Essays and Research Papers on British Literature

An 8 page research paper/essay that examines Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte as to which controls her destiny – fate or free will. The writer argues that it is free will that determines the novel's ending for Jane. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page paper which compares and contrasts the two medieval considerations of love and marriage. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

In Shakespeare's The Tempest, Caliban is Prospero's subject whom he teaches to read. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the monster is the 'child' whom Dr. Frankenstein must teach the lessons of the world. This 3 page paper argues that, in both instances, the 'taught' must conform to the standards of the 'teacher' or cease to exist. No additional ...

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is seen as an extension of his own creation, mirrored in behavior and psychological representations of the self. This 5 page paper explores the psychological associations of doubling as defined by Sigmund Freud. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 4-page paper which is a straightforward listing of the supernatural events in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, with some comments about various interpretations of some reviewers. References list 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how Swift’s low opinion of pride is depicted in the novel. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page report discusses “Everyman,” an English morality play written anonymously sometime in the late 15th century. Everyman” is a parable about death and the ultimate destiny of a human being’s soul. “Everyman” reflects both its place in history and the mindset by which medieval sensibilities were governed. “Everyman” is truly a message that was designed to convey the ...

This 5 page report discusses John Donne’s poem “The Flea.” Donne (1572-1631), English poet, writer, and clergyman, has come to be considered as the greatest of the metaphysical poets and one of the greatest writers of the poetry of love. Donne belonged to a group of writers for whom personal passion was more important than social prominence, and whose writing reflected ...

This 10 page paper considers how communism is represented in Thomas More's Utopia, and how he overcomes many of his criticism of the socialist state. More's idea of a Christian communist state is discussed regarding the viability of such as state and the way in which More may have intended for his book to have ...

A 5 page essay that examines Jane Austen's characterization of the Rev. Mr. William Collins, and how this character enables Austen to satirize the social conventions of that era. Collins epitomizes many of the social conventions that Austen's fiction exposed as being largely responsible for keeping British women subjugated and economically disadvantaged. No ...

An 8 page paper which examines how "The London Merchant" by George Lillo and "The Man of Feeling" by Henry Mackenzie depict the poor and common individual of the 18th century. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.

A 5 page research paper/essay that investigates the levels of fear in Mary Shelley's classic novel. However, the writer argues that fear in the novel is distinctly different from the way the story is portrayed in film. By the time that Shelley portrays the monster committing violence, the reader has learned to sympathize with the ...

A 7 page research paper that addresses the significance and pivotal importance of the great mead-hall, Heorot, as the setting for the drama with Grendel. The writer argue that the mead-hall functions as a physical manifestation of the reciprocal relationship between the Danish king Hrothgar and his subjects. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at Lady Audley's Secret, a book by Mary Elizabeth Braddon and The Woman in White by Willkie Collins and consider how these sensational mysteries are also book which use paradox and subversive perspectives or plots to achieve their ultimate conclusion. The bibliography cites 2 sources.

An 8 page paper. There was a great deal of superstition during the Renaissance, much of which had carried over from the Middle Ages. Part of their belief system was the ability of the deceased to reappear and the ability of some to communicate with these spirits. This paper discusses these beliefs and provides examples ...

A 6 page paper which examines how the novel achieves the author’s primary goal or intent. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

5 pages. Normally when a book is made into a screenplay there are some liberties taken with the original story. This can be for any of a variety of reasons, and can only be done with the original author's permission of course. This paper compares the 1995 movie The Scarlet Letter, starring Demi ...

A 5 page essay that compares the love relationships in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The writer discusses how financial and class consideration subverted true love in both novels and also which matches were made based on love. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay that examines Oliver Goldsmith's 1766 novel The Vicar of Wakefield. The writer argues that this is a morality tale similar to the trials of the biblical Job. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

6 pages in length. The concept of literary criticism embodies a number of critical theories by which to better address the various perspectives of interdisciplinary connection. As a means by which to establish a fundamental basis for prose to be perceived within the myriad literary components, the critical theory serves to create a ...

A 5 page essay that examines Lilio's play The London Merchant and Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. The writer argues that, with these works, one can see the eighteenth century from two distinct perspectives that are both informative as to ideas about class, social status, and the role that money plays in the societal mix. ...

A 10 page comparison of the societal factors which shaped each of these characters’ lives and their quest for independence and emotional maturity. This paper contends that these works were set during times of many hardships and conflicting values. Dickens and Bronte alike, however, never shy away from these less positive aspects of ...

A 5 page paper which compares and contrasts the characters of Charlie Marlow and Mr. Kurtz. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page research paper that examines the autobiographical essay of British writer Hanif Kureishi, The Rainbow Sign. Kureishi, who is half Pakistani, describes the prejudice he has encountered in British society, and the tension that his divided loyalties created in his life, as well as his decision to define himself as British. Bibliography lists ...

This 5 page paper consider the way that ghosts are seen in this well known book, what they mean and the role they play. The writer also seeks to place this in the wider context of nineteenth century literature. The bibliography cites 2 sources.