Ray Bradbury’s "Fahrenheit 451" : A 6 page essay on Ray Bradbury’s futuristic dystopia. The writer analyzes Bradbury’s purpose in writing the novel, shows how Bradbury contrasts the motifs of technology versus human expression, and concludes that in Bradbury’s view it is self-expression, both through words and actions, that makes us truly human. No additional sources are listed. Fahren.wps

Ray Bradbury’s "Farenheit 451" : In 5 pages the author discusses the novel "Farenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury. "In 'Farenheit 451', which was written in 1953, Ray Bradbury predicted the evils of a world in which books are illegal. The book is about censorship, and what must be done to overcome it. He was very astute at the time, and it makes one wonder how he could glimpse into the future with such a clarity." Faren.wps

Recurrent Themes in the Works of Eugene O'Neill : A 17 page criticism of Eugene O'Neill - -focusing specifically upon how he portrayed the way in which hidden psychological processes intrude upon our outward actions. Two works by O'Neill are discussed throughout the essay : "The Ice Man Cometh" and "Hughie." Through a discussion of characters and circumstances complemented by cited criticisms, the writer does an excellent job proving an original & insightful thesis. Bibliography lists 14 supporting sources. Oneil.wps

Five Plays By Eugene O’Neill : A 5 page summary of the major themes and plot lines of five of O’Neill’s most well-known plays: "The Hairy Ape," "The Emperor Jones," "Desire Under the Elms," "Strange Interlude", and "The Iceman Cometh". It demonstrates O’Neill’s mastery of a variety of literary techniques to explore the full range of the human character. Bibliography lists two sources. Fiveeug.wps

James Thurber’s Comic Methods : A10 page critical essay describing how Thurber constructed his comedy to so accurately reflect the experience of twentieth century Americans. His diction and subject matter are both examined, along with the text of one short story and abundant references to others. Bibliography lists ten sources. Thurber.wps

James Thurber’s "The Catbird Seat" / Brains vs. Brawn : An 8 page essay on the contrast of images of both athleticism and sexuality with intellectualism and strategy in James Thurber’s Thurber’s short story. The writer concludes that for Thurber it is the sport of the mind that triumphs. Bibliography lists three sources. Catbird.wps

J.D. Salinger : A 5 page essay comparing the tales presented in Salinger's book entitled "Nine Short Stories." The writer discusses similarities and differences between the stories. Jdsaling.wps

The Works of J. D. Salinger : 8 pages in length. The author discusses Catcher in the Rye, "A Perfect Day for Bananafish", and "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut" In these stories Salinger portrays a sense of hopelessness in his choice of main characters. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Worksofj.wps

J.D. Salinger’s "Catcher In The Rye" / Missed Communication : A 9 page essay on J.D. Salinger’s classic novel of growing up. It traces the a huge number of assignations and phone calls Holden Caulfield either makes or just contemplates making in the novel, and concludes that they represent his unsatisfied need to reach out, to affirm the validity of his place in the world at that moment and have it confirmed by the response of another person. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Catcher.doc

J.D. Salinger’s "Catcher In The Rye" # 2 : A 5 page examination of the theme "the human heart in conflict with itself" in J.D. Salinger’s classic coming of age novel. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Catrye.wps

Criticisms of "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger : In 4 pages, the writer summarizes the main points of three critics who have written criticism of "The Catcher in the Rye", noting similarities and differences in their criticisms. "'The Catcher in the Rye' is a 1950s book that has been criticized in many forms by many people. Holden Caulfield is the subject of most of the criticism because he is the main character of the novel, and the novel is written in first person. The book has been on the 'banned list' of many schools for its vulgarity." Bibliography lists 3 sources. Catno2.wps

What is a Phony According to Holden?: In 5 pages the author discusses the topic of phoniness according to Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. "There are many themes tackled in J. D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye', but none is more compelling than Holden Caulfield's critique of phonies. 'The Catcher in the Rye' brought the reader a teenager that seemed to grow tired and weary of school and the world around him. Hypocrisy and phonies were everywhere. Holden Caulfield called them as he saw them. One of the most often used words in Holden Cauldfied's lexicon is "phony". Holden hated ‘phonies’, those people who have an attitude. In "The Catcher in the Rye", Holden is constantly detecting sham motives in the people around him." Bibliography lists 1 source. Holden.wps

J.D. Salinger’s "Franny & Zooey" : A 4 page essay examining the similarities and differences between Franny and Zooey and Salinger’s first novel Catcher In The Rye. Specific parallels are drawn between Franny and Holden Caufield in Catcher .. the writer sees them both as the kind of people who look deeply into themselves to discover what their place in the world. No additional sources cited. Franzoe.wps

Sinclair Lewis' "Main Street" : A 2 page essay on Lewis' "Main Street" in which the writer discusses the book's unflattering vision of smalltown life in America. Quotes are used to support points made. Mainstre.wps

Sinclair Lewis’ "Elmer Gantry" / It Really Does Pay To Be Decent" : A 10 page essay discussing the reaction of American clergy to the publication and promotion of Sinclair Lewis’ novel Elmer Gantry. Bibliography lists 10 sources. Elmergan.wps

Susan Glaspell's "Trifles" / Feminist Symbolism : An 8 page essay that argues that Glaspell uses name, bird/birdcage and quilt symbolism to delineate opposing identities between men and women, and freedom of the bird based on what men perceive as "trifles" and women consider a part of their identity. The essay posits that Glaspell's overall goal was a call to arms for the suffrage movement of her times, but also a wake-up call for men to the plight of women. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Trifles.wps

Susan Glaspell’s "Trifles" / Marriage & Sensitivity : A 4 page essay looking at the marital relationships of the three couples featured in Susan Glaspell’s play. The essay analyzes Glaspell’s argument that women’s first loyalty is to each other, and shows how this is manifested in the play. Bibliography lists 1 source. Glasend.wps

Susan Glaspell’s "A Jury of Her Peers" / Women’s Rights : A 5 page essay analyzing this very feminist story by Susan Glaspell. The essay also discusses the status of women’s civil and legal rights at the time Glaspell published it, and concludes that one can definitely see the seeds of change in the story. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources. Jurypeer.wps

Susan Glaspell’s "A Jury of Her Peers"/ Concealment : This 3 page argumentative essay explores how Mrs. Hale's and Mrs. Peters' concealment of evidence at the Wright crime scene in Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers" was wrong, despite their good intentions.No additional sources cited. Juryp1.wps

Susan Glaspell’s "A Jury of Her Peers" / Concealment # 2 : This 2 page argumentative essay sympathetically explores the actions of Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters to conceal incriminating evidence certain to convict Minnie Wright of strangling her husband John in Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers." No additional sources cited. Juryp2.wps

Susan Glaspell's "A Jury of Her Peers" : A short 2 page comparison of the play "Trifles" to the very similar short story "A Jury of Her Peers"- -both by Glaspell. It is argued that Glaspell wrote a second version to provide readers with a more empathetic view of characters and the thematic message of the story. No additional sources cited. Juryofpe.wps

"Goodbye Columbus" / Book Review : 3 pages of analytical discussion concerning Philip Roth's award-winning 1959 novella, "Goodbye Columbus," a bittersweet tale of a summer romance between a sensitive young man and a pampered, wealthy, sexually aware girl. Bibliography lists 4 supporting sources. Goodcolo.wps

Roth’s "American Pastoral": A 5 page essay answering two questions on this book by Philip Roth: 1) How good is Swede Levov’s marriage? and 2) How do naturalism, metaphysics and the imagination figure in this novel? Bibliography lists 2 sources. Pastor3.wps

Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" / On Emily & Simon... : A 6 page essay in which the writer demonstrates how Wilder uses these two characters to illustrate the fact that people do not appreciate life as they’re living it. Numerous examples are given to support this thesis. Bibliography lists 7 sources including the play itself. Ourtown.wps

Crimes of the Heart : A 7 page analytical discussion of character, crime, and punishment in Beth Henley's play entitled "Crimes of the Heart." No additional sources cited. Crimehea.wps

Edgar Allan Poe's Life & Works : A 4 page overview of Poe's life and works. The writer focuses mainly upon the events of the poet's life and the dates that various key works were published. More of a biography than an analysis. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Poe.wps

Edgar Allan Poe And The Detective Genre : A 5 page essay comparing three of Poe’s stories -- "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "The Mystery of Marie Roget," and "The Purloined Letter" -- to show how Poe’s work set the standard for the detective genre. One source beside the stories themselves. Podet.wps

Edgar Allan Poe and the Gothic Genre : A 10 page analysis of "Fall Of The House of Usher" and "The Cask of Amontillado" in relationship to the establishment of the gothic genre. The analysis is based on Chris Bladick's assessment of the gothic as a combination an interrelationship of a sense of fear or dread combined with an inherited sense of time and claustrophoric space to create a sense of ineveitable disintegration. The essay argues that the genre is popular today and serves the purpose of defeatism. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Edpoe.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Cask of Amontillado": A 6 page essay on this short story by Poe. The relationship between the two men is examined and analyzed as it changes while the story progresses. Amont.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Cask of Amontillado" : A 7 page essay discussing the element of revenge within an extremely tightly woven story and how this story was a commentary by Poe on his disdain of the aristocracy and all that they stood for, as well as his personal belief in the cruelty of society. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Caskamon.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Cask of Amontillado" / Revenge # 2 : This 6 page essay explores the deed of revenge in Poe’s story. Montressor believes he has been endured many injuries at the hands of Fortunato but when Fortunato insults him, he cannot take that and he carefully plans revenge. There is only one moment in the last scene when he hesitates, a moment of remorse or guilt? If is is, it does not stop him from following his plan to its end. Cask.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Cask of Amontillado": A 5 page essay looking at Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story in terms of its point of view. The essay analyzes Poe’s reason for writing it in first person, and concludes that we are more likely to sympathize with the narrator, so the shock is all the greater when he turns out to be the villain. No additional sources. KBpoe.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "Cask of Amontillado" vs. "The Tell-Tale Heart" : A 5 page comparison of these two tales in regards the techniques used to create an atmosphere of fear and hopelessness. The writer concentrates on the use of these senses to ascribe the soul of insanity. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Casktale.wps

Edgar Allan Poe -- Life, Works & "The Tell-Tale Heart" : A 7 page analysis not only of Poe's life, but of his work entitled "The Tell-Tale Heart" as well. The writer attempts to explain meaning, symbolism, and theme in the Tell-Tale Heart as well as how these elements related to Poe's own writing style. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Poe3.wps

Edgar Allan Poe -- "The Tell Tale Heart" : A 4 page essay on this work by Poe. The writer discusses the story's underlying themes and in particular, the significance of the constant heartbeat as it relates to the killer's fall into madness. Bibliography lists 4 supporting sources. Poetellt.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "Fall Of The House Of User" / Deviance : This 5 page essay discusses the suggestion of incest or deviant behavior in Edgar Allan Poe's 1839 short story, "The Fall of the House of Usher." Usher.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "Fall of the House of Usher" : A 2 page essay on the single effect of deterioration in Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher." The writer argues that the house is actually personified-- and as it gradually collapses so does the family within. No Bibliography. Poefallh.wps

