Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

5 pages. This paper discusses some of the religious themes that are to be found within Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and whether those themes are relevant in today's world. While this book is a look at the future and might be labeled science fiction by some, it is nonetheless based on some ...

A 5 page paper which synthesizes four of Hawthorne’s best-known short stories. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

Kurt Lohbeck's Holy War, Unholy Victory: Eyewitness To The CIA's Secret War In Afghanistan is, first and foremost, a personal narrative. This 7 page paper provides a review of his book, focusing on the role of the CIA and Islam in his understanding of the Afghan reality. No additional sources are listed.

This 5 page report discusses and analyzes the character of the blind man, Robert, in Carver’s short story “Cathedral.” Carver creates a realm in which the readers are essentially blind to what is about to take place, the characters are blind to what actually is taking place in their lives, and Robert, a character in “Cathedral” is simply . . . ...

This 5 page paper examines the character of Dave Saunders in Wright's classic coming of age story. Many quotes are included and symbolism is discussed. No additional sources cited.

A 10 page paper which provides a character analysis of Jake and Brett. The paper compares Jake and Brett, Jake and the other men, and Brett and the other men. The paper presents the thesis that all of these relationships support one another in regards to the characters' need to find value and meaning in life following WWI. Bibliography ...

A 5 page overview of Stephen Hunter's criminal chase novel "Dirty White Boys." No additional sources cited.

A five page paper which looks at the way in which the black American cultural perspective is presented in du Bois’ text, and the relevance which the work has not only for the black community but for America as a whole, in terms of the way in which black people have been an inherent part ...

A 5 page paper which discusses Edgar Allan Poe and his story "The Cask of Amontillado." Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 6 page paper which examines "The Grapes of Wrath," both the film and the book by Steinbeck, in regards to class and class consciousness during the Great Depression. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 5 page paper which examines how these books each provide an insightful perspective on daily living. No additional sources are used.

6 pages. The settings and symbolism of stories have everything to do with the meaning and intent. As with the stories mentioned herein, Trifles, by Susan Glaspell, and Livvie and A Worn Path by Eudora Welty, the function of the setting and symbolism is to bring out the plot or theme of the story and characters in the ...

In Hemingway's very short story, Hills Like White Elephants, the female character is seen as ambiguous. That is, she is not exactly sure of who she is or what she wants. This 5 page paper explores the characterization, setting and symbols of the story. No additional sources are listed.

A five page paper which looks at the use of symbolism in three narratives, in terms of the way in which it conveys deeper or universal meanings to the reader whilst forming an integral part of the structure of the story and the personal development of the characters. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 5 page research paper/essay that analyzes Malamud's modern fable, The Magic Barrel. The writer discusses how the relationship between the serious religious student and the marriage broker provides the tension that propels the country forward. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A five page paper which looks at two children’s novels from the modern fantasy genre and looks at the similarities and differences between the two in terms of character, narrative development and the underlying social or moral commentary which the respective authors are trying to convey to the reader. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the book "Fatal Light" by Richard Currey as it relates to the preface and the epilogue. No additional sources cited.

This 20 page paper outlines some central research and an annotated bibliography on the author John Cheever. This paper integrates a view of the sources and their value for creating historical and social context of Cheever's life. Bibliography lists 40 sources.

A 5 page research paper/analysis in which the writer discusses how to approach this short story from a feminist perspective. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A five page paper which looks at the way in which the character of Huck changes and develops throughout the narrative, particularly in reference to Huck’s acquisition of ethical and moral values and his changing perception of black people in a slave society. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which compares the societies of "1984" by George Orwell and "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

A 6 page paper which presents the types of dialect found in Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn.' Bibliography lists 1 additional sources.

A 6 page paper that offers a character analysis of the two major characters in the titled story: Mr. Martin and Mrs. Barrows. The writer discusses Thurber's ability to present both in the opposite characterization of stereotypes for males and females. At the same time, Thurber gives Martin the qualities typically associated with his job. ...

An 8 page paper which examines the significance of fire in Henry James' "The Beast in the Jungle." Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 6 page paper which discusses the use of character, as an element, in the story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. The paper also offers a brief look at Thurber and what it takes to make a living and breathing character. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.