Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 5 page overview of the book by Martha C. Ward. This book provides not only insight to the people of the island on which Ward is stationed but also into the mindset and thinking of the author herself. This paper contends, however, that this book is a window into the lives and ...

A 7 page research paper that examines Edgar Allan Poe's "the Cask of Amontillado" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." The writer argues that it is possible to gain a deeper appreciation of Poe's skill at using the horrific and the gothic to delve into the darker recesses of the human psyche. Bibliography ...

A 6 page paper which compares and contrasts the characters in "The Heart of Darkness" and "Typhoon," both by Joseph Conrad. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

An 8 page paper which examines critical analyses to Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" as it relates to theme. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 10 page paper which examines the life and works of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Bibliography lists 13 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" as it involves the condition of families experiencing the Great Dust Bowl. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This paper examines how closely today's society mirrors that predicted in Vonnegut's novel, The Player Piano. The paper uses various methods to demonstate that Vonnegut was very prophetic in this work. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This paper analyzes Sinclair Lewis' novel Babbitt, and discusses how the book satirizes the American Experience.

This 5 page paper discusses the novel Babbitt and the aparent biases the author maintained. Specifically, this paper discusses the average, drab life of Babbitt and the nature of middle class society. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This is a 5 page paper discussing the similarities between the central characters and how they view their native culture in the novels “Ceremony” by Leslie Silko and “From the Glittering World: A Navajo Story” by Irvin Morris. Additional comparisons and contrasts are made between the traditional tale of Coyote from Morris’ novel to that ...

A 5 page paper which discusses how James Jones’ “From Here to Eternity” is a story that details how the army is a society in and of itself. The paper focuses on the characters of Captain Holmes and Prew. No additional sources cited.

This 7 page report discusses the ideas of two of the great thinkers of the 19th century and applies their points of view to the issues of liberty and individuality. British philosopher and economist John Stuart Mill (1806-73) was certain that the highest normative principle is that, “actions are right in proportion as they tend ...

A 5 page discussion of the characteristics of the narrator in this story by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe was preoccupied with death, disfigurement, and the darker aspects of the universe. He was an expert at blending together characters, plot and setting in such a way that his reader was captivated. The author ...

This 5 page report discusses transcendental thought and allusion in the poetry of Walt Whitman and both the poetry and prose of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Each believes the so-called “common” man to be a noble part of humanity and each is aware of the unique and important connections that exist between humanity and nature. Bibliography ...

A 5 page paper which examines the persona presented by Franklin and how this persona suits the purpose of the writing. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 6 page research paper that looks at Miller's brilliant characterization in Death of a Salesman. The character of Willy Loman, in particular, has come to represent the oppressed worker, who is ground up in the corporate mill. However, Miller's characterization goes much deeper than merely attending to Willy's working persona, he also brings into ...

A 5 page review of this classic investment guide. First published almost thirty years ago this book provides tremendous insight into the investment world of Wall Street. Malkiel’s philosophy is actually quite simple. He views the active management of mutual funds too complex and unsure for the individual investor. So too ...

A 5 page paper which examines how the novel represents an allegory of man. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines how naturalism is used in Stephen Crane’s short story “The Open Boat.” The paper also examines how Crane’s life relates to the story. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses the life of Ambrose Bierce. Specifically, this paper relates how his life is reflected in his literary works. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This is a 7 page paper discussing the effective uses of imagery and symbolism Nathaniel Hawthorne uses in his novel “The Scarlet Letter”. Discussions regarding the use of color, nature, strength of character and biblical comparisons are noted in the character development throughout the story especially in the characters of Hester, Pearl, Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. Bibliography ...

This 7 page report discusses Anzia Yezierska’s “Breadgivers” and Mary Antin’s “The Promised Land” along with the 1975 movie “Hester Street.” Each offers a view into the immigrant experience in terms of assimilation and the ways in which women voiced and expanded upon the reality of their circumstances as Jews and immigrants. Bibliography lists ...

A 5 page paper which provides a book report and analysis of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

A 6 page discussion of the manner in which Dr. Martin Luther King utilized patience and strategy in implementing civil reform in regard to black rights. This paper contends that despite the title of Dr. King’s most popular book, Dr. King did wait till the time was right for each measure of his complicated ...

A 5 page paper which examines protagonist Harvey Cheyne’s “coming of age” as he is swept overboard from a luxury liner, rescued by the hard-working crew of a cod-fishing boat, and learns the meaning of work, the value of friendships, and through his experiences, gains understanding about life and the world around him that will ...