Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A 5 page paper which examines the significance of the books alluded to in “Cold Mountain” by Charles Frazier. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This is a 5 page paper discussing the similarities and differences found in the autobiographical book “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam and the movie “October Sky” which was a portrayal of the book on screen. Although the movie exaggerates several aspects in the book and condenses several years and characters, the vital components and the ...

A 5 page research paper t hat discusses how the female characters of Adele Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz are used by Chopin to underscore the characterization of the main protagonist, Edna Pontellier, who experiences a sexual awakening at the dawn of the twentieth century. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which presents 4 similarities and 4 differences in Ernest Hemingway’s “the Old Man and the Sea” and Stephen Crane’s “The Open Boat.” Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which examines Lillian Smith’s book “Strange Fruit” and discusses its theme of caring. No additional sources cited.

5 pages in length. In conjunction with his father's literary masterpiece "The Killer Angels," Jeff Shaara's "Gods and Generals" takes a decidedly deeper look into the individuals whose lives were altered by – as well as responsible for – the American Civil War. The young Shaara's purpose for writing this follow-up to his ...

A 6 page research paper/essay that analyzes the fiction of Tim O'Brien and his war novel The Things They Carried. The writer argues that O'Brien's style of writing mirrors the fractured way that his protagonist thinks due the trauma of war. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how insanity is present in “Frankenstein,” “The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde,” and “The Island of Dr. Moreau.” The paper argues that the alluring nature of scientific discovery can lead one to uncover realities better left alone. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

A 6 page paper which examines whether or not Willy Loman from Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” is a loser. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 6 page paper which examines how William Faulkner’s tale “A Rose For Emily” is a story of the Old South. The New South is discussed as well. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses this Stephen Ambrose novel in-depth. Critical analysis discusses writing style, impact, research and more in relation to this novel. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 7 page paper discusses how the concept of money in The Great Gatsby. In addition, how money relates to love within this novel is also examined. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the significance of an Italian setting in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.” Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This essay examines Edgar Allan Poe and two of his works, "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart." The paper analyzes both of these works, then compares the two, noting that they both deal with death in different ways. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This is a 5 page paper discussing the use of imagery, metaphors and symbolism in the poetry of Robert Frost. The three poems of “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, “After Apple Picking” and “The Road Not Taken” are used as examples of the symbolism used and the contrasting images found in his poetry ...

This is a 6 page paper on the symbolism found in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and David Henry Hwang’s play “The Sound of a Voice”. While Orwell is fairly direct in his symbolic satire of the Russian Revolution in “Animal Farm”, Hwang is somewhat more subtle in the symbolism used in his approach for the ...

A 5 page paper which examines how women experience urban life differently than men. The paper focuses on two modern pieces of literature in order to illustrate this position. The works are “Back When We Were Grown ups” by Anne Tyler and “The Three of Us” by Cynthia Victor. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page overview of the factors which have shaped the primary character of this novel and those with whom she interrelates. Lucy has attempted to escape the colonial oppression of her homeland in the West Indies only to find herself equally unhappy in the dysfunctional society of America. The author attempts to ...

A 5 page paper which examines how the work of John Steinbeck seems to mourn the fact that many classes cannot ever achieve the American Dream of success and security. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses how the work of Zora Neale Hurston titled “Their Eyes Were Watching God” demonstrates how women are still shackled in a man’s society just as they were in Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening.” No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper discusses Bartleby's phsical appearance and his mental state. These two personality traits are discussed in terms of how they affect the character of Bartleby and his behavior. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe and how evident themes relate to his actual life. This paper uses many of his poems as examples of the themes identified. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 7 page paper which examines the novel “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver from a new historicism perspective. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

A 5 page review of this fictional novel by one of the most notable American authors of the nineteenth century. This paper reviews the issues surrounding Native American land and their relationship with the United States government which grounded Jackson’s novel. Where Jackson failed to raise attention to the plight of the Native ...

This is a 6 page paper discussing the significance of the setting in Edgar Allan Poe’s story “The Cask of Amontillado”. The story takes place in the catacombs underneath a town during carnival. For this story of revenge and death, the dark, damp, and bone-filled catacombs provide a contrast to the life, color, and merriment ...