Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 9 page paper analyzing the five components that make a good novel: depth of theme; the use of symbolism; realistic characterization; control of tone; and a satisfying structure, and showing them in relation to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. Bibliography lists five sources.

An 8 page paper tracking the progression of Jim's characterization in Mark Twain's novel from a superstitious stereotype to a real human being. The paper observes that Huck's realization that Jim is his equal parallels Jim's own. Bibliography lists eight sources.

A 5 page paper on comparing these two immortal adolescent protagonists of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. The paper observes that although neither boy really understands what he has learned at the end of his tale, he has learned a great deal and is ...

In 4 pages the author compares the main characters of 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain and 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Huckleberry Finn and Holden Caulfield share many similarities and some differences. They are both boys trying to get by the best they know how. Huck Finn ...

A 5 page paper examining the symbolism of the raft and the journey Huck and Jim take on it in Mark Twain's classic novel. The paper concludes that the raft journey symbolizes a metaphorical descent into the underworld, where Huck learns about himself and his relationship to Jim, and emerges changed. Bibliography lists 1 ...

6 pages in length. The writer's thesis states that in the novel, the river was a source of knowledge and a perennial 'guiding light' for characters. A well-organized analytical essay follows to prove this point. Bibliography lists 6 supporting sources.

In this well-written 3 page essay, the writer describes Huckleberry Finn as a tale of moral conscience. Several examples of the ethical dilemmas faced by Huck are analyzed as are the moral choices he ultimately made. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 5 page paper that addresses the theme of escape and how it is used, defined and counterbalanced among the characters in Mark Twain's novel. Particular attention is paid to the characters of Huck Finn and Jim, who represent various themes of escape in regards to slavery. This is contrasted (counterbalanced) to representatives ...

A 6 page paper examining whether Mark Twain's masterpiece is in fact a racist novel, and concluding that there is no basis for that assertion at all. Ample evidence from textual quotes shows the book to be tremendously racially-healing. Bibliography lists one source.

As the title of this book suggests, Tom Sawyer, and the author, Mark Twain, believed that life was a series of adventures. The playful, occasionally skirting the edges of malicious, sense of fun that permeates the story is the fictional representation of the belief that childhood should be a care-free time. In today's world children ...

An 11 page paper on this relatively seldom-studied book by Mark Twain. After presenting a brief synopsis, the paper looks at the book's initial critical reception -- which was much more favorable than its reputation now -- and then analyzes its place in the Twain corpus, a hundred years after its publication. Bibliography lists 6 ...

This 10 page research paper critically examines Mark Twain's 1896 novel about slavery and murder, Pudd'nhead Wilson. Specifically presented is a critical essay, which is contrasted with another piece of criticism to draw concrete conclusions about the work. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page research paper describing the novels, Don Quixote and Huckleberry Finn. The writer compares the two books, describes each book, and classifies them both in the picaresque tradition.

A 7 page paper discussing the relationship of the events and people of Ernest Hemingway's life to the characters and plots in his fiction. Three novels are discussed, and numerous correspondences pointed out. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 7 page paper explores the life and work of author Ernest Hemingway, and how his art was a direct result of his life. Hemingway's narrative style, character structure and common themes are also examined.

An 8 page paper looking at three of Hemingway's short stories -- 'Soldier's Home,' 'A Cat in the Rain,' and 'A Clean, Well-Lighted Place' -- in terms of their relationship to events and experiences in Hemingway's own life. The writer concludes that his stories from World War I on reflect a deepening despair, and a ...

A 4 page paper looking at the conflict between fate and free will, in circumstances calling for moral courage. Stories examined are Hemingway's 'A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,' and Hernando Tellez' 'Just Lather, That's All.' Bibliography lists two sources.

A 9 page paper looking at three of Hemingway's short stories -- 'Soldier's Home,' 'A Cat in the Rain,' and 'A Clean, Well-Lighted Place' -- in terms of their relationship to events and experiences in Hemingway's own life. The paper concludes that his stories from World War I on reflect a deepening despair, and a ...

An 8 page analysis of how three of Hemingway's stories -- 'Soldier's Home', 'A Cat in the Rain,' and 'A Clean, Well-Lighted Place' not only reflect experiences in Hemingway's own life, but reflect the deepening despair over the meaninglessness of life which resulted from his experiences in World War I. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, The Soldier's Home and Hills Like White Elephants, Hemingway presents the reader with complex characterizations of both male and female attributes that can be defined within the parameters of "hero" as used in this essay. His male characters are embedded in a struggle to reach the goal ...

A 5 page look at a critical article by Claude Clayton Smith of Ohio Northern University, which focuses on a 'lost allusion' contained in Hemingway's novel. The paper argues that this reference, which ties Hemingway's novel to A.E.W. Mason's 'The Crystal Trench', would be completely indecipherable without scholarship such as that provided by Smith. Bibliography ...

An 8 page paper looking at stories by Ernest Hemingway ('A Clean Well-Lighted Place' and 'Snows of Kilimanjaro') and Donald Barthelme ('A Shower of Gold') to show how the transition of literature from modernism to postmodernism mirrors the increasing uncertainty of contemporary life. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page essay in which the writer describes Hemingway's short story as one of supreme loneliness, despair, and 'nothingness.' No additional sources cited.

In 6 pages, the writer discusses 'A Clean Well Lighted Place.' It is posited that Hemingway and his characters share a commonality... His writing reflects his own life.

A 4 page essay analyzing Hemingway's short story. The writer analyzes the significance of the title 'Hills Like White Elephants,' as well as various other symbolisms that occur throughout the story.