Edgar Allan Poe as Gothic Hero in "Usher" and "Ligeia" : A 5 page essay analyzing the way Edgar allan poe’s life experiences are reflected in two of his most famous stories, "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "Ligeia." Bibliography lists four sources including Poe’s short story collection. Ushlig.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "Ligeia" / Analyzed : This 5 page research essay examines the themes of love and the female in Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic short-story lament, "Ligeia." Specifically considered are how Poe’s tragic personal life contributed to his perceptions of women. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Ligeia.RTF*

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Masque Of Red Death" / Theme Of Plague : A 5 page essay providing a psychological analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death. The essay concludes that Poe wrote about a plague because the sheer number of beloved people who had died during his lifetime must have seemed like a plague to him. Bibliography lists five sources. Poerm.wps

Death and Sexuality in Edgar Allan Poe : A 10 page essay discussing the idea that the source of Poe’s morbid imagination may have been the deaths of so many of his female relatives and loved ones, and his inability to separate the concept of "mothers" from "brides." Bibliography lists 6 sources. Poelong.wps

Interpretations of Edgar Allan Poe : A 7 page essay examining the way three famous writers interpreted Edgar allan poe, with a special focus on his short story "The Masque of the Red Death". Critiques by William Butler Yeats, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H.P. Lovecraft are compared, contrasted, and analyzed. Four sources including the story itself. Poered.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s Mysterious Death : 10 pages in length. For nearly a century and a half, speculation has surrounded the untimely death of Edgar Allan Poe. But now there is new evidence suggesting he did not die drunk, but rather from another malady entirely. The writer shows us how Poe's life, full of sorrow and disappointment, may have ultimately lead to his early demise. Poedie.wps

Death in the Fiction of Edgar Allan Poe : An 8 page essay examining Poe’s short stories for evidence of the author’s obsession with death. The essay begins by providing some background on Poe’s life, then looks at ten stories, four in detail, in order to show that his fascination with the theme of death was endemic in his personality. A one-page sentence outline follows essay. Bibliography lists four sources. Fipoe.wps

Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Purloined Letter" : This 5 page report discusses Edgar Allan Poe’s "detective" story with an eye to the attitudes of class consciousness and superiority demonstrated by the main character, C. Auguste Dupin, in relationship to the Prefect of the Parisian Police. No additional sources cited. Purloin.wps

Arthur Conan Doyle vs. Edgar Allan Poe : This is a 6 page essay comparing two of Poe’s stories -- "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter" -- with one of Conan Doyle’s -- "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" -- to demonstrate the heavy reliance of Sherlock Holmes’ creator on the work of his predecessor, Poe. The essay concludes that actually Poe’s stories and protagonist have more depth than Conan Doyle’s, because Holmes’ method relies entirely on logic and Dupin relies on behavior and nuance. No additional sources cited. Sherloc.wps

Works Of Hawthorne vs. Poe / Dark But Not Necessarily Gothic : A 5 page essay discussing two stories of Poe’s : "Ligeia," and "The Fall of the House of Usher," and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Minister’s Black Veil" in light of the Gothic tradition of the nineteenth century. The essay concludes that Poe’s stories are Gothics and Hawthorne’s is not because Hawthorne is trying to influence the reader’s conscious mind through parable and Poe is going for the unconscious mind through fear. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Ligeia.wps

*More On Edgar Allan Poe -- In The Poetry Section ...

Oliver Wendell Holmes : This 5 page essay explores the life and career of American renaissance man Oliver Wendell. The writer breifly discusses several of Wendell’s works as they relate to his life. Oliver.wps

Oliver Wendall Holmes # 2 : A 3 page essay on the life and time of Wendall  Holmes. The writer chiefly discusses his Book "Elsie Vennor." Bibliography included. Owende.wps

Sherwood Anderson’s "Winesburg, Ohio" / Theme Of Isolation : A 5 page essay on Sherwood Anderson’s classic 1919 book of connected short stories. It discusses Anderson’s philosophy of community and interpersonal relationships as developed in the book, and examines the motif of human isolation as it occurs in several of the short stories. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Anders.wps

Sherwood Anderson’s "The Egg" : A 5 page essay on Sherwood Anderson’s humorous short story The Egg and how it always got the best of his family from a failed chicken farm to an egg who refused to do tricks. Eggc.wps

Sherwood Anderson’s "The Egg" / Trick Failure : 3 pages in length. In Sherwood Anderson’s The Egg, the father’s failure to perform the egg trick ties together the very heart of the story, because it represents how everything in their lives proved traumatic, troublesome and ultimately doomed to failure. Significantly clear is how the father relates everything in his life to that of the egg, even to the point of valuing it more than himself. The writer discusses how the significance of failure relates both to the egg trick and the lives of the characters. Bibliography lists 1 source. TheEgg.wps

Sherwood Anderson’s "The Egg" / Larger Mystery : 3 pages in length. There is a larger mystery represented in Sherwood Anderson’s The Egg than just what is on the surface. Significantly clear is the cycle of the egg as compared with the cycle of the narrator’s meaningless life. The writer discusses how this endless cycle compares to that of the narrator’s. Bibliography lists 1 source. TheEgg2.wps

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" / Mother - Child Imagery : A 6 page analysis of Paine's use of imagery to argue against the mother-child argument of his opponents. The writer aruges that the imagery employed was a powerful tool for Paine and effectively made the argument that Americans were not children of the parent country, that the parent was corrupt, that the images further flowed into the image of Americans as adults, and then to images of Americans as parents of their own country. No additional sources cited. Paine.wps

Thomas Paine’s "Age of Reason": A 5 page argumentative essay that posits that Thomas Paine supports his argument for Reason over faith in the supernatural in regards The Bible is effective—especially in light of Enlightenment ideals. Bibliography lists 1 source. Agereasn.doc

Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" / Social Conditions as Backdrop : A 4 page essay discussing the relationship of the text to the actual conditions in the Chicago industrial plants it describes. Jungle.wps

Upton Sinclair’s "The Jungle" / Meat Packing & Economics Of The Early 1900s : A 15 page essay that provides an overview of the economics leading up to the turn of the century and the defining characteristics of the Chicago meatpacking industry as presented in Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. The writer examines historical accuracy as it may or may not have been presented by Sinclair. Bibliography lists 8 additional sources. Junglech.wps

Upton Sinclair’s "The Jungle" / Paradox : A 5 page essay on Upton Sinclair’s landmark work. The essay argues that while Sinclair intended to write a polemic for socialism through the chronicle of a poor immigrant in Chicago’s Packingtown, readers focused instead on the abuses of the meat-packing industry. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Paradoxj.wps

Cervantes’ "Don Quixote" vs. Upton Sinclair’s "The Jungle" / Planes of Existence :  An 8 page essay contrasting Cervantes’ Don Quixote with Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. The writer shows how one functions at the level of the spirit and the other at the level of the body, but both are necessary for every human being. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Sinclair.wps

John Updike’s "A & P" / Lengel’s Perspective : A 4 page creative narrative that takes the perspective of Lengel in Updike’s "A & P" and reflects upon his internal struggles with the action in this short story. No additional sources cited. Lengel.wps

John Updike’s "A & P" / Condemned to the Ordinary : A 5 page essay looking at the character of the store manager in John Updike’s well-known story. The essay asserts that Updike’s manager represents the entire narrow-minded attitude of this small New England town, and thus is metaphorically present through the entire story, even though he only appears in person at the end. Bibliography lists 1 source. Updikeap.wps

Symbolism & Characterization In Three Short Stories : This 6 page essay makes comparisons between Shirley Jackson's "Lottery," Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of Red Death," & John Updike's "A & P." Specific to this analysis are each of the authors use of symbolism, setting, character, etc; No Bibliography. Shortsto.wps

John Updike’s "Wife Wooing" and James Thurber’s "Unicorn in the Garden" / Marriage &Communication : A 5 page analysis of two short stories, John Updike’s "Wife-Wooing" and James Thurber’s "Unicorn in the Garden". Both stories explore the effects of marriages in which the husband and the wives are living very much on two separate planes. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Updthu.wps

John Updike's "A & P" vs. James Joyce's "Araby" : 5 pages in length. John Updike's A & P and James Joyce's Araby share many of the same literary traits, because the former is essentially a retelling of the latter. The primary focus of the two stories revolves around a young man who is compelled to decipher the different between cruel reality and the fantasies of romance that play in his head. That the man does, indeed, discover the difference is what sets him off into emotional collapse. The writer compares and contrasts the two stories. Bibliography lists 7 sources. A&Paraby.wps

Horatio Alger’s "Ragged Dick"/ Social Mobility : A 5 page essay that discusses how this nineteenth century author’s work revolved around the idea that through hard work and good character anyone could rise to the upper class in America and achieve the "American Dream." The writer shows how Ragged Dick, the original "rags to riches" story, typified the formula that Alger followed for the rest of his career making the Horatio Alger story a part of American culture. Alger.wps

Alger’s "Struggling Upward" : A 5 page essay examining how family and role models set the example for ethical conduct in this novel by Horatio Alger. The essay points out that Alger seemed quite sure of the rules which seemed to underlie the acquisition of the American Dream, but in fact those rules are not what governs his protagonist’s success at all. Bibliography lists 1 source. Strugup.wps

Callender's "Farewell" : Approximately 5 pages analyzing Timothy Callender's short story/poem "Farewell." Focuses on parallelisms, symbolism etc; No Bibliography. Farwell.wps

E.L. Doctorow’s "The Book Of Daniel" : This 10 page essay analyzes the story on several levels: the protagonist's struggle with the past and the present, his journey to overcome past events, the path that finally gives him freedom; the author's commentary on the culture of the society during the more than two decades that span the story; and on the government. The Book of Daniel is a metafictive work that interweaves the narrator's imagination wtih factual events within the context established by the real political and social conditions in post-War America in the 1950s. The Age of McCarthyism. A paranoiac society terrified of communism, some ready to accuse anyone, condemn anyone who seemed sympathetic. The background for this work of fiction is the famous and controversial case of the Rosenbergs, tried, convicted and executed for conspiracy to commit espionage. Danielb.wps

John Grisham & The Theme of Law : 6 pages discussion the consistency of law as a theme in the works of contemporary author John Grisham ("A Time to Kill," "The Client," "Pelican Brief," "The Chamber," etc;. Bibliography lists 5 sources. FREE thesis-orientated outline included. Grisham.wps

John Grisham's "The Chamber" / Control of the KKK : An 8 page essay that considers the role of the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi from 1967 to 1990 and the way in which the Klan influenced the events in Grisham's The Chamber. No additional sources cited. Grischam.wps

Dorothy Bryant’s "The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You" / Social Implications : 
A 5 page essay on the Dorothy Bryant's novel and the utopian fictional society she creates. The writer details the modes of dress, language, mythology, and physical type which characterize the society in sociological terms. No additional sources cited. Kinata.wps

