Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 4 page paper that discusses the literary significance of Truman Capote's non-fictional novel and demonstrates that his utilization of the novel format does not detract from the factual or historical accuracy of the Clutter murder case in Holcomb, Kansas.

A 5 page paper discussing the subject of racism in the book, 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,' by Fannie Flagg. This is a book that deals with many different issues, all of which appear to be subjects which address the issues of human rights in one way or another. The issue of ...

A 4 page discussion of conflicts presented in Mason's story and the possible implications that the ending has for various characters. No other sources cited.

4 pages on Bobbie Ann Mason's short story, 'Shiloh.' The writer details the conflicts among the characters in the story and discusses whether the ending is hopeful or not, with references to symbols in the story. No bibliography.

A 6 page paper reviewing John Gardner's book 'Nickel Mountain.' Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 5 page paper examining the plays of this award-winning playwright, in terms of his abundant profanity. Looking closely at Edmond and Glengarry Glen Ross, the paper concludes that Mamet's characters cannot really do anything about their powerlessness; the only thing they can do with impunity is swear. Bibliography lists six sources.

A 4 page paper comparing and contrasting the functions of conflict in two short stories. The first story is by Frank O'Connor, titled 'Guests of a Nation.' The second story is by Bobbie Ann Mason, and is titled 'Shiloh.' Each story deals with a completely different topic and both are written from the first person ...

A 4 page comparison between the 1980's era film 'Less than Zero' and Bobbie Ann Mason's book 'In Country.' The focus of the thesis/discussion is upon how characters in both stories were affected by 'wars' that ripped the socioeconomic status of their respective surroundings apart. While characters in each story were 'victims of circumstances,' the ...

This 6 page paper looks at Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon in terms of the elements of the classic detective work it retains, and those it deviates from. The paper concludes that the classic detective story as represented by the works of Conan Doyle coddled us by giving us the benefit of not only what ...

A 5 page paper examining the elements of the classic detective work it retains, and those it deviates from. The paper concludes that Hammett's novel sets itself apart from the classic detective story because no one wears a white hat; thus the reader is never really sure where he stands, even with the detective himself. ...

A 3 page paper discussing these novels by Walter Mosley and Tony Hillerman, respectively. The paper points out that the culture of the locale in which these novels are set determines the ground rules for the entire novel. In this way, setting functions almost like the ruling spirit of the novel itself, setting the motivations ...

This is a 5 page paper that gives a basic summary of Tony Hillerman's book, The First Eagle. In the book it is the Black plague that has returned, or rather, has survived, for centuries. In the long interim it has developed a resistance to modern antibiotics, making it more virulent and much ...

5 pages in length. The use of profanity in David Mamet's work is his calling card within the industry. Yet there are those who consider such use as overkill and think he utilizes obscenities merely for the shock value. The writer discusses reasons why Mamet does, in fact, incorporate so much profanity ...

6 pages comparing and discussing the concepts of ‘self ‘ and ‘home' in Morrison's 'Beloved'and Silko's 'Ceremony.'

This 5 page paper is based on Leslie Marmon Silko's novel about Native American customs, Ceremony, with the thesis relating the ceremonial rituals with child development.

A 5 page analysis of the novel Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. In this novel, Silko uses the relationship between Native Americans and their environment in the desert of New Mexico as a metaphor to express the journey that the protagonist takes in his search for healing after World War II. In so doing, ...

A 7 page paper analyzing three Carver stories -- What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, Gazebo, and Why Don't You Dance? -- in terms of the way they use alcohol to blur the pain of loss. The paper notes that for Carver characters, life is an empty shell, and the alcohol ...

A 6 page essay presenting Carver's de-insulation of the narrator of this short story by way of positively characterizing a blind man as the mentor in the process of helping the narrator become conscious. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 9 page paper on Thomas Pynchon's well-known work. The writer notes that while the novel has characteristics of both modernism and postmodernism, its postmodern tendencies predominate in its strongly apocalyptic worldview. Bibliography lists 6 sources including book.

A 5 page paper on the symbolism of the proper names used in Pynchon's novel. The paper concludes that most of the names function as metaphor, and add multiple layers of richness to the text and to the reader's understanding of Pynchon's vision. No additional sources cited.

Surrealism and integrity are two ingredients that one generally doesn't expect at the same time and in the same place. Yet, both Thomas Pynchon and Maxine Hong Kingston have been able to meld the two into a coherent whole. This 5 page paper examines the postmodern stories: Pynchon's short story on Entropy, and ...

This 10 page report discusses the remarkable literary artistry of Eileen Chang or Chang Ai-ling. Chang's books such as 'The Rice Sprout Song' and 'The Rouge of the North' have a universal appeal for all readers since they deal with common life themes that have an impact on people everywhere, regardless of nationality. Her ...

A 6 page paper discussing Honey and Nick, the young couple who witness the rages of George and Martha in Edward Albee's classic play. The paper contends that their experience at George and Martha's house changes Nick and Honey as well, causing them to become more aware of themselves and compassionate toward each other. Bibliography ...

This 5 page paper consider the impact of Albee's use of illusion and symbolism regarding truth in his work Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. This paper not only considers these elements, but focuses on the struggles of George and Martha and their fictitious child. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper analyzing this deep and troubling domestic drama by Edward Albee. The paper shows how very subtle religious references in the play underscore the search for meaning in modern life. Bibliography lists 1 source