Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 5 page review of the common elements of survival found in these works by Ernest Hemingway and May Angelou. Instead of fighting against the sea, the marlin, and the sharks, as did Hemingway’s Santiago, Angelou is fighting against the societal realities of being female and black. She, like Santiago, is influenced heavily by ...

A 15 page overview of the plot and literary structure of Auster’s novel. The author of this paper asserts that this novel is a study in literary contrast. The book can be accurately described as a chronicle of innumerable tragedies and a comedy alike. It can equally be described as a bildungsroman, ...

A 5 page paper discussing mechanisms by which members of the Pollitt family isolate themselves from each other. Each of the characters of the play has developed a means of creating and then maintaining some measure of isolation from the others. The effort varies with the character, and it varies according to family ...

A 6 page overview of the underlying symbology and themes in these works by J.D. Salinger and William Golding. The author evaluates the manner in which characters, nature, objects, and scenarios are used to symbolize such qualities as evil, good, confusion, and harmony. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This essay examines the novel The Day of The Locust by Nathanael West, and explores the nihilstic concepts throughout. The paper includes definitions of nihilism, and how Hollywood can be nihilistic as well. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This tutorial paper examines three elements of symbolism in Lord of the Flies, including Piggy's glasses, the conch shell and the fire. The paper examines the thesis that these symbols help the plot move along, and are, in some ways, more representative of the occurrances on the island then the activities of the boys.

5 pages in length. As we explore the impact of Ernest Hemingway's "Soldier's Home" upon the literary world, it is important to take into account the critical impressions associated with the story in order to gain a significantly better understanding of just how intricately related Harold Krebs' problems were truly associated with his ultimate ...

A 7 page paper which examines the beheading motifs in each and discusses why beheading was the means of execution in each work. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 7 page paper which examines the use of allegory in John Barth's tale, "Giles Goat Boy." Bibliography lists 14 additional sources.

A 5 page analysis of John Updike's short story A&P. The writer argues that the story is primarily concerned with this adolescent's maturing from an innocent toward more mature comprehension of sexuality, but also that the girls in the story can be viewed as symbolic of class and privilege. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper gives an indepth look at the novel, Deliverance, by James Dickey. Topics covered include: setting, POV, theme, irony, conflict, analysis, symbolism, and use of foreshadowing.A brief synopsis is included as well. Examples and quotes. Bibliography lists 1 source.

7 pages. This paper will compare and analyze two short stories by Ernest Hemingway. The Cat in the Rain and A Clean Well-lighted Place are the short stories that are the topic of this paper, and the symbolism in each of these will be discussed. Hemingway used many references to lightness and darkness, ...

A 5 page discussion of the numerous lessons presented in this book on Native American history and the culture’s impacts on the Europeans who invaded Native lands. This book offers a provocative view of the manner in which mainstream America is indebted to its indigenous inhabitants the Native Americans. Despite the lack of ...

A 5 page essay that offers a synopsis of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Purloined Letter." The writer discusses how Poe invented the modern day detective story and how this narrative is exemplary of that genre. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the use Bret Harte makes of local color in literary works. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This paper examines how poet Robert Frost used his works to suggest human virtues and values. While Frost was best known for his 'nature' poetry, he managed to use it to outline the feelings of the common man. Bibligraphy lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Ernest Hemmingway's character, Robert Jordan, and his possible reasons for joining the Spanish Civil War. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This essay examines Alcott's Little Women, and discusses the theme -- how all four of the protagonists come to the realization that family and love, not wealth, are what's important in life. The paper also extrapolates the character of each girl and describes it in today's terms.

This 5 page paper delves into the story and evaluates the plot, theme, intent of the author and use of imagery along with other literary and techniques. The protagonist Ichabod Crane is discussed in depth. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page research paper on Walt Whitman, his life and his art. The writer looks at his Civil War experience, and his position on transcendental philosopher and poet, in general. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines Mark Twain's book "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," illustrating how it is perhaps a transition work which demonstrates Twain moving into his dark period. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines characterization, plot summary, major theme, atmosphere, setting and symbolism. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 6 page paper looks at the play and focuses on the logical fallacy of false authority. The play is analyzed in terms of pathos and other observations such as its relevance to modern society and a class division is also noted. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines the conflict each story’s characters face between remaining loyal to their cultural customs and seeking out the contemporary urban world, the choices and sacrifices each must make, as well as their consequences. No additional sources are used.

A 5 page paper which discusses and analyzes "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.