Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

This 3 page research paper reports on the approach used by 3 different scholars in analyzing Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery." The writer also suggests topics for further investigation in regards to each article. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Mark Twain’s movement from being a Realist writer to a Naturalist Writer. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

In a paper of three pages, the author writes about the book Fahrenheit 451. The author of this paper gives their personal response to the novel. There is one source cited in this paper.

This 3 page paper argues that new works in which authors plagiarize others on purpose are hack work, not creative endeavors. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines the theme of life and reality of war in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper reviews the characters Connie and Maggie in Joyce Carol Oates “Where are You Going, Where Have You Been” and Alice Walker's “Everyday Things”. No additional sources are listed.

This 6 page paper discusses the novella Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville and argues that the story is really about the narrator rather than the title character. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 3 page essay that describes and analyzes this short story by Tobias Wolff. The writer discusses the story's construction, as well as the characterization of the protagonist. No additional sources cited.

A 3 page essay that draws on outside research to support the argument that the work of poet, essayist and educator Nikki Giovanni should be included in the American literary canon. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper explores the poetry of this incredibly talented artist. Parallels are made between her poetry and her life. Bibliography list 4 sources.

This 3 page paper compares two short stories, “Videotape” by Don Delillo and “A&P” by John Updike. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4 page essay analyzes Willa Cather's short story "Coming, Aphrodite!" which subtly addresses the topic of beauty and femininity by describing the romantic relationship between Don Hedger, a budding modern artist, and Eden Bower, a budding actress. Bibliography cites only the source.

A 6 page paper. This essay discusses specific aspects of this novel, including the relationships between the mother and two sons, the sons’ problems with identity, why one turns to a life of crime and eventually forces the younger brother to help him. Baldwin said that the person who inflicts harm loses their moral ...

This 3 page paper discusses the way her house reflects the character and psychological state of Miss Emily. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses some of the themes in Kate Chopin’s early feminist novel The Awakening. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 4 page paper is an analytical essay of Vice President Gore’s book “The Assault on Reason.” Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper reviews the book “In-N-Out Burger” by Stacy Perman. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

3 pages in length. The shared theme in Tillie Olsen's I Stand Here Ironing and Shirley Ann Grau's Fever Flower draws upon the mother/daughter relationship and how –- in light of emotional, economic and social stumbles that preclude a psychologically healthy upbringing – forever shape the confused and disappointed views portrayed by the characters. ...

A 3 page paper which compares and contrasts the Civil War stories of Stephen Crane and Ambrose Bierce. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the theme of family, and the importance of family, in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and J.D. Salinger’s Franny and Zooey. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

In four pages this paper analyzes these short stories in terms of the Gothic and symbolism featured within each. Four sources are listed in the bibliography.

In six pages this paper examines how Ernest Hemingway’s characteristics are represented in the similar characterizations featured in his novels and short stories. Nine sources are listed in the bibliography.

In five pages this paper critically analyzes how Faulkner represents the death of the old Southern past through contrasts of past and present, and using characters as symbolism. Six sources are listed in the bibliography.

This 5 page paper discusses the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the book My Soul is Rested, a compilation of interviews of people involved in the struggle for civil rights in the deep south Bibliography lists 3 sources.