Anne Tyler's "Saint Maybe" : An 8 page essay giving an overview of the novel Saint Maybe. The writer discusses plot, characters and the central theme, and compares it with Tyler's most recent book, Ladder of Tears. Annetyle.wps

Walter Mosley’s "Devil In A Blue Dress" / A View Of Easy Rawlins : This 5 page essay considers the character of Easy Rawlins presented in Walter Mosley’s novel Devil in a Blue Dress and relates the issue of race, especially Easy’s blackness, as it impacts his role as a private eye. This essay considers the sometimes conflicting view of Easy Rawlins and the impact for the novel as a whole. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Erwalin.wps

The Detective Genre in "Devil in a Blue Dress" : A 6 page essay on the novel by Walter Mosley. The essay suggests that the novel has a hard time characterizing itself as either mystery or social commentary, and while it has elements of both, it has the strengths of neither. Much of this is caused by its somewhat predictable plot and slight characterizations. No additional sources cited. Devilin.wps

Film - "Devil in a Blue Dress" Analyzed : A 5 page essay which analyzes the 1995 murder mystery, Devil in a Blue Dress, which was based on a 1990 novel by Walter Mosley. Three stages of textual analysis are offered -- an interpretation of the mystery, how race affects the outcome of the mystery, and how the outcome affects our understanding of race, citing specific references to larger social issues. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Bludress.wps

The Men In Edith Wharton’s Life : A 5 page essay analyzing the relationship of the men in Edith Wharton’s poetry and fiction to the relationships she actually had in her life. The essay determines there is a very close correspondence, and theorizes that putting so much of her personal life into her writing helped her deal with her own experience. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Wharton.wps

The Men In Edith Wharton’s Life # 2 : A 4 page essay giving an overview of the men in Edith Wharton’s life compared to the men in two of her famous books, Ethan Frome and Summer. She may not have found her one true love or passion, but she put them in all of her works. Several sources cited. Edith.wps

Edith Wharton's "Ethan Frome" : A 3 page character analysis of Ethan Frome. The writer explicates his character in terms of three successive failures throughout the story. No Bibliography. Ethan.wps

Edith Wharton’s "Ethan Frome" & The Importance Of Winter : A 3 page essay on the importance that winter plays in the story. Bibliography sites 1 source. Coldvast.wps

Edith Wharton’s "Ethan Frome" & The Theme Of Entrapment : A 10 page essay exploring the theme of entrapment in Edith Wharton's novel. The essay analyzes the various forms of entrapment within the novel as they apply to the 3 main characters. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Efrome.wps

Edith Wharton’s "Ethan Frome" vs. Willa Cather’s "Professor’s House" :
A 7 page essay that examines how Edith Wharton and Willa Cather by selecting everyday people as their protagonists in Ethan Frome and The Professor’s House are able to convey complex stories which reveal their views relative to society and certain aspects of humanity in general. The writer demonstrates how these two radically different storylines have certain elements in common which result primarily from the authors use of simple people as the main characters. No additional sources cited. Appealc.wps

The Spaces of Ethan Frome : A 5 page essay discussing the critical assessment of Edith Wharton’s novella Ethan Frome by Judith Fryer entitled The Spaces of Ethan Frome. Fryer compares the novella to the characters of Hawthorne’s Ethan Brand as she details similarities. She discusses the condition of the narrator as well as the condition of Ethan Frome himself and demonstrates how the two are somehow interlined in the analysis of the story. Her criticism at times seems pretentious and convoluted and it appears that she is trying to establish an obscure depth to the novella that was put there by the author. Spaceth.wps

Shelley’s "Frankenstein" vs. Wharton’s "The Age of Innocence" : A 7 page essay in which the writer argues that while both women were expressing changing attitudes in femininity thought in their books through contrast and duality, Edith Wharton's view was made through an expansive flowing growth and Mary Shelley's was from an explosive view. The purpose of both stories was to show the need for men and women to come together in equal treatment of women during different eras. Whereas Wharton looked at the changes from the idea of growing together, Shelley's view was of killing off the old ideas. No additional sources cited. Agefrank.wps

Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" / Was She Playing God in the Creation of Frankenstein’s Monster? : This 6 page essay provides an analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, with a concentration on the argument that Mary Shelley was attempting to play God in the creation of the monster. This essay is an argumentative essay that supports this perspective utilizing passages from the text as well as elements in the history of Shelley’s life. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Shelgod.wps

Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" / The Monster’s Story : This 6 page essay provides an overview of the themes and impact of the Monster’s story in the larger novel Frankenstein. In the center of Mary Shelley’s novel, the Monster provides an insightful narrative that tells of his experiences after being created by Victor Frankenstein, a narrative that relates his process of learning about his surroundings, language and human emotion. This narrative provides a significant view of the psychology of human development, underscores the problems of creating life using technology, and substantiates the view of the internal conflicts and misperceptions of the Monster pertinent to the defense of his actions. No additional sources cited. Frank1.wps

Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" / Human Source of the Monster : A 5 page essay examining the relationship between Mary Shelley’s own feelings of parental abandonment and the way the Creature is abandoned by his creator. The essay goes over the main points of Shelley’s life up to the writing of Frankenstein, and compares them to events in the book. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Humsourc.wps

Frankenstein : This 5 page essay focuses on the question of Frankenstein's regret for creating life. Some scholars have suggested Frankenstein regretted bringin his creature to life. This writer disagrees; Frankenstein held himself guiltless to the very end. There was not a moment of regret for the right reasons. Bibliography lists 1 source. Franky.wps

The Life of Lily Bart / The Tragic Victim of Social Conventions : This 5 page essay argues the thesis that Lily Bart, the main character in Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth, once held a prominent position in New York’s Victorian society, and subsequently loses her stature and her friends because of her circumstances. Lily Bart becomes a tragic victim of social conventions and is trapped by bad relationships and confining circumstances that correspond with Victorian values. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Lilybart.wps

Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever" : 4 pages in length. The writer discusses plot, conflict, protagonist, antagonist, setting and climax as they relate to Edith Wharton's Roman Fever. No additional sources cited. Romanf.wps

"Simple Folk" In Wharton And Loos : A 16 page examination of the characterization of "simple people" in Wharton’s Summer and Anita Loos’ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The essay concludes that simplicity for Loos implies a certain quality of mind, while for Wharton it is a quality of birth. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Wharloos.wps

Character Comparison / Novels of Weltey and K.A. Porter : 6 page comparison of the protagonist characters in Eudora Weltey's "A Worn Path" and Katherine Anne Porter's "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall." No bibliography. Granny.wps

Eudora Welty’s "Why I Live at the P.O." / Analysis : This 5 page research essay examines the short story, "Why I Live at the P.O." by Eudora Welty. Specifically discussed are the eccentric and intriguing family members of an old maid post mistress who decides that moving to the post office is her only escape from their lunacy. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Ewelty.wps

Eudora Welty’s "The Optimist’s Daughter" / Journey : An 8 page essay examining Welty’s use of the inward quest as a mode of self-discovery in this Pulitzer-prizewinning novel. The essay shows how Welty illustrated this quest in three different ways: through a geographical change of location; through a change in levels of interpersonal relationships; and through the gradual shedding of material objects to a total reliance on memory. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Optdaugt.wps

Eudora Welty -- Lack Of Communication In Her Fiction : A 5 page essay showing how lack of interpersonal communication is a common theme in Welty’s short stories. The essay particularly looks at the stories Death of a Traveling Salesman, A Worn Path, Why I Live at the P.O., and The Hitch-hikers. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Welty2.wps

Benjamin Franklin’s Works : A 6 page essay on the relationship of Ben Franklin’s works and their reflection of his life. The essay concentrates on the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the work of which was to draft the Constitution of the United States, from which arose the famous quote of the certainty of death and taxes. Also included is a short excerpt of the 1757 publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Benfr.wps

Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography / Analysis : This 6 page research essay discusses The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, which chronicles America's ultimate "Renaissance Man's" life from his birth in 1706 until 1757. Specifically considered is how Franklin's life represents the "great American success story." Bibliography lists 1 source. Benfrank.wps

Benjamin Franklin / His Autobiography As Viewed 1000 Years In The Future :
8 pages in length. The year is 2999. Since the meteor destruction of all of North America and most libraries in the northern hemisphere six centuries ago, Professor Forlorn of Faroff University has been attempting to figure out the history of the former United States in its various stages. A great find of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin has brought to light a number of conclusions with regard to two topics of that era: economic and social mobility, and the nature of eighteenth-century religion. The writer discusses these findings, as well as addresses what can be concluded from the study. Bibliography lists 1 source. BenFrank.wps

Franklin, Crevecoeur & the Real American Values : A 6 page essay looking at the nature of the American character as developed in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and J. Hector St. Jean de Crevecoeur’s Letters from an American Farmer. The essay concludes that while ethics are at the foundation of the American spirit, the very nature of that spirit precludes slavish adherence to any externally-imposed religious system. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Francrev.wps

Franklin & Whitefield : A 5 page research essay that examines the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, an influential itinerant Anglican preacher who swayed thousands of colonists with his evangelical preaching in the 1740s. The writer demonstrates that Franklin changed his initial position of support for Whitefield and used his skilled pen whenever possible to deflate the power of the American church that he felt had the possibility of infringing on personal freedoms. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Franwhit.wps

Washington Irving’s "Rip Van Winkle" / Critical Analysis : A 7 page essay providing a critical analysis of the Washington Irving work Rip Van Winkle. The writer is concerned with highlighting significant points and also showing the parallels between Rip Van Winkle himself. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Ripvan.wps

Washington Irving and American Romanticism : A 3 page essay that points out the features of Irving's story "Rip Van Winkle" that illustrate characteristics of American Romanticism. Quotations from the source. Bibliography lists 1 source. IrvRom.wps

Irene Hunt’s "Across Five Aprils" : In 5 pages the author discusses the main characters, the plot, the theme, a brief analysis and a review of "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt. "'Across Five Aprils' is the unforgettable story of a boy who comes of age during the turbulent years of the Civil War. This is a good book that will keep the reader breathless to the very end. The mood during the Civil War is captured perfectly by author Irene Hunt. She secures the viewpoint of the families during the war. This is accentuated by the fact that brothers at times had to fight brothers. This book is both a historically authentic Civil War novel and a beautifully written story of one family's coping with the war and its many problems." Fivapril.wps

Calisher, Faulkner & Irving / Change & The American Experience :
A 4 page comparison of Hawthorne ("Wash"), Irving ("Rip Van Winkle") and Calisher ("Greenwich") with regard to individuals and how they accept change. The specific subject discussed is how each felt about time (past and present) as it relates to their respective stories. Ripvanw.wps

John Guare’s "Six Degrees of Separation" / Conflict & Class Struggle : A 5 page essay that discusses the inherent conflict and class struggle in John Guare's play. The characters of Paul, Flan and Ouisa all are products of their class determinations and their social interactions are basic to their personal development. The interactions between the couple, Flan and Ouisa, who are upper class art collectors, creates and interesting contrast to Paul, a self-declared "student" who lies his way into the homes of New York's elite. Sixdegre.wps

