Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

The American Dream is a fairly nebulous concept that is exemplified by a number of American ideals. The story of Horatio Alger is indicative of what the American Dream stands for economic success through hard work and an innovative outlook on capitalism. Stability, security and family values are signified in the suburban lifestyle ...

A 5 page research paper that explores a few passages F. Scott Fitzgerald uses to implicate modernism as a destructive force. The writer focuses on the character of Tom Buchanan and his body as an allegorical method of expressing modernism, as well as Fitzgerald's sense of loss for southern gentility. Bibliography lists 6 ...

A 7 page paper on this classic novel. The writer focuses on Dick Diver, the protagonist and priestly/father figure of the novel, and how he relates to the other characters. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 9 page paper on this novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The writer explores the themes of incest and moral decline as they relate to the facade of the American Dream. Bibliography lists 13 sources.

An 11 page paper dealing with the theme of Dick Diver's moral decline in Fitzgerald's novel. In order to build the writer's thesis, Diver's personality, relationship to other characters, and collapsed value system are among the many variables discussed. Bibliography lists 7 supporting critical sources.

This 4 page report discusses 'The Beautiful and the Damned,' F. Scott Fitzgerald's second novel written in 1922. The writer's primary focus is on how this novel, like 'The Great Gatsby,' serves as an example of the American dream gone wrong. Bibliography lists only the book itself as a source.

A 6 page, well-organized essay on symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath. The writer also examines the importance of the story's introduction and conclusion. Bibliography cites supporting sources.

A 5 page paper that considers the themes of endurance as well as the relationships between man and nature and man and family. The writers focuses upon the determination and endurance of Ma Joad, who is able to demonstrate her ability to survive and to focus on her family even in the midst of great ...

This 7 page research paper examines how the subjects of religion and sin are handled in John Steinbeck's 1939 novel, The Grapes of Wrath. Specifically discussed are the characters Jim Casy and Uncle John Joad and the religious significance each depicts. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 15 page paper which provides an analysis by chapter of the characters and structure of John Steinbeck's classic American novel, The Grapes of Wrath. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page report discusses the issues of family values and the organization changes faced in society and individual families; as well as, the larger context of the national consciousness and despair of the Great Depression. In John Steinbeck's 1939 classic In 'The Grapes of Wrath,' each of these human conditions -- weaknesses and ...

A 5 page analysis of the characterization and function of Mrs. Joad in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. The paper shows that through Ma's compassion and strength, her family grows beyond the bonds of kinship to include all those who suffer. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 6 page paper provides a historical view John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' and then incorporates elements from the story to demonstrate Steinbeck's depiction of depression-era values and the issues related to unionization and the struggle for maintaining work in the midst of industrial and economic change. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

An 8 page paper on these two books by Meridel Le Sueur and John Steinbeck, respectively. The writer describes how both books prove the falseness of the American Dream by stressing collective community action over the primacy of the individual. Bibliography lists three sources.

A 6 page paper on this author and his novel 'Of Mice and Men.' The writer examines the influences in Steinbeck's life, the major themes, critical appeal, and the book's enduring value. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper on the novel by John Steinbeck. The writer analyzes the characters of George and Lennie in terms of their desire for both freedom and commitment, and concludes that while Shooting Lennie may have liberated George from having to care for him, it also has opened doors of opportunity with which he ...

This 8 page paper discusses the many parallels to the Garden of Eden myth. Also included is a look at the use of myth in literature. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 3 page paper explores author John Steinbeck's employment of symbolism in his 1937 novel.

This 3 page paper explores author John Steinbeck's employment of irony in his 1937 novel.

A 5 page paper about the character of Kino in The Pearl. The writer describes the tragedy of The Pearl for Kino and how it brings him sorrow, evil, and death. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper examining this issue in one of John Steinbeck's last novels. The paper points out that man's efforts toward goodness count for more in the grand scheme of things than unthinking (and soul-less) virtue. Bibliography lists two sources.

A 5 page paper on the theme of nature as it exists in Steinbeck's 'The Red Pony,' and 'The Pearl.' The writer discusses the common analogies of which Steinbeck makes frequent use in both these novels. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

Family values and traditions play a major role in the process of developing the themes of Steinbeck's major novels. He mixes hope and belief in higher powers with social corruption and pressures to conform. The American Tragedy is represented in this struggle and the eventual success of societal pressure to define the family structure as ...

5 page interpretation of 'Country Husband' by John Cheever and 'The Chrysanthemums' by John Steinbeck. Paper argues that the stories are about personal change, and leaving a life of emotional neglect. No outside sources.

A 15 page paper that provides an overview of Falconer and it's major thematic elements and style, and considers it in comparison to other works by Cheever. Bibliography lists 12 sources.