Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

This five-page-paper presents a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of Anne Tyler's book, "Saint Maybe". Bibliography lists one source.

In three pages this paper examines how religion plays the role of Mary Rowlandson’s teacher in a discussion of her seventeenth-century narrative about her time as a Native American captive during King Philip’s War of 1676. Two sources are listed in the bibliography.

A 10 page paper showing the religious references in three of this twentieth-century Southern writer's stories: 'A Good Man is Hard To Find,' 'Good Country People,' and 'The River.' The paper argues that the intrinsic violence of much of O'Connor's work comes from her unusual interpretation of the working out of God's grace in the ...

A six page paper looking at the way Henry James’ novel “The American” and Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Sun Also Rises” could be said to be subliminally religious. The paper argues that just as James’ protagonist proves the immorality of the British class system, Hemingway’s protagonist searches for a code of conduct beyond the mores ...

This 3 page paper analyzes O'Connor's short story: A Good Man is Hard to Find for religious themes, poitn of grace, and character revelations. Quotes cited from the text. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper focuses on Earthseed, the religion Lauren creates and preaches. The writer discusses why Lauren needs religious element in her life and the principles and ideas on which Earthseed is founded. The writer end by commenting on the potential success of Earthseed as a religion in today's world. Bibliography lists 1 source. ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the story with a focus on the cultural aspects of the Antebellum South. Slavery and religion are discussed in light of the work. No additional sources cited.

This 3 page paper considers the theme of religion in M.L. King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail." Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 6 page paper examines James Hillman's ideology through the use of Chaim Potok's character Asher Lev. Asher is seen as an example of what Hillman has been talking about regarding parental fallacy. Childrearing issues and religion are discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 9 page paper which examines the character’s inner conflicts regarding racial identity, women, and religion, which frequently resulted in acts of violence. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses Brown's book "Angels and Demons" and discusses whether or not Galileo could have been an Illuminatus; whether there was a split between science and religion in the Baroque period; and if the references to Bernini sculptures in the book are problematic. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page critical essay which examines Flannery O'Connor's 1955 short story, 'Good Country People' and how it reflects the techniques and themes of the modern literary period. Specifically considered are how the story deals with the major subjects of nature, religion, individualism vs. social responsibility, love, realism and the grotesque aspects of ...

A 5 page paper which discusses why Emily, in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily, acted in the manner in which she did. The paper discusses her personality, her motivations, and her upbringing. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page summation of Gerald Stern's book on the Buffalo Creek Disaster, the worst mad-made disaster in the nation's history. The writer describes the causes behind the disaster, and some of the strategy used by Stern and his legal team, which represented the survivors. It is a moving story that affirms the ability ...

This 3 page paper discusses John Grisham's legal thriller "The Rainmaker." Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how the character of Joey acts, even when not technically acting in Daniel Chacon’s novel And the Shadows Took Him. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper analyzing this very feminist story by Susan Glaspell. The paper also discusses the status of women's civil and legal rights at the time Glaspell published it, and concludes that one can definitely see the seeds of change in the story. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

An 8 page research paper that examines the roots of Eugene O'Neill's monumental trilogy of plays, Mourning Becomes Electra, which goes deep into the literature of ancient Greece. The ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus created a monumental trilogy of plays that relate the story of the house of Atreus. These plays are collectively entitled Oresteia. ...

A 15 page review of the 1974 book by Robert Persig. Explores the concept of perception and how it relates to the ancient philosophy of Zen. Illuminates Persig's concern with the decline in American values and in systems such as our educational system. No additional sources are listed.

This 3 page paper provides an overview of the context in which William Bradford wrote his Of Plymouth Plantation. This paper looks at the history, philosophy and literary perspectives that underscored this authorship. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 10 page report discusses Arthur Miller’s 1949 dramatic classic “Death of a Salesman.” The play is clearly a tragedy but its format of tragedy must be extended to consider other implications than dramatic formula. Because it tells the story of a man of the 20th century does not make it any less “tragic” than the stories of “Macbeth” ...

A 3 page paper which compares Kurtz, from the film “Heart of Darkness” based on Conrad’s novel of the same name, and the ancient character of Gilgamesh. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper that analyzes the use of allusion in Albee's play, especially as it relates to the character of Nick, and the connection to ancient literature and history. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 5 page paper examines the book A Short History of Progress by Ronald White and uses it as a springboard to argue that modern civilization is badly out of step with nature, and will fall into the “technology trap” and eventually perish. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page analysis of Mark Twain’s memorable short story. This paper laments the lack of leadership that could have turned Twain’s group into an effective military unit. Bibliography lists 4 sources.