Essays and Research Papers on American Literature

A six page paper which considers the extent to which harsh childhood experiences affect the later lives of the protagonists in five novels by Central American writers. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A five page paper which closely analyses Hooper's dying words in Hawthorne's 'The Minister's Black Veil' and considers the way in which they illuminate Hooper's view of his community in the earlier part of the narrative. Bibliography lists one source.

A 5 page paper which examines the use of disguise in Mark Twain’s classic “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The paper examines the theme of disguise versus that of reality within the novel. Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the historical significance of Anita Diamant’s novel “The Red Tent.” No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines the theme and importance of lying, or the tall-tale, in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The edition used is the Thomas Coley Norton Critical Edition. Third Edition. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines the claims that Ray Bradbury is not truly a science fiction writer. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page essay on Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep. The writer argues that Chandler's protagonist, detective Philip Marlowe, is the modern day equivalent of a knight -- a rugged individualist who relies on his own skill and cunning to defeat evil-doers, has his own code of honor, and rescues those in distress. No additional ...

A five page paper which looks at the themes of personal autonomy and Fate in Crane's The Open Boat and Camus' The Guest, with reference to the relationship between humanity and the universe, and the importance of personal responsibility for self.

This is a 5 page paper comparing Thomas Jefferson and Hank Morgan’s goals and values. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and the bill which established religious freedom in the United States. In addition, he believed in the value of education for all and the separation of the Church from the state. Hank Morgan ...

A five page paper which analyses the importance of the unknown letter-writer in Kate Chopin's short story 'Her Letters' with regard to the influence which this character has on the lives of the other two characters. Bibliography lists 3 sources

A paper which explores the concept of sacrifice in both a societal and religious context, with particular reference to Melville's 'Bartleby', Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' and Jackson's 'The Lottery'. Bibliography lists 3 sources

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the short stories “Child By Tiger” by Thomas Wolfe and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines various conflicts within Bernard Malamud’s “The Natural.” Bibliography lists 5 additional sources.

This is a 5 page paper comparing and contrasting 3 of Walt Whitman’s poems. Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”, “Drum Taps” and “A Noiseless Patient Spider” analyzed in order of publication show how Whitman uses many of the same techniques within his works, such as rhythm, simple diction, imagery and punctuation to highlight emotions and ...

A 6 page paper which examines realism in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

This 5-page paper, drawing on Tobias Wolff's autobiography, "The Boy's Life," discusses topics including the symbolism behind the car and Toby's costumes, what Toby was lacking in a father and gender roles in the 1950s, when the book took place.

A 5 page essay that contrasts and compares Tennessee Williams' play The Glass Menagerie and James Thurber's short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." The writer argues that both works feature characters that prefer a rich fantasy life to the real world. Furthermore, in both cases, their characters use fantasy as a mental defense ...

A 5 page essay that examines Michael Herr's critical acclaimed account of his experiences as a war correspondent during the Vietnam War entitled Dispatches. The writer discusses Herr's style, technique and structure in accomplishing his thematic goal of describing the war from the ordinary soldier's point of view. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the position of Maggie in Stephen Crane’s “Maggie: A Girl of the Streets” in relationship to opportunities available for women at the turn of the century. The paper argues that while there were opportunities in some parts of the country, Maggie’s environment and position in society were such that there were no options ...

A 5 page essay that contrasts and compares Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. While each novel features an independently minded female protagonist, the writer argues that there are distinct differences between them as well, specifically focusing on the topic of marriage and sexuality. No additional sources ...

A 5 page essay that contrasts and compares Edward Rivera's "First Communion" and Scott R. Sanders' "Under the Influence." The writer argues that while these two stories are different contextually, they are similar in the way that both stories speak eloquently of the way that children internalize their surroundings, taking on responsibility for the emotional ...

A 5 page paper which examines the symbolism in the settings within the short stories “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry, “ A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Conner, and “The Blue Hotel” by Stephen Crane. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines how these texts reveal the continuing problems of prejudice in the America of the twentieth century, despite continued assurances that the American Dream can be attained by anyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. No additional sources are used.

A 5 page review of the role of women in terms of their societal class and race. The author asserts that while there are many peripheral female characters in “The Awakening” each is treated as though she is invisible both by Chopin and her protagonist “Edna Pontellier”. This paper attempts to provide an ...

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the themes and elements of “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton and “A New Leaf” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Bibliography lists 7 additional sources.