Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A paper which looks at Hannah Foster's novel The Coquette, with regard to the way in which it portrays women and sexual relationships in a pioneer society. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 12 page paper which critically examines the theme of good and evil in such Poe short stories as “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Ligeia,” “The Black Cat” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” as well as in the poem, “The Raven.” Bibliography lists 14 sources.

A 5 page review of this inside look at the desperation of the inner city drug culture of West Baltimore. The author of this paper contends that this book is much more than an expose’ on sex, drugs and rock and roll. It is a window into a community in need, a community ...

A paper which considers the concept of the victim in Fierstein's drama Of Tidy Endings, and compares the strengths and weaknesses of the two main characters.

A paper which looks at the importance of the social context in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and the part that social culture plays in the lives and behaviour of the main characters.

A paper which considers the way in which Wharton uses irony to comment on society and behaviour in New York in The Age of Innocence. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses how Sam Hunter's position as successful and content indicates how good things never last when one is not truly righteous. The book is "Coyote Blue" by Christopher Moore. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

This 5 page report discusses the short story by American writer John Cheever in terms of the symbolism presented by the names of Francis Weed (the main character), Jupiter (the dog who belongs to Weed’s next-door neighbor) and Mrs. Wrightson (the social arbiter in Weed’s town). Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of Mark Twain's story, but also examines the quest for freedom theme as contained in the work. The river is discussed as a symbolic element. Several quotes from the work are included. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper looks at themes of unreality such as the line between fantasy and truth, and the questioning of the dreaming versus waking states. Quotes are included. Other themes are discussed and literary elements are explored. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which compares the two stories "Hills Like White Elephants" and "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," both written by Ernest Hemingway. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the characters of Frankenstein and the monster, from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," and discusses which is truly the hero. The paper argues that the monster is the hero. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.

A 7 page paper which compares and contrasts "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 7 page paper provides an overview, and analysis, of this story by Flannery O'Connor. The plot, setting and characterization are discussed, but a focus is on thematic elements. The meaning of the title is thoroughly explored. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which compares the approach of the first person narrative in John Updike's "and Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson." Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page overview of the literary style employed in “Benito Cereno”, the short story which is considered by many to be Herman Melville greatest accomplishment. It is a suspenseful tale of the sea, a mystery which is made even more captivating by Melville’s complex relationships between characters and his rich analogies, metaphors, ...

A 5 page paper which discusses how the narrator is infantilized, by other characters, in Charlotte Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay that analyzes the theme of loss in Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars. Involving racial tension toward Japanese after World War II, the novel revolves around a murder and a trial with the author expertly weaving themes of loss into a poignant narrative that shows how issues of loss can serve ...

A 5 page paper which examines various themes and elements in "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" presents us with images of a patriarchal society. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page research paper that discusses Flannery O'Connor's use of comic imagery in several of her short stories. The writer refers to short stories: "The Artificial Nigger," "A Good Man is Hard to Find," and "Good Country People." Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page paper which examines the symbolism in both of Poe's stories, and focuses on how the stories use a character or figure to symbolize an alter ego of sorts that the character denies and thus delves into madness. In the story of Usher the symbolic presentation of the other self is Roderick's twin. In "The Black Cat" ...

A 6 page paper which compares the life’s values and conduct between these two American short stories. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 5 page paper examines the story Benito Cereno and the themes of slavery and prejudice. Quotes and detailed analysis support the thesis. Bibliogrpahy lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which examines the role of myth and tradition in William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily." The focus, concerning myth and tradition, is on the Old South. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.