American Dream at the cost of integrity and honor. No additional sources cited.

A 4 page paper which examines Kate Chopin’s short story “Story of an Hour,” arguing how this story illustrates how a good story must have more than a good plot. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which examines the transition and cause of madness in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Pamela Zoline’s “The Heat Death of the Universe.” No additional sources cited.

A 6 page essay that discusses the theme of death as expressed in six of William Heyen's Hummingbird Corporation Stories. The writer argues that, in these stories, death is viewed not so much something to be feared, but rather as simply another aspect of life's many mysteries. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page research paper that answers questions concerning Mark Dunn's novel Ella Minnow Pea. The writer summarizes the story, which concerns a fable that focuses on the dangers of ideology and censorship, and the then discusses the role of several of the key characters. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines what the character Amory Blaine knows, or doesn’t know, about himself in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “This Side of Paradise.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the role of alcohol in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 4 page paper which examines the significance of setting, particularly time and place in Williams’ groundbreaking theatrical debut. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page paper considers the concept of conspicuous consumption and the associated 'habit for thought' today and in the past. The paper looks at how this can be seen in mental models and behaviour today, looking at social behaviour and the portrayal of consumption in films. Special attention is paid to the concept and ...

A 6 page paper that provides a discussion of this book, beginning with how the story came to be in the first place. Comments about the backgrounds of the authors are provided. The writer discusses the themes of the book and ends by commenting on the value of the text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 3 page paper examines the theme of family in this classic novel. This paper determines that Miller uses the characters in this story to illustrate how, despite wanting to be close with one another, Willy and his family are disconnected and unable to understand each others most basic needs. Bibliography lists 4 ...

This 3 page paper examines the differences between dream versus reality as Miller examines them in the character of Willy Lowman. This paper provides detailed examples of the ways in which the reality of Willy's life is starkly contrasted to the dreams he harbored for himself. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper examines Tey's use of the mystery genre to deal with the character of Richard III. More specifically, this paper illustrates the inherent good nature of Richard III and examines why Tey has used mystery as a means of heightening the drama of this and the other characters. Bibliography lists ...

This 7 page paper examines the immense importance that setting plays in the classic, "The Fall of the House of Usher". This paper asserts that in this story, setting is virtually inseparable from the story's meaning. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper provides an analysis of Poe's classic, "The Tell-Tale Heart". This paper refers to a number of outside sources to substantiate the analysis. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4 page paper reports on this unique literary work that relies very heavily upon linguistic manipulations to achieve its points. This paper explores the impact of such literary techniques and offers a critique of the book overall. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper discusses the similarities and differences between Flannery O'Connor and Ernest Hemingway. Examples given from Hills Like White Elephants, and Good Country People. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 9 page paper which examines language, foreshadowing, and characterization in William Faulkner’s short story “A Rose for Emily.” Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 4 page essay that analyzes Edward Desautels' Flicker in the Porthole Glass (2002), which is a complex, deeply psychological novel that investigates the precarious relationship that modern society has with is own media, particularly film, and the role that an imperfect, but real love can play in the juxtaposition of fantasy and reality in ...

This 3 page paper examines the work of Milner and Stegner in order to define the characteristics of the American West. This paper concludes that there is no one distinct factor that idetifies the American West but rather an attitude that is exhibited by the extremely diverse population of that region. Bibliography lists ...

This 3 page paper examines the role of the main female characters from these stories and assesses their relative freedom given their era. This paper concludes that these women were oppressed by men and by society, and yet no matter how much freedom was removed from them, they refused to give up their spirit ...

This 5 page paper considers the means by which Stephen King builds suspense in this popular thriller. This paper considers components such as symbols, setting, characters and other literary elements in addition to King's own life to address the issue of how he builds suspense in this novel. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper examines the various elements in "Fall on Your Knees" that provide evidence of multiculturalism. This paper provides one specific passage from the book and provides an analysis based upon that passage. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5-page paper covers Sarah Orne Jewett's "Country of the Pointed Firs," and determines how she uses genre (and characters) to depict the slow death of this small corner of New England.