Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 6 page essay that deconstructs Bobbie Ann Mason’s intriguing short story “Shiloh,” which relates the breakup of a marriage between Leroy Moffitt and his wife Norma Jean. The writer discusses meaning, themes and motifs. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

In eight pages this paper examines the psychological condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder within the context of a character from each of these short stories. Four sources are cited in the bibliography.

This 6 page paper examines the relationships between Deborah and Dr. Fried. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 4 page character analysis of Elinor Mompellion in Geraldine Brooks’ novel Year of Wonder. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 6 page paper which analyzes Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4 page research paper/essay that offers an English as a Second Language student an example of how to relate personal experience to Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

John Reiss, in his assessment of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, has argued that the main characters allegorically represent philosophical and religious concepts. This 4 page paper argues that Pearl, the daughter of Hester and Dimmsdale, represents the hope and salvation that comes after sin. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

6 pages in length. What constitutional message was Herman Melville attempting to get across within his story of 'Billy Budd'? Melville, himself, was considerably preoccupied with the problems of God and God's design of the world as they related to good and evil, right and wrong. The writer discusses that to the author, ...

A 4 page essay that summarizes, describes and analyzes the most prominent theme of this novel, which is the supreme importance of the individual. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

In three pages this paper compares and contrasts the tone and theme in Parts I and II of Hunter S. Thompson novel, with the development of Duke and his motivation the primary focuses. There are no other bibliographic sources listed.

This 3 page paper discusses Sam Shepard’s book “Cruising Paradise: Tales.” Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 page essay on Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” and William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” which are three short stories that are expertly crafted in terms of setting, characterization, imagery, thematic content and plot. In each story, the author uses the tools of ...

In four pages this paper examines how the protagonists in these respective novels by Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and Chaim Potok embark upon the journeys that ultimately lead to their self-awareness. Also considered is how the literary elements of the journey motif, characterization of the protagonists as outsiders, and coming of age theme affect ...

A 4 page book report on Robert Beach’s novel Run Silent, Run Deep. No additional sources cited.

In three page this paper compares and contrasts the uses of these literary devices in this trio of American short stories. Two sources are listed in the bibliography.

In three pages this paper examines the emergence of Southern Gothicism in these two short stories and how it is defined and reinforced through symbolism and allegory. Three sources are listed in the bibliography.

This 3 page paper explores the short story by Judith Ortiz Cofer. The contention is made that the young protagonist is enslaved by her hormones. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses some of the factors that make Slaughterhouse-Five a postmodern novel. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper argues that the main theme of Flannery O’Connor’s short story A Good Man is Hard to Find” is redemption through grace. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which offers a review of Michael Shaara’s novel Killer Angels. No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper discusses three of Raymond Carver’s short stories. Bibliography lists 1 sources.

The Great Gatsby is one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century, owing in part to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s gifted use of symbolism. This paper discusses his literary techniques. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper argues that the life of Cedric Jennings, who is the subject of Ron Suskind’s book “A Hope in the Unseen” can be better understood in terms of conflict perspective rather than functional perspective. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery and Sophocles’ Oedipus the King. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page essay that discusses the mental stability of Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. The writer focuses on Holden's fascination with innocence and his fear of transitioning in adulthood. Bibliography lists 6 sources.