Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 5 page research paper/essay that examines Mark Twain's use of language in his classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The writer addresses the controversy that has surrounded this novel concerning language use and defends Twain, while discussing his expert use of dialect and vernacular. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the character of Emily in William Faulkner's "A Rose For Emily." The paper focuses on Faulkner's line which indicates that Emily is "a tradition, a duty, and a care" as it relates to the old ways of the South. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page essay that examines the tremendous change that the protagonist, Frederic Henry, undergoes in this novel. This change alters his worldview and causes him to abandon the war, to make a "separate peace." No additional sources cited.

A 6 page overview of this tragic comedy. “Daisy Miller” is considered to reflect James’ most important theme, that of international cultural conflict as played out in the never-ending contrast between innocence in direct confrontation with societal dictates and mores. The author of this paper asserts that it was James’ personal experiences and ...

A 5 page research paper/essay that examines three works of Poe as indicative of his use of setting in setting up the overall tone and atmosphere of his work. The writer argues that "Cask of Amontillado," "The Raven, " and "The Tell-Tale Heart" demonstrate how Poe considered all aspects of language and narrative in creating ...

A 5 page paper which examines the role of Amanda, the mother in Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie." The paper argues that she is obviously an overstressed single mother with inadequate mothering skills. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Shirley Jackson's tale "The Possibility of Evil" and illustrates how it is a moral fable wherein one should not try to fix the problems of others when the individual has their own problems. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines two specific perspectives concerning "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut. One perspective argues that men and women are fundamentally the same despite technology. The other perspective argues that mankind inherently praises the natural disasters that bring chaos to a civilization. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper addresses the controversy concerning the story in respect to the evil nature of the grandmother. The grandmother and the Misfit are discussed in depth, how they each think and what they believe. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses and compares "The Tell Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allen Poe. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This paper examines Edith Wharton's book Ethan Frome, and the symbolism that Wharton uses in describing her character Zeena. Described in this paper is the meaning of the name "Zeena" and how various symbols in the book (such as ice and the cat) are ascribed to Zeena. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page analysis of these two nineteenth century works. The author of this paper contends that books stands in testament to the historical sacrifice of female qualities for male qualities due to perceived societal need which has been a component of our lives presumably since the beginning of human reign on the ...

This 5 page report discusses Flannery O’Connor’s 1957 short story and the ways in which it serves as an example of her personal sensibilities and understandings of the world, especially the inner world. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This paper discusses if the jilting of the protagnist in this story had caused her bitterness and anger, or if the bitterness and anger were already in place, and that is why Granny was left at the altar.

A 6 page summary of the massive volume of critical reviews which have been published on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”. The author of this paper emphasizes that the number of reviews which have been completed is testament the tale’s superiority as a classic work of literature. It is a work which, although ...

A five page paper which analyses Leslie Marmon Silko's story 'Lullaby' from the perspective of W.E.B. du Bois' theories of black art and culture. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 10 page paper which presents a feminist examination of "Wise Children" by Angela Carter and "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys. The paper uses these examinations to present a better understanding of the 20th century novel. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

This 5 page report discusses the question what morality is and whether or not it is the most important thing in life. Considering the Socratic approach to such a question and then applying such thinking to a number of well-known works of fiction -- “The Great Gatsby,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and “A Farewell ...

5 pages. The theme of many major twentieth century novels was based on alienation or a form of it. Whether used literally or symbolically, alienation came to be known as what the twentieth century novel was all about. Comparing two major works, this paper will discuss how the theme of alienation fits into ...

This 5 page report discusses works by Anzia Yezierska, Bruno Lessing (the pseudonym of Hearst Publications editor Rudolph Block), along with editors Barbara Roche Rico and Sandra Mano, all of whom have firsthand knowledge of the immigrant experience. Each wanted to explain the experience of being an immigrant in ways than non-immigrants could understand and ...

An 8 page analysis of four of Flannery O’Connor’s short stories (“A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, “Good Country People”, “Revelation”, and “Parker's Back”). The author of this paper contends that O’Connor utilizes humor to deliver deep and meaningful messages to her readers. Most often her message has deep and profound religious ...

Discussing William Faulkner's short story "The Burning," this paper draws comparisons between Faulkner's style of writing and his upbringing as a "son of the south" in Mississippi. In addition to describing the narrative of the story, the paper shows Faulkner's feelings through "The Burning." Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 5 page essay that discusses how Chopin used regional flavor and culture effectively in her novel. The writer argues that region plays a particularly important role in this work as this novel largely concerns the social, psychological and sexual repression of the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, and the changes that she undergoes when she leaves ...

A 5 page paper which examines "A Rose For Emily" by William Faulkner and "Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin as they illustrate the oppressive nature of a patriarchal society as it relates to women. No additional sources cited.

5 pages. This paper replies to the rhetorical statement, "Life is a braided cord of humanity stretching up from time long gone and that it cannot be defined by the span of a single journey from diaper to shroud". This is answered in the context of the significance in regard to Russell Baker's book ...