John Guare’s "Six Degrees of Separation" / Paralysis Of The Imagination :
A 5 page essay that discusses the issue of paralysis of the imagination through Paul's theory of The Catcher in the Rye. This essay also takes a comparative look between Paul and Holden Caufield because of the reference within the play in regards to imagination created a necessary the perception of necessary similarities between these two characters. Sixdeg.wps

Michael Crichton / Contemporary Author : An 11 page overview of the author's life with discussion of his various works including Jurassic Park, the Lost World, Terminal Man, Rising Sun, etc; and how they each depict what can happen when science & medicine act in an unethical fashion. Bibliography lists approximately 7 sources.Crichton.wps

Scientific Evaluation Of Michael Chrichton’s "Jurassic Park" : A 10 page study that looks at the efficacy of Crichton's use of science. It is argued that, generally, his scientific principles are accurate, and delineates between those that are applicable and those that are not. The essay provides a report on the current discussion on cloning, DNA and Chaos Theory from both a scientific viewpoint and from the viewpoints represented by Henry Wu (corporate), Ian Malcolm (chaos theory), and Alan Grant (embodiment of social protector). Bibliography lists 8 sources. Jurpark.wps

Michael Crichton's "The Lost World" : A 5 page analytical review of this contemporary author's sequel to "Jurassic Park"-- which illustrates a genetic experiment gone bad which warns mankind about our own emerging self-destructive powers. 3 additional sources are cited and listed in a bibliography. Dinobook.wps

James Dickey’s "Deliverance" / Use Of Nature : A 6 page essay on the book and movie versions discussing how nature works to illustrate Dickey’s ideas as to the concept of evil and as a liberating agent for four middle-age suburban men on camping trip in the wilderness. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Deliveran.wps

James Dickey’s "Cherrylog Road" : A 5 page explication of James Dickey poem.  A young man travels through a strange world of iron and the past where the ghosts of the junkyard wait with him for his girl. No additional sources cited. Cherryl.wps

Charles Johnson’s "Middle Passage" : A 5 page essay that provides an overview of Johnson's book and considers the implications in terms of historical and factual accounts of African Americans during the slave trade. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Jmidd.wps

Charles Johnson’s "Middle Passage" : 5 pages in length. The writer offers a brief overview of the book, touching upon important points the story has to make, as well as discusses significant concepts important to the overall understanding of the account. No additional sources cited. Midlpass.wps

Stephen King / Author Of Our Nightmares : A 6 page report on the contemporary American author of horror novels : Stephen King. The writer provides a brief overview of King's life & works -- focusing on certain career milestones like "The Stand"-- his first story turned into a made-for-television movie. "Insomnia" and 1996's "The Green Mile" are discussed in considerable detail. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Stepking.wps

Stephen King's "Carrie" : A 3 page essay that gives a brief overview of Stephen King's Carrie, with consideration of his characterizations and the presentation of the supernatural. Carrie.wps

Stephen King’s "Misery" / Review Of Criticism : In this 5 page essay, the writer reviews & critiques five different articles about Stephen King’s Misery. Of particular concern are the assertions, ideas, and styles of each critic. All 5 sources cited in bibliography. Misery.wps

The Humor Of Erma Bombeck : A 6 page essay on the beloved humorist, Erma Bombeck. The writer traces Bombeck’s career and changing style over her thirty-year writing career. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Ermab.wps

Truman Capote’s "In Cold Blood" : A 4 page essay that discusses the literary significance of Truman Capote's non-fictional novel and demonstrates that his utilization of the novel format does not detract from the factual or historical accuracy of the Clutter murder case in Holcomb, Kansas. Coldbloo.wps

Fannie Flagg’s "Fried Green Tomatoes" : A 5 page essay discussing the subject of racism in the book, "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," by Fannie Flagg. This is a book that deals with many different issues, all of which appear to be subjects which address the issues of human rights in one way or another. The issue of racism or prejudice in the book is dealt with very righteously and honestly, although some may say that the African Americans portrayed are largely a stereotype. No additional sources cited. Fgtflagg.wps

Bobbie Ann Mason's "Shiloh" : A 4 page discussion of conflicts presented in Mason's story and the possible implications that the ending has for various characters. No other sources cited. Shiloh1.wps

Bobbi Ann Mason’s "Shiloh" / Death of a Child : A 6 page essay explicating the problems associated with the death of a child for the surviving parents. The writer explores the areas of guilt, reminders, lack of communication and resistance to personal progress related to a child’s death in terms of Mason’s story. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Shiloh.wps

Bobbie Ann Mason' "Shiloh" / Conflicts & The Struggle For Happiness : 4 pages on Bobbie Ann Mason's short story, "Shiloh." The writer details the conflicts among the characters in the story and discusses whether the ending is hopeful or not, with references to symbols in the story. No bibliography. Shiloh2.wps

Bobbi Ann Mason’s "Shiloh" vs. Frank O’Connor’s "Guests of a Nation" / Conflict: A 4 page essay comparing and contrasting the functions of conflict in two short stories. The first story is by Frank O’Connor, titled "Guests of a Nation." The second story is by Bobbie Ann Mason, and is titled "Shiloh." Each story deals with a completely different topic and both are written from the first person perspective. And while on the surface both of these stories deal will dramatically different topics, they essentially uncover a very similar type of conflict which involves the realization and the acceptance of some type of death or end. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Shilohg.wps

"Less Than Zero" vs. Bobbie Ann Mason’s "In Country" : A 4 page comparison between the 1980's era film "Less than Zero" and Bobbie Ann Mason's book "In Country." The focus of the thesis/discussion is upon how characters in both stories were affected by "wars" that ripped the socioeconomic status of their respective surroundings apart. While characters in each story were "victims of circumstances," the writer finds great difference in Less Than Zero's youths-- as they conceivably might have had more control over their situations. Several other key similarities and differences are cited. No Bibliography. Lesszero.wps

Dashiell Hammett’s "The Maltese Falcon" : This 6 page essay looks at Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon in terms of the elements of the classic detective work it retains, and those it deviates from. The essay concludes that the classic detective story as represented by the works of Conan Doyle coddled us by giving us the benefit of not only what Holmes saw and heard but what he thought as well. Hammett denies us this, but in doing so, he challenges the reader to rely on his own intuition and his own wits. No additional sources cited. Hammett.wps

Dashiell Hammett’s "The Maltese Falcon" # 2 : A 5 page essay examining the elements of the classic detective work it retains, and those it deviates from. The essay concludes that Hammett’s novel sets itself apart from the classic detective story because no one wears a white hat; thus the reader is never really sure where he stands, even with the detective himself. No additional sources cited. Hamm.wps

Dashiell Hammett’s "The Maltese Falcon" # 3 : 6 pages in length. Sprouting from a most unexpected source, The Maltese Falcon represented great change within the genre of detective novels. Writings prior to the groundbreaking book were boring at best, with the same Sherlock Holmes-esque characterizations over and over again. The writer describes how The Maltese Falcon breathed new life into an era of rather unexciting sleuthing mysteries with the introduction of author Dashiell Hammett. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Maltese.wps

Homosexuality in Modern Detective Fiction : In this 3 page essay, the writer traces the theme of homosexuality as it appears in Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, and Margaret Maron’s The Bootlegger’s Daughter. The essay concludes that during this century our society as a whole has matured toward a more compassionate and realistic view of homosexuality, growing from the perception of gays as perverts to a recognition of homosexuals as productive members of society, and popular fiction reflects this change. No sources except books. Themes.wps

Setting in "Devil in a Blue Dress" and Skinwalkers : A 3 page essay discussing these novels by Walter Mosley and Tony Hillerman, respectively. The essay points out that the culture of the locale in which these novels are set determines the ground rules for the entire novel. In this way, setting functions almost like the ruling spirit of the novel itself, setting the motivations of the characters in motion, and then stepping back while the characters move the plot. No additional sources cited. Skinwalk.wps

Tony Hillerman’s "The First Eagle" : This is a 5 page essay that gives a basic summary of Tony Hillerman's book, The First Eagle. In the book it is the Black plague that has returned, or rather, has survived, for centuries. In the long interim it has developed a resistance to modern antibiotics, making it more virulent and much more dangerous. It is attacking prairie dogs and an occasional human. One of the main points to the story involves the efforts of a scientist to determine why some animals have developed an immunity and others succumb quickly. On the other hand is the murder of a Navajo Tribal officer. Lieutenant Jim Chee believes he has the murderer in custody, Robert Jano, a young Hopi man with a history of poaching eagles. The intertwining of the two story lines and the two cultural perspectives forms the basis for this novel. No additional sources cited. Firste.wps

Van Gulik’s "Judge Dee At Work" : A 5 page argumentative essay proving the thesis that Judge Dee’s woman-hate was an evolutionary process as evidenced in this translated detective series. Bibliography lists 1 source. Judgedee.wps

Profanity In The Work of David Mamet : A 5 page essay examining the plays of this award-winning playwright, in terms of his abundant profanity. Looking closely at Edmond and Glengarry Glen Ross, the essay concludes that Mamet’s characters cannot really do anything about their powerlessness; the only thing they can do with impunity is swear. Bibliography lists six sources. Mamet.wps

David Mamet / Profanity : 5 pages in length. The use of profanity in David Mamet’s work is his calling card within the industry. Yet there are those who consider such use as overkill and think he utilizes obscenities merely for the shock value. The writer discusses reasons why Mamet does, in fact, incorporate so much profanity into his plays. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Mamet2.wps

David Mamet’s "Oleanna" : This 5 page essay analyzes this three-act play by Mamet which has the themes of sex, power and emotional warfare. This writer proposes the play is a lesson in how abusive movements for rights can become and supports this theme with quotations and descriptions from the play's content. Oleanna.wps

Silko & Toni Morrison : 6 pages comparing and discussing the concepts of ‘self ‘ and ‘home’ in Morrison’s "Beloved"and Silko’s "Ceremony." Belovedcer.wps

Silko's "Ceremony" : A 4 page summary & review of this novel. The writer gives an overview of the book by Leslie Silko, depicting the life of the half-white, half-Indian protagonist. Ceremony.wps

Silko’s "Ceremony" # 2 : This 5 page essay is based on Leslie Marmon Silko's novel about Native American customs, Ceremony, with the thesis relating the ceremonial rituals with child development. Cerem.wps

Silko’s "Ceremony" / The Desert As Magic In Native American Culture :
A 5 page analysis of the novel Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. In this novel, Silko uses the relationship between Native Americans and their environment in the desert of New Mexico as a metaphor to express the journey that the protagonist takes in his search for healing after World War II. In so doing, Silko embodies the environment with various levels of meaning that simultaneously encompass both the concepts of freedom and the ties that bind the people to the earth. No additional sources cited. Desertce.wps

