Essays and Research Papers on British Literature

A 6 page essay that explores J.R.R. Tolkien's theme of commitment in his "The Fellowship of the Ring," which is part of his trilogy The Lord of the Rings. The writer relates this theme to Christian dogma and doctrine. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page essay/research paper that blends together Thomas Whyte's observations on Beowulf in his text The Heart Aroused with the philosophical premise that this archetypal examination can lead to personal insight. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the perspectives, values, and shifts in character which take place in The Heart of Darkness's Marlowe. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

An 8 page paper which examines the importance of setting in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” and E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines how the characters develop in Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice.” No additional sources cited.

A 4 page essay that offers an explication of Thomas' "Before I Knocked." The writer argues that this poem paints a surrealistic picture of the experience of a child in the womb prior to birth, and offers a possible meaning. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page paper which examines how George Orwell was a discontent youth who was very aware of the affects of the world wars and thus used such influence in his works. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the correlation between the Wife of Bath's prologue and the actual tale. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 7 page paper which examines how Austen’s main female characters show resistance to the social mainstream through their actions, beliefs and behaviors. No additional sources are used.

This 4 page paper compares and contrasts the characters of Dante's Inferno to those of Chaucer's. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the theme of insanity in Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper. Specific cause and effect are addressed and supported with examples and quotes from the text. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper offers a formalist interpretation of Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener. Characterization, symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing discussed. Bibliography lists 1 sources.

:A 10 page research paper/essay that examines the mean of beauty and art in Wilde's classic novel. The writer argues that this is a modern day parable that ultimately argues against a pure interpretation of Wilde's aesthetic philosophy that art and beauty have worth simply for their own sake. Bibliography lists 5 sources. ...

A 4-page essay that discusses the theme of death in the medieval dramas Everyman and Dulcitius. During the fifteenth century, death was an omnipresent reality. Therefore, it is not surprising that death is a prominent theme in medieval dramas. This examination of medieval drama looks specifically at the role that death plays in Everyman ...

A 5 page essay that discusses Somerset Maughan's short story "An Official Position." The writer argues that this story is a study in detailed characterization. In this narrative, Maugham paints a word picture of an individual, Louis Remire, a former French policeman who is now serving a twelve-year sentence for murdering his wife. While Remire ...

A 3 page essay that takes the form of a letter to Othello, presumably sent to Othello before the final scene, which tells him of the deceptive nature of Iago and how he has misjudged both Cassio and his wife Desdemona. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the character of Jane Eyre, especially in relation to the claims that the character is dishonest, a liar, and deceitful. Assertions supported with evidence from the text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 3 page paper discusses the death of Miles in Henry James' novel, The Turn of the Screw. Criticism from Krieg utilized and discussed. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page paper which examines the political and social effects Orwell’s experiences, seen in his short story “Shooting an Elephant,” had upon his life. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 6 page paper discusses the significance of reason (logos) presented in Dante's Inferno. A close reading of Circle 5-7, Canto VII is utilized to illustrate reason's function. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 5 page essay that examines Gaskell's novel Mary Barton (1848), which was certainly not unique in pointing out the miserable conditions that characterized the life of nineteenth century English working classes. Like Dickens' Oliver Twist and others, Gaskell describes scenes of wretched squalor, but she does so in a manner that makes it clear ...

A 3 page paper which examines what makes a good detective story, and then applies the criteria to Doyle’s story, with emphasis on crime, detectives, atmosphere, and red herrings. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines how Jane evolves and goes through stages of forgiveness in the novel “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page essay that summarizes and analyzes John Milton's Areopagitica. It is well known that John Milton is one of the greatest poets of English literature. It is less well known that he is also one of history's greatest proponents of liberty. This is exemplified by his text Areopagitica, which is an impassioned, ...

A 2.5 page paper which examines the role and status of women in these literary classics. Bibliography lists 8 sources.