Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 20 page paper looking at the historical identity of American blacks between 1850-1900 as related to the racial theories of the time, and in the context of Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson." The paper points out that Twain was a white man who wrote of racism, but ...

A 3 page paper which analyzes the 1960 Harper Lee novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," in terms of plot (15 major incidents), characters, setting, conflict, point of view, themes, and techniques.

A 3 page paper which examines the insight gained from Mitch Albom's 1997 memoir, "Tuesdays With Morrie," and considers how this insight may be incorporated into nursing practice.

A six page paper looking at the recurring theme of morality that runs through the novels of John Steinbeck. The paper notes that Steinbeck tends to look at morality in a different way than most people of his era; he shows in his works that American society behaves immorally toward its poor, and the poor, ...

A 5 page paper discussing the setting and the character of Tessie Hutchinson in Shirley Jackson's short story. The carnival mood of the crowd changes as the time for the annual drawing approaches, and Tessie begins to object strongly, first when it is her family selected by the lottery to satisfy local tradition, then when it becomes apparent ...

Blue Winds Dancing is an autobiographical account of a young man's journey into the world of cultural polarities. This 5 page paper argues that the value of the story can be found in the questioning of social orientation, the resolution of the conflict and the process that the young man takes in determining his own place within the cultural ...

A 5 page paper which provides a general overview of Jacob Riis' 1890 book, "How the Other Half Lives," with particular emphasis on how it relates to the events of the time period. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper explores the moral connection to family as it is presented in Anne Tyler's novel, The Accidental Tourist. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the ways in which Edgar Allan Poe's own background, experiences, and personal beliefs are reflected in his 1839 short story, 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A five page paper looking at this 1977 play by Michael Cristofer. The paper provides a brief synopsis, together with a discussion of the function of plot, theme, characterization, dialogue, setting, and ethics in the play. Bibliography lists one source.

This 5 page paper considers the character of Yossarian in Joseph Heller's 'Catch 22'. The personal morality of Yossarian is considered by examining his actions as well as the conversations he has to explain those views. The paper concludes that he was not immoral, only that in the insanity of war he had a different ...

5 pages in length. The specialized talent that Welles had in his storytelling ability is precisely what Benjamin discusses in his essay as being the missing component in the true gift of storytelling. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses the novel "The Good Soldier: A Tale of Passion," by Ford Madox Ford. The paper discusses the focus of passion in the story and the lack of passion in the narrator. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

This five-page-paper presents a discussion about the similarities and differences between Early American Puritan poets Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor. Bibliography lists four sources.

A five page paper looking at three works by John Steinbeck: "Of Mice and Men," "The Chrysanthemums," and "The Pearl." The paper compares and contrasts the way women are portrayed in these three works, and demonstrates the emphasis Steinbeck placed on creating realistic, three-dimensional female characters. Bibliography lists seven sources.

A 5 page paper that explores how William Faulkner uses characterization, setting and theme in his 1939 short story Barn Burning to present a clear, concise picture of the class struggles that raged across the South in the decades following the Civil War. Discussed are the conflicts and contrasts between the characters of Abner ...

A five page paper on this novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The paper outlines the chief characteristics of the Yankee mind and temper as they are revealed in the character of Miss Ophelia, and shows how they mirror Stowe's own attitudes. No additional sources.

A four page paper looking at this unusually melodramatic Mark Twain story in terms of its dramatic construction. The paper shows that Twain, attempting to prove a moral stance similar to the one he held in "Huckleberry Finn," introduces anecdote after anecdote to strengthen his story's theme: that lies and deceptions are sometimes necessary to attain ...

A four page paper looking at Mark Twain's humorous story in terms of the way its structure contributes to the story's effect. Using numerous quotes from the story, it provides rules the budding storyteller can follow for constructing his own story. No additional sources.

A 5 page research paper that examines the turn-of-the-century novel Looking Backward. The writer argues that Bellamy's novel, which pictures a utopia in the year 2000, is a reaction to the inequalities of produced by industrialism in the late 19th century. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

An eight page paper looking at William S. Burrough's highly experimental postmodern novel in terms of its ideas on physical and mental freedom. The paper argues that Burrough's focus on drug addicts is intended to show us that we, too, are subject to the cravings and demands of our bodies; none of us are really ...

5 pages in length. This indepth look at the character of Edna shows a tragic yet enigmatic figure who is strong enough to tackle her biggest fears. This focussed and well written paper is an outstanding character analysis of one of Kate Chopin's most famous characters in her literary career. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' with Tayeb Salih's 'Season of Migration to the North.' Themes are discussed along with the significance of spirit and the afterlife in each. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts these two works that both have coming of age themes. The protagonists in each--Holden Caulfield and John Grimes--are discussed in depth in terms of their spiritual and psychological journeys that deal with religion, family and the meaning of life. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper that discusses the death of spouses at the end of 'The Immoralist' by Andre Gide and 'The Retreat from Love' by Colette. The two deaths are compared as they function as parts of the narratives. No additional sources cited.