Silko’s "Ceremony" / Significance of Myth : A 4 page essay on Leslie Marmon Silko’s novel about Indian heritage. The essay argues that the function of the folktales in this novel is to reconnect the protagonist with his Indian heritage on a subconscious level, treating his psychological symptoms by reindoctrinating him into the culture of his people. Bibliography lists 1 source. Mythsilk.wps

Raymond Carver / Love, Loss, & Drinking : A 7 page essay analyzing three Carver stories -- What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, Gazebo, and Why Don’t You Dance? -- in terms of the way they use alcohol to blur the pain of loss. The essay notes that for Carver characters, life is an empty shell, and the alcohol serves as a fruitless way to fill it up. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Carver.wps

Raymond Carver’s "Cathedral" / Moving the Blind to See : A 6 page essay presenting Carver’s de-insulation of the narrator of this short story by way of positively characterizing a blind man as the mentor in the process of helping the narrator become conscious. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Carvcath.wps

Dee Brown’s "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" : A 5 page report on the best-selling book by Dee Brown. It explains the history of the Wounded Knee massacre, and shows that Brown is attempting to raise our consciousness about Indian issues through the writing of this book. No additional sources cited. Bury.doc

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee / A Story of the Past, A Lesson for the Future : A 5 page overview of the events presented in Dee Brown’s 1970 book "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". Discusses the viewpoints of both the whites and the Native Americans and concludes that while what happened was inexcusable, it is a lesson for the future. No additional sources cited. Buryknee.wps

"Louise Erdrich’s "Tracks" / Analyzed : This 5 page essay reviews Louise Erdrich's Tracks, a 1988 novel about Chippewa Indians living in North Dakota. The book analyzes the major characters of Pauline, Nanapush, Margaret and Fleur and how their struggles reflect the overall struggle of the Native Americans to hold onto what is left of their land and their dignity. Bibliography lists 1 source. Tracks.wps

Thomas Pynchon’s "The Crying of Lot 49" / Modernist Or Postmodernist? :
A 9 page essay on Thomas Pynchon’s well-known work. The writer notes that while the novel has characteristics of both modernism and postmodernism, its postmodern tendencies predominate in its strongly apocalyptic worldview. Bibliography lists 6 sources including book. Pynchon.wps

Thomas Pynchon’s "The Crying of Lot 49" / Importance Of Names : A 5 page essay on the symbolism of the proper names used in Pynchon’s novel. The essay concludes that most of the names function as metaphor, and add multiple layers of richness to the text and to the reader’s understanding of Pynchon’s vision. No additional sources cited. Lotcry49.wps

Edward Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?" / Nick, Carthage & The Punic Wars : A 5 page essay that analyzes the use of allusion in Albee’s play, especially as it relates to the character of Nick, and the connection to ancient literature and history. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Albee.doc

Edward Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?" / The ‘Other’ Couple :
A 6 page essay discussing Honey and Nick, the young couple who witness the rages of George and Martha in Edward Albee’s classic play. The essay contends that their experience at George and Martha’s house changes Nick and Honey as well, causing them to become more aware of themselves and compassionate toward each other. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Other.wps

The Importance Of Illusion And Truth In Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf": This 5 page essay consider the impact of Albee’s use of illusion and symbolism regarding truth in his work Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. This essay not only considers these elements, but focuses on the struggles of George and Martha and their fictitious child. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Albeiw.wps

Albee’s "A Delicate Balance" / Search for Meaning : A 5 page essay analyzing this deep and troubling domestic drama by Edward Albee. The essay shows how very subtle religious references in the play underscore the search for meaning in modern life. Bibliography lists 1 source Delbal.wps

Edward Albee’s "The American Dream" v. Pohl & Kornblum’s "Space Merchants" : A 5 page essay on the themes central to these two books. One set in the 1950's and the other in the future, they each deal with social issues and relationships concerning American life... what is was and what it may become. Four sources are cited. Space.wps

The Life & Works Of H. L. Mencken : In 14 pages the author discusses the life and writing of H. L. Mencken and how his living in Baltimore shaped his writing. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Mencken.doc

Gershe’s "Butterflies are Free" / Don’s Disability : A 3 page character analysis of Don Baker, the blind protagonist in this play by Leonard Gershe. The essay shows Don’s difficulty in achieving emotional independence is due less to his blindness than to the self-doubts instilled in him by his mother. No additional sources cited. Butfree.wps

Gershe’s "Butterflies are Free" / Character Of Jill : A 3 page analysis of the character of Jill, the wacky next-door neighbor of the protagonist of Leonard Gershe’s play. The essay points out that Don teaches Jill as much about life as she teaches him, particularly the relationship between freedom and responsibility. No additional sources cited. Butfree2.wps

Robert James Waller’s "The Bridges Of Madison County": Analyzes the relationships between Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid, as portrayed in the novel The Bridges of Madison County. Specifically, this 10 page essay looks at their relationship in the light of Jungian psychology and attachment theory. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Rela.wps

Burning "Bridges": Why Do People Love "Madison County"? : A 5 page essay on Robert James Waller’s novel The Bridges of Madison County. Calling upon the opinions of three literary critics/ columnists, the essay argues that the book’s popularity is based on sentimentality at the expense of meaning, and is symptomatic of the mental decay of our entire culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Whymadi.wps

Sharyn McCrumb’s "She Walks These Hills" : This 5 page essay that examines the premise of She Walks These Hills, a 1994 novel by Sharyn McCrumb, and explores how the author's background influenced the novel's settings and its characterizations. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources. Mcrumb.wps

Marilynne Robinson's "Housekeeping": A 5 page essay on Robinson's novel in which the writer details the themes, story, characters, and language. No additional sources cited. Housekee.wps

Marilynne Robinson’s "Housekeeping" / Conformity : A 5 page essay discussing the contrasts in Marilynne Robinson's novel, Housekeeping. No additional sources cited. Houskeep.wps

Danielle Steele's "No Greater Love" : A 5 page essay reviewing this novel by romance novelist Danielle Steele. Her narrative techniques are explored. No additional sources cited. Romnov.wps

White's "Once and Forever King" : A 10 page report on T.H. White's "The Once and Forever King." The story is described in the context of an Arthurian legend-- modeled very much after stories from that particular era. Symbolism, characterization, Knighthood, and the importance of learning are among the many other elements discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Onceandf.wps

T.H. White’s "The Once and Future King" : A 6 page essay which examines how T.H. White’s The Once and Future King compares to other Arthurian legends, the time era it was written, and the further external factors which caused the change in these legends. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Onceking.wps

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s "The Mists Of Avalon" / Character Of Morgaine : A 5 page essay on Marion Zimmer Bradley’s protagonist in The Mists of Avalon. The essay looks at how the standards of paganism differ from the standards of Christianity, and the character of Morgaine is caught in the middle. No sources. Mista.wps

Tom Stoppard’s "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" : A 6 page essay exploring how the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead reflects specific aspects of life: 1. humans as social animals and 2. how the individual finds his or her place in society. The confusions and feelings of what am I doing here and why am I doing it are emphasized. Rosencra.wps

Tom Stoppard’s "Arcadia" / Interpersonal Conflict & Doom : A 6 page essay on Tom Stoppard’s brilliant but cerebral 1995 play, which takes place in two different centuries, using the same set. It contrasts the relationships between Septimus and Thomasina, two characters in the twentieth-century part of the play, with Hannah and Bernard in the twentieth century part, and shows how they develop against a poignant sense of a paradise doomed. No additional sources cited. Arcadia.wps

Tom Stoppard’s "The Real Inspector Hound": A 5 page essay looking at Tom Stoppard’s play in terms of whether it has any significance beyond pure escapism. The essay suggests that in this play Stoppard explores the degree to which we as human beings blur the boundaries between illusion and reality, between who we are and who we think we are. Bibliography lists one source. KBstoppard.wps

Robert Olen Butler’s "A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain" : A 5 page analysis that examines the structure of this Pulitzer Prize winning short story about a dying Vietnamese patriarch. The writer discusses how, in touching and poetic passages, Butler skillfully interweaves past and present so that the reader catches glimpses of an early life in Paris with Vietnamese leader, n Minh, as well as the old man’s current concerns for his family. Rbutler.wps

Refuge -- A Story of Adaptation to Disaster : A 5 page analysis essay of Terry Williams' story of natural and personal disaster. The writer details her account of the flooding of a wildlife refuge, and compares it to the losses suffered from her mother's death. Bibliography lists the primary source. Refuge.wps

James Redfield’s "The Celestine Prophesy" : A 10 page essay the provides an overview of Redfield novel. This essay presents his nine Insights and relates them to a psychological perspective on the changing nature of the world. Bibliography lists 1 source. Celestine.wps

Bernard Malamud’s "The Magic Barrel": In 5 pages, the writer discusses the meaning & purpose of "The Magic Barrel" by Bernard Malamud. Magicb.wps

"Dreaming in Cuban" : 5 page analysis of character and effectiveness in Christina Garcia's recent (1990's) book "Dreaming in Cuban"-- a fictional work that realistically traces several generations of a Cuban family and their lives both in their native land and in the United States.-- Examination is moderately socio-political. No Bibliography. Dreamcub.wps

Cristina Garcia’s "Dreaming in Cuban" : This 3 page essay discusses one of the adversarial relationships, the one between Celia and her daughter Lourdes, in "Dreaming in Cuban." Bibliography lists 1 source. Drcuban.wps

Ayn Rand / Objectivism & Racism : An 8 page essay that provides an overview of the essential elements of Ayn Rand's Objectivist principles and considers the question of whether they are racist in nature. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Ayn.rand.rtf

Ayn Rand's "Fountainhead" : A 6 page analysis of conflict in Ayn Rand’s "The Fountainhead" (20th century lit.). The writer examines how Rand dramatizes the conflict between individuality and conformity through her spectrum of people.(Rand was Born in Russia but is regarded as a U.S. Novelist by most authorities) No Bibliography. Founhead.wps

Amy Tan's "Rules of the Game" : A 3 page essay on Tan's "Rules of the Game" in which the writer focuses upon the symbolic meaning of the book's title and its relevance to life and the human experience. A number of insightful points are made and the story's underlying meaning is thematically interpreted. No Bibliography. Gamerule.wps

Amy Tan’s "The Joy Luck Club" vs. Dangarembga’s "Nervous Conditions" / Struggle of Women : An 8 page essay discussing the individual struggles of two women that are depicted in The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, and Nervous Conditions, by Tsitsi Dangarembga. In The Joy Luck Club the character being examined is that of Rose Hsu Jordan and in Nervous Conditions it is the character of Nyasha. Both of these women are faced with the complications of tradition, parental pressures, cross-cultural existence, and their existence as women. They both face their own struggle to find themselves in the face of many fears and beliefs. Bibliography lists3 sources. Struggle1.wps

Amy Tan’s "The Joy Luck Club"/ Mother-Daughter Identity : A 5 page essay looking at the way the Americanized daughters in Amy Tan’s novel derive their true identity from the legacy of their Chinese-born mothers. The essay concludes that despite the fact that both mothers and daughters experience problems communicating with one another, Tan suggests that it is only through the effort of breaking down these barriers that daughters are able to discover who they really are. Bibliography lists five sources. Joyluck2.wps

Tan’s "A Pair of Tickets" / Culture, Setting, & Character : A 5 page essay looking at the interrelationship of culture and characterization in this excerpt from Amy Tan’s novel The Joy Luck Club. The essay asserts that the protagonist can only discover who she is by learning who her mother was, deep down inside -- and it took a trip to her mother’s native country to see this. Bibliography lists one source. Pairtick.wps

Amy Tan’s "The Hundred Secret Senses"/ The Contact Zone : An 8 page essay reading Amy Tan’s novel The Hundred Secret Senses in the light of Mary Louise Pratt’s "Arts in the Contact Zone" and Alice Walker’s "In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens." The essay concludes that much of our success in making valid cross-cultural alliances occurs in an unconscious and "magical" rather than logical and analytical way. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Contzone.wps

Yekl : Abraham Cahan's Yekl is discussed in this 6 page essay that focuses on the conflict within the main character himself. Several themes of this important novel are explored. No additional sources cited. Yekl.wps

The Dark Side of Carol Joyce Oates : A 6 page essay that provides an overview of the darker elements in the writings of Carol Joyce Oates. A number of her stories are used as examples to illustrate points being made. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Oates.rtf

O.A. Bushnell’s "Molokai" / An Analysis : A 5 page analysis of the book, Molokai by O.A. Bushnell. Set in the leper colony, Kalaupapa, in the late 19th century, the book is divided into three sections, each told from the perspective of that character. This writer proposes that the story's main theme is love and that the character, Malie, is positioned to emphasize that disease is blind -- it strikes wealthy and poor alike. Molokai.wps

The Search For Meaning In Anne Dillard’s "Teaching A Stone To Talk" : 
A 7 page essay analyzing Annie Dillard’s book of personal essays. It concludes that it is Dillard’s goal to find meaning in every aspect of her life, and to do this she seeks the answers to the deepest questions of existence through an all-encompassing vision of God. No sources except book. Dillard.wps

Gish Jen’s "Mona in the Promise Land" / An Analysis : This 5 page essay examines and analyzes Chinese-American author Gish Jen's 1996 novel, "Mona in the Promise Land." Monaprom.wps

Gish Jen’s "Mona in the Promised Land" # 2 / The Asian - American Experience : In 5 pages, the writer discusses Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen. The incessant topic of the essay is the Asian American experience and how Jen uses emotion to portray this. No additional sources cited. Mona2.wps

Revolutionaries and the Feminine Mystique : A 6 page piece which postulates that in "The Feminine Mystique" and "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," Betty Friedan and Joan Didion write (separately) of a women’s revolution, Friedan by tracing history toward a thesis, and Didion by adding apocolyptic commentary to the theme by living with the emerging culture, and by observing the unconscious shedding of historical perspective. However true to history their original insights, it can be claimed that both lost touch with their historical perspectives, specifically as they applied to the ongoing social issues for which they fought. As such, they themselves became victims to a "history mystique" of their own creation. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Friedion.wps

Edwin O'Connor's "The Last Hurrah" : A 5 page essay that provides an overview of the basic themes in O'Connor's novel about the social and political issues relevant to the Irish-American community in Boston in the 1950’s. This book provides a view that is both sympathetic and accurate, and documents the political corruption during this era. No additional sources cited. Hurrah.wps

Edwin O’Connor’s "The Last Hurrah" # 2 : This 5 page report discusses Edwin O’Connor’s 1956 novel "The Last Hurrah" and looks at it in the context of how politics have changed in America over the past forty years. No additional sources cited. Hurrah2.wps

Richard Preston’s "The Hot Zone" : A 5 page essay on Richard Preston’s terrifying book about the Ebola virus. The essay concludes that Preston’s actual agenda in writing this book is summed up in the last chapter: that the earth has come to regard humans as a parasite, and is using viral disease to exterminate us. No sources. Hotzone.wps

Robin Cook’s "Outbreak" / A Viable Hyposthesis ? : A 5 page research essay investigating the messages in Robin Cook's "Outbreak" in terms of reality. Does the government cover up events? Evidence is offered that it indeed covers up lots thus, Cook's book, while a fictional account, is closer to reality than we might want to think. Several supporting/critical sources cited in bibliography. Outbrea.wps

Preston’s"Hot Zone" vs. Cook’s "Outbreak" / Microbiological Comparison :
A 4 page comparison of the microbiological information presented in Richard Preston’s book "Hot Zone" and the movie "Outbreak." Concludes that while Preston’s book presents valuable and factual information about such organisms as the Marburg Virus and the Ebola Virus, the movie presents only fictional information and is of little public educational value. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Hotbreak.wps

Lewis Nordon’s "Music Of The Swamp" : A 4 page essay that discusses the creative and richly detailed account of life on the Mississippi Delta as presented by novelist Lewis Nordan. This book presents its themes through Nordan's characterizations of Sugar, a young boy living life in the South. Nordan also uses interjections of music, lyrics and musical suggestions through out the book as a means of creating the interesting culture of Delta life. No additional sources cited. Swamp.wps

Robert Pirsig’s "Lila" / Metaphysics Of Quality : A 5 page analysis of the concepts presented by Pirsig as they relate to what he calls "dynamic quality." No additional sources cited. Lila.wps

Robert Pirsig’s "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" : A 15 page review of the 1974 book by Robert Persig. Explores the concept of perception and how it relates to the ancient philosophy of Zen. Illuminates Persig's concern with the decline in American values and in systems such as our educational system. No additional sources are listed. Zenart.wps

William Kennedy’s "Ironweed" / Annie and Helen : A 10 page essay on William Kennedy’s "Ironweed," which describes the differences in the life experiences of the two women who run with Francis. Francis is a murderous ex-baseball player who returns to family after destroying Helen. Helen reconciles herself in death. This essay postulates that this story is another parochial vision of the "woman is to blame for everything," while the man can always return as the prodigal son. Therefore, it delivers a dangerous message in a safe-sex world. Ironweed.wps

"I Stand Here Ironing" By Tillie Olsen : This 5 page report discusses Tillie Olsen’s short story that examples a mother/daughter relationship and the difficulties faced by a single, impoverished mother who agonizes over her ability to not do enough for her daughter, Emily. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Tillie.wps

James Fenimore Cooper : 6 pages in length. James Fenimore Cooper, the prolific author who has penned some of the most memorable literary works in American history, did not originally intend to be a writer; rather, the fact that he found his inherent ability to write was discovered quite by accident. His literary career began at the late age of thirty years old, in spite of the fact that he harbored an intense interest in reading just about everything that came his way. As time went on, Cooper focused more heartily upon his craft, as well as American issues, which served to thrust him into the literary world. The writer discusses Cooper's life and work. Bibliography lists 6 sources. TLCcoop.wps

James Fenimore Cooper’s "Last Of The Mohicans"/ Romancing The Mohicans :  A 7 page essay discussing The Last of the Mohicans as a classic American example of an early Romantic novel. It provides a short history and definition of Romanticism, then analyzes the novel from the point of view of setting, characterization, and theme. Bibliography lists six sources. Mohican.wps

James Fenimore Cooper’s "Last of the Mohicans": Natty as an American Hero :  A 3 page essay looking at James Fenimore Cooper’s protagonist of The Last of the Mohicans in terms of the way he represents American values. The essay argues that while Natty’s strong, silent, rugged type is still popular in western, romance and adventure fiction, he does not reflect the uncertainty of our own age. Bibliography lists 2 sources. KBcooper.wps

James Fenimore Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans" / Themes : A 3 page essay that examines how Cooper uses the character of Uncas, the last of his tribe, to present Native Americans as a noble, admirable people and challenge the prejudicial attitudes of his day. The writer also argues that Cooper uses the character of Cora, who is of mixed heritage, to this purpose as well. Quotations from the source. Bibliography lists the book itself as the only source. LastMohs.wps

James Fenimore Cooper’s "The Last of the Mohicans" & Hogan’s "Mean Spirit" / Two Different Views of the Indian : A 7 page essay contrasting James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans with Linda Hogan’s Mean Spirit from a historical standpoint. The essay concludes that the reflections of the author’s historical period determine the content and tone of the works themselves. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Coophag.wps

"The Wide, Wide World" & "Wieland" / Female Characters : This 7 page research essay compares and contrasts the characters of Ellen Montgomery in Susan Bogert Warner’s The Wide, Wide World (1852), and Clara Wieland in Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland (1798). Bibliography lists 5 sources. Wideland.rtf

Religion in Wieland & The Wide Wide World : A 7 page essay looking at the treatment of Christian doctrine in these two novels by Charles Brockden Brown and Susan Warner. The essay points out that although Christian expression is used as a form of "cultural shorthand" in both novels, only in Warner’s is the teaching of Christian principles a major goal of the book. Bibliography lists four sources. Widewie.wps

Theodore Dreiser’s "Sister Carrie" / Setting : A 5 page essay on the turn-of-the-century novel by Theodore Dreiser. The writer looks at how Dreiser made the settings of Chicago and New York a dynamic part of the characterization and action of the novel. It is the writer’s premise that Dreiser took less care with the characterization of his protagonist then he did with her environmental situation. No additional sources cited. Sistcar.wps

Theodore Dreiser’s "An American Tragedy"/ Clyde Griffith : This 5 page report discusses the great novel by Theodore Dreiser and his development of the character of Clyde Griffiths. While some of critics have accused the character of "Clyde" as being a misogynist or a sexist, this writer presents the argument that Clyde was neither. The only person Clyde looked down on was Clyde himself. No additional sources cited. Clydgrif.wps

Tim O’Brien’s "In the Lake in the Woods" : A 5 page essay that discusses sorcery and politics in Tim O'Brien's novel ‘In the Lake in the Woods.’ This essay demonstrates the way John Wade utilized sorcery as a means to create the illusion of political credibility and also presents the way that sorcery is used as a part of the political process in general. No additional sources cited. Lakewood.wps

Mary Brown’s "The Unlikely Ones" / A Journey Of Self Discovery : A 4 page essay on the science fiction novel by Mary Brown showing how the book portrays a young girl’s rite of passage towards adulthood. No additional sources cited. Unlikely1.doc

April Sinclair’s "Coffee Will Make You Black" : A 5 page essay discussing why April Sinclair’s Coffee Will Make You Black should be a part of any college sophomore-level English class. No additional sources cited. Coffblac.wps

Five Contemporary Plays : A 6 page essay looking at Tina Howe’s "Painting Churches"; Wallace Shawn’s "Aunt Dan and Lemon"; Eric Bogasian’s "Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll"; Maria Irene Fornes’ "The Danube;" and Craig Lucas’ "Prelude to a Kiss". The essay shows how each of these plays display what it is that makes us human by revealing what is important to us. No additional sources cited. 5templay.wps

William Gibson’s "Neuromancer" / The Dark Future : A 9 page essay on William Gibson’s science fiction novel. It argues that although Neuromancer’s world is really not that much of a stretch technologically from the capabilities we now have, it is a dystopia because it warns us about the dangers of a society in which no one cares about anything but pleasure. No additional sources cited. Neuro.wps

Whitley Strieber’s "The Forbidden Zone" : A 5 page book report on how Whitley Strieber makes use of temporal refraction, the instability of the reality constant, and the space-time continuum in his "The Forbidden Zone." The essay discusses the fact that Strieber's intent for the science fiction novel was to present the characters actions in light of physical science rather than psychological theory. No additional sources cited. Strieber.wps

Greg Egan’s "Distress" / Book Review : A 5 page exploration of the science fiction novel "Distress" and how it parallels existing and future science and technology. No additional sources listed. Distress.wps

Larry Watson’s "Montana 1948" : A 5 page essay that provides an overview of the main elements of style, point-of-view and symbolism in Watson's novel. No additional sources cited. Montana.wps

Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac & Allen Ginsberg / Profound Disafection from Continental Society and the Beat Writers of the 1950 : This 18 page essay reflects upon three of the most distinct writers of the Beat Generation: Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Cassady, Kerouac and Ginsberg were American writers whose unconventional work and lifestyles reflected profound disaffection with continental society. This essay explores their disaffection through the writings of these authors and considers the differentiation between their own views and those of continental society as they define societal marginality. Bibliography lists 12 sources. Njackg.wps

Jack Kerouac’s "On The Road" / Zen Madness : Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road in the early 1950's, though it wasn't published until 1957. The relationship of his escapades in the book and the philosophies of the 'beat' generation are well known. One area that has not been explored to any extent is the relationship the journey taken in the book has with Kerouac's known interest in Buddhism. Although On the Road was not written with the Buddhist point of view in mind, the journey of Kerouac and Cassidy can be seen as an extension of the Mahayana principles that interested Kerouac later in his life. This 4 page essay argues that the journey in On the Road fulfills a basic definition of a Buddhist quest for knowledge and eventual nirvana. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Roadzen.wps

Jack Kerouac’s "On The Road" / Socialization : A 5 page essay discussing whether it can be said that Kerouac’s classic book of the fifties Beat generation had a socializing influence. The essay concludes that because it anticipated the freedom of the sixties, its enormous popularity helped to usher in sociological change. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Kerouac.wps

Henry Miller’s Tropics of… / Comparison : An 8 page comparative essay on Henry Miller’s "Tropic of Cancer" and "Tropic of Capricorn." The writer argues that the subject of these sexually explicit books was the real quadrangle of sex—passion, politics, boredom and death. Although he viewed the works as conscious-raising efforts, he believed his attempts would be futile. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Tropics.wps

Harper Lee’s "To Kill A Mockingbird" / Justice ? : In this 2 page essay, the writer argues that To Kill a Mockingbird contains criticism of the prejudice and moral laziness that allowed Southern society to have a double standard of justice. In this oppressed society, Calpurina feels compelled to converse in her friends' dialect so they will not feel she is trying to act superior to them. No additional sources cited. Killmock.wps

Harper Lee’s "To Kill a Mockingbird" / The Maturing of Scout : A 10 page essay analyzing the character of Scout in this sensitive coming-of-age story. The essay argues that although at times Scout’s perceptions may be a little too advanced for her age, they nonetheless show she will have the ability to develop into a courageous and mature young woman. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Scoutmat.wps

To Kill A Mockingbird / Setting & The Courtroom : 5 pages in length. The significance of the Maycomb setting in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and how it affects the courtroom scene demonstrates the way in which a black man’s life can be maligned with blatant lies and misinterpretations. Atticus Finch’s appointment to defend Negro Tom Robinson is something the town has not witnessed before -- a town in which blacks and whites cohabit together but do not meld their lives beyond the cursory greeting at the marketplace. By Finch taking on Robinson’s alleged rape case, it sets a new precedence for the narrow-mindedness of the townspeople and the injustice routinely inflicted upon the Negro community. No additional sources cited. Mockset.wps

Lee Smith’s "Fair & Tender Ladies" And The Epistolary Novel : A 6 page essay which looks at the format of Lee Smith’s Fair and Tender Ladies as series of letters, and demonstrate how the main character both reflects her culture and her own growth through her writing. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Ladies.doc

Sherman Alexie’s "Indian Killer" : This 5 page research essay reviews Sherman Alexie's 1996 novel, Indian Killer by examining the life of central character, John Smith, who has gone on a killing rampage in his attempt to reclaim his Indian heritage from the white man. The supporting protagonists, each with his own anger and motivation against white society are also explored in detail. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Indkilr.wps

John Demos’ "The Unredeemed Captive" : A 7 page essay reviewing John Demos' 1994 book, The Unredeemed Captive. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Captive.rtf

John Demos’ "The Unredeemed Captive"/ Historical Fiction or Nonfiction Story?:   A 5 page essay examining this unique book by John Demos. The essay argues that the book, which deals with a young girl, Eunice Williams, who is assimilated into an Indian tribe in Colonial America, is definitely nonfiction because its author does not attempt to impose fictional structures on it, and grounds his speculation in historical fact or common sense. No additional sources. KBdemos.wps

"A Wrinkle In Time" By Madeleine L'Engle : 6 pages in length. Science fiction has never been quite the same for the elementary and secondary school students who read Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. Bringing together the concepts of good versus evil, courage, love's power and the coming of age, this endearing and enduring book has stood the test of time and proven itself worthy of being revisited again and again. The story, which chronicles the adventures of thirteen-year-old Meg Murry and her five-year-old brother Charles, possesses numerous fantasy elements which inspire the reader's imagination and encourage him to become intimately involved with the characters. The writer discusses characters, lessons and morals as they relate to A Wrinkle in Time. No additional sources used. TLCwrink.wps

Elizabeth Warnock Fernea’s "Guest Of The Sheik" : A 5 page essay that provides an overview of the elements of gender-based social constructs described in Fernea's story, and demonstrates the differences that Fernea experiences as a westerner in an eastern culture. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Sheik.doc

Bharati Mukherjee's "Jasmine" : A 7 page essay that provides an overview of the theme of Americanization in Bharati Mukherjee's Jasmine and underscores the belief that true assimilation into American culture is seldom achieved by illegal immigrants. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Jasmine.wps

James Baldwin’s "Sonny’s Blues" / Healing Through Pain : A 5 page examination of James Baldwin’s short story Sonny’s Blues. The writer examines Baldwins use of foreshadowing and the metaphors of light, darkness and ice and how music seems to be the healing element in the story. No additonal sources cited. Sonnblue.wps

Maturity in "Sonny’s Blues" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" : A 3 page essay examining the theme of maturity in Baldwin’s "Sonny’s Blues" and Joyce Carol Oates’ "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Baldwin’s Sonny surpasses all the other characters, including Connie and her mother. In spite of his dangerous dance with heroin, he is the only one of the group who seeks further meaning either in life or his own actions, or even acknowledges that such further meaning even exists. Sonwhere.wps

Baldwin’s "Sonny’s Blues" / Suffering : A 3 page analysis of suffering in Baldwin’s short story. Listening is the whole point of Baldwin’s story and also something so many have so much difficulty doing well. Sonny admires the woman’s singing, but rather than being able to enjoy her music for what it is and take only the superficial view of it, he is compelled to hear the emotion that drives her voice, her intonations and inflections. No additional sources cited. Sonsuff.wps

James Baldwin’s "The Fire Next Time" : This 5 page essay examines James Baldwin’s popular work. The thesis of the essay is that the book is just as applicable today as it was in the early sixties. Criticisms of the work and the author are discussed. The symbolic nature of the use of fire in literature and popular culture is also noted. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Firetime.wps

James Baldwin’s "Going to Meet the Man" : James Baldwin, one of the primary African American writers of the twentieth century, reflects on the link between man’s struggle with self-identification and the expected role he plays in the world in his short story "Going to Meet the Man." In his collection of short stories of the same title, Baldwin’s reflections about the capacity of men, especially Black men, to define themselves in a culture, address their personal development and consider the implications through out their life struggles are significant themes in his short stories. This 2 page essay considers these themes as they are related in "Going to Meet the Man." No additional sources cited. Jbald.wps

Louis L'Amour : In 5 pages the writer discusses famous western writer Louis L'Amour. His life and his work are compared and a few quotes are taken from his writing. Bibliography lists 8 sources. L’Amour.wps

Utopia / The Definition : This 5 page essay examines three encyclopedia definitions of the term utopia and compares them to the utopia which is defined by Marge Piercy in her book, Woman on the Edge of Time. Utopenc.wps

Guilt & Adult’s Treatment of Children In Literature : A 4 page essay that explores how adults' treatment of children results in assumptions of guilt and resultant powerlessness, as imposed on children by adults and their societies. Literary works used to argue this thesis are as follows : Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown," and Kerouac's "On the Road." Growup.wps

Turning Novels Into Movies / Problems Involved : A 27 page essay looking at six novels and the movies that were made from them, analyzing how successfully each filmmaker translated the story from print to film and the problems they seem to have encountered in doing so. The books and movies covered are The Color Purple; The Book of Daniel (Daniel in the film version); The Last Tycoon; The Day of the Locust; Sophie’s Choice; and An American Tragedy (A Place in the Sun). Bibliography lists three sources. Prinfilm.wps

Fred Chappell’s "I Am One of You Forever" / Male Bonding : A 5 page essay discussing whether author Fred Chappell views male bonding in a traditionally Southern way. The writer analyzes the use of tall tales in the story, and suggests that males use these stories to mythically explain and cement their relationship to one another. Malebond.wps

Linda Hogan’s "Mean Spirit" : A 5 page analysis of the book by Native American writer, Linda Hogan. This novel tells the story of what happened in the 1920s when oil was discovered on Native American land. Through the eyes of two Indian families, the reader learns how whites coerced the true owners of the land through brutality and murder to gain control of the oil. The writer demonstrates how the novel works on several different levels of meaning and specifically focuses on the relationships between the Indian men and women in the story. No additional sources cited. Meanspir.wps

Barry Gifford’s "Baby Cat-Face" / Symbolism Of The Color Red : A 6 page essay that provides an analytical overview of the symbolism based in the color red in Barry Gifford’s novel, Baby Cat-Face. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Gifford.wps

John Gardner's "Nickel Mountain" : A 6 page essay reviewing John Gardner's book "Nickel Mountain." Bibliography lists 8 sources. Garnder.DOC

Nathaniel West’s "Miss Lonelyhearts" : A 6 page theme on the book by Nathanael West exploring the various themes in the book and its alienation with modern society. No additional sources cited. Misslo.wps

Ring Lardner's "The Haircut" : 7 pages in length. The question is not one of whether Paul Dickson actually committed the premeditate murder of Jim Kendall, but rather if he is fully responsible for the act of passion that he is truly guilty of committing. Certainly, the purported accident is not one of happenstance, because it is no secret how much Paul -- and most of the other townspeople -- despise Jim because of the heartless and cruel jokes he plays on his unwitting victims. But when Julie Gregg -- Paul's unrequited love interest -- becomes victim of a particularly unmerciful prank, it is likely too much for the otherwise mild mannered young man to bear. The writer discusses the reasons why the murder was, in fact, premeditated, and suggests that the entire town is guilty of the crime, as well. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Haircut.wps

Elmore Leonard’s "Riding The Rap" : A 5 page essay that considers the social commentary related within Leonard's work. This essay reflects on racism, racial differences, crime and social stratification as they are discussed within the context of Leonard's novel. Bibliography lists no additional sources. Riderap.wps

Memories Of A Catholic Girlhood : This 3 page analysis of Mary McCarthy's Memories of a Catholic Girlhood explores her essays in terms of skill and style. The work is contrasted with her fiction and the subject matter contained in the book is explored. McCarthy's technique of contrasting writing with use of italics is noted throughout the essay. The book is the only source used. Catholic.doc

Life & Death In "Night Mother" : A 5 page analysis of Marsha Norman’s 1983 play. The essay posits that the life-and-death struggle is not really between the suicidal Jessie Cates and her mother Thelma, but between the death-seeking and life-affirming sides of Jessie herself. Bibliography lists one source. Nmothe.wps

Wally Lamb’s "She's Come Undone" By Wally Lamb : In 5 pages, the writer discusses the novel "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb. The questions of "How does Dolores' life parallel her mother's?", and How does she ultimately triumph and move beyond her tie to her mother's failures?" are answered. Undone.wps

Richard Bach’s "Illusions" : A 5 page essay that reflects on the themes and major elements of Richard Bach’s inspiring novel Illusions. Bach’s novel, which has been acclaimed as a "glorious bestseller," relates the story of Richard’s encounter with Donald Shimoda, an airplane mechanic who shares with him stories, lessons and a visionary perspective related from a seemingly unglorified messiah; a man capable of relating life and existence from the perspective of one who has lived it. No additional sources cited. Rbach.wps

Russell Banks’ "The Bone" : A 6 page essay on the novel "Rule of the Bone" by Russell Banks. The aspect of drugs placed an important role in the book by Banks and is discussed here. The fact that the drugs are in nearly every aspect of the story is illustrated. The reasons behind Bone’s use of drugs is also described. No additional sources cited. Rulebone.wps

Shenakkan’s "Kentucky Cycle"/ Land as the Main Character : A 5 page essay discussing the land as the main character-- seeing as and responding as a human being—and discussing what the play has to say about man and how he is cutting himself off from the earth, with a focus on the significance and meaning of his alienation from the land which is his life. No additional sources cited. Kentucky.wps

Heinlein’s "Starship Troopers": Individual Freedom and the Military State :
A 5 page analysis of this Hugo-winning science fiction novel in terms of its sociological commentary. The essay argues that Heinlein is right that freedom, individualism, and equality are meaningless without responsibility; but he is wrong in subjugating the rights of dissenters to those who only voice the party line. No additional sources. KBheinln.wps

Heinlein’s "Stranger in a Strange Land": Social Issues : A 5 page essay looking at this classic science fiction novel in terms of its approach to critical social issues. Particular issues discussed are religion, class, race, gender, and sexual preference. The essay analyzes why there is so much confusion surrounding interpretation of this book, and argues that Heinlein’s novel reflects his own conservative political values. No additional sources cited. KBstranger.wps

Katherine Mansfield’s "A Doll’s House" : This 7 page essay provides an analysis of Katherine Mansfield’s short story "A Doll’s House" and evaluates the characters, plot, and the major themes of the story. No additional sources cited. Dolhous.wps

The Promise of American Life & Decline of Moral Value (1865 - 1998) :
A 9 page essay arguing that moral values have not kept pace with technological progress America has seen since the Civil War. The essay uses and cites seven works of literature as sources and discussion points to provide its thesis. Red Badge Of Courage, Shane, & SeaWolf are among the works used. Morals.wps

American Society in the Early 20th Century / Evidence In Literature : A 10 page essay that compares John Milton Cooper’s Pivotal Decades; Robert Wiebe’s The Search for Order; Allan Spear’s The Origins of the Urban Ghetto; and Robert Woods’ The City Wilderness. The writer contends that while these works all take different perspectives on the time period, they also provide a complete view when considered together. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Amersoc.wps

Political Obligation In Writing During The 17th & 18th Centuries : A 7 page examination of political obligation as it related to writers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Concentrates on John Locke and the leaders of the fledgling United States. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Polwrite.wps

Women in Modern Southern Literature : A 9 page essay on the changing role of women in Southern literature in the mid-to-late twentieth century. The essay observes that the Southern woman conceals beneath her society’s valuation of her as helpless a unique ability to navigate the waters of her culture. Works covered are Eudora Welty’s Delta Wedding; Flannery O’Connor’s A Good Man is Hard To Find; Walker Percy’s Lancelot; Peter Taylor’s A Summons to Memphis; and Kaye Gibbons’ Ellen Foster. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Southlit.wps

Allison’s "Bastard Out Of Carolina" / Gender & Class : A 5 page essay exploring the novel for class an gender influences on the outcome -- that Bone’s mother abandons her raped and abused daughter in favor of the man who raped her. Bibliography lists 1 source. Cnbastrd.wps

Symbolism of the Wall in Mistry’s "Such a Long Journey : A 7 page essay which analyzes the symbolic meaning of the wall surrounding the protagonist’s apartment in 1970s Bombay. The essay concludes that the wall is a metaphor for the protagonist’s sheltered and cloistered life, which is changed abruptly as he embarks upon a potentially risky attempt to help a friend. Mistry.wps

Wilbur Smith / River God : 5 pages in length. The writer offers a brief overview of Wilbur Smith's novel about slaves and Pharaohs, power and enlightenment. No other sources cited. RiverGod.wps

Life / It is What it is : A 5 page essay discussing the similarities between three short literary works; "The Case for Torture," by Michael Levin, "The Terrifying Normalcy of AIDS," by Stephen J. Gould, and "Thank God for the Atom Bomb," by Paul Fussell.
All three of these works discuss some aspect of humanity and life in general. While each one attempts to explain different deadly subjects in various ways they all approach their individual subject from essentially the same standpoint, the standpoint being the reality that life will continually bring to humanity many devastating illnesses and occurrences for many different reasons. No additional sources cited. Lifewhat.wps

Combat Stories: An Interview With A World War II Medic : An 8 page research essay that recounts what World War II was like for the medics that served the front lines. Told in the form of an interview with a World War II veteran, the writer relates war stories gained from research done in this area. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Ww2view.wps

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm : A 5 page essay on the book by Nancy Farmer. This book is a young adult book but is highly entertaining and educational. The story takes place in Zimbabwe in the year 2194. While it is in the future and has many strange characters it is a book which is largely based on ancient African practices and religion. The children in the book are the children of a General, who is in charge of security for the entire area and have always been kept within their own boundaries. Their adventures begin when they escape those boundaries and get kidnapped. The ear, the eye, and the arm are detectives with special powers. No additional sources cited. Eareye.wps

Snow Falling On Cedars : 5 pages in length. The writer gives an overview of David Guterson's novel about a murder trial that takes place in the Japanese village of San Piedro. While the reader is immediately drawn into the story line, the eloquence with which the author writes is yet another aspect to the attractiveness of this book. No additional sources cited. Snowfall.wps

Journal Thoughts on "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" : An 8 page essay looking at Betty Smith’s novel in terms of its plot, theme, characterization, tone, and setting. It points out that the novel’s effectiveness is somewhat undercut by creating such strong, gritty female characters and then marrying them off to unsuitable men at the end. Bibliography lists 1 source. Bsmith.wps

Dalton Trumbo’s "Johnny Got His Gun" : Dalton Trumbo’s anti-war novel about the reflections of Joe Bonham makes a significant statement about the nature of man and the struggles of war. This 3 page essay provides a brief overview of Trumbo’s book and considers the significance within the societal view he provides. No additional sources cited. Johngun.wps

Daughter of Time : A 5 page essay on the book, "Daughter of Time," by Jocelyn Fey. This essay discusses the meaning of the title. There are many ways to interpret this particular title, the most obvious and common interpretation, and the one predominantly discussed, is that of truth. The daughter of time has often been considered to mean truth and in this particular mystery novel the characters, who are actual people in history, are revealed to be the devious individuals they are. The most predominant character in the book is III. No additional sources cited. Daugtime.wps

Bebe Moore Campbell’s "Envy" / The Potential for Violence : A 3 page essay discussing why the normally well-behaved protagonist of this autobiographical story suddenly threatened to stab her teacher. The story concludes that Bebe’s outburst was caused by the absence of both her father and the entire presence of fatherliness in her life. Bibliography lists 1 source. Bebecamp.wps

The Personal Development of Stephen Kumalo : A 5 page analysis of the protagonist of Alan Paton’s 1948 novel Cry, the Beloved Country. The essay points out that Kumalo was already a faithful and devoted priest prior to the traumatic loss of his son, but his loss enabled him to learn new ways to put his faith into action. Bibliography lists one source. Skumalo.wps

Caroline Janover’s "Josh : A Boy With Dyslexia" : 2 pages in length. The writer offers a brief account of Caroline Janover's book about a young boy with a learning disorder. No additional sources cited. Joshdys.wps

Still Raising Hell : A 6 page book report on Sheila Baxter’s "Still Raising Hell." Baxter’s book is a first hand look at poverty, obesity, and general prejudices aimed towards the less privileged, or the less beautiful, people. Baxter’s main issue is that in dealing with this subject matter, it has only been the "educated" that truly write about these realities, not the victims themselves. She has lived the life of the poor, and in many ways still lives the life of the less privileged and her book details how, even at her age, she is "still raising hell." No additional sources provided. Stilhell.wps

Multiculturalism’s Roots in American Literature : A 5 page essay examining the way our multicultural heritage has been portrayed through the literature of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Works mentioned are Cather’s O Pioneers, Dixon’s The Clansmen, Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Twain’s The Tragedy of Puddn’head Wilson, Ridge’s The Life and Adventures of Joaquin Murieta, Zangwill’s The Melting Pot, and Du Bois’ "The Souls of Black Folk." Bibliography lists 5 sources. Multilit.wps

Alvin Toffler’s "Future Shock" : A 5 page essay analyzing "Future Shock," by Alvin Toffler. His book, though written in 1970, concerns many of the issues that are quite important today in terms of the changes civilization is experiencing, and has experienced. In addition to discussing Toffler’s book, the subject of rural, and other, education is discussed in terms of its applicability. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Futshock.wps

Tim O’Brien’s "Lake of the Woods" : A 5 page essay which analyzes Tim O’Brien’s 1994 novel, Lake of the Woods, to determine how events from John Wade’s past made his future inevitable, whether his outcome was just or unjust as well as O’Brien’s interpretation. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Tobrien.wps

John Kennedy Toole's "A Confederacy Of Dunces" / Its Relevance Today :
10 pages in length. To presume that Ignatius J. Reilly was merely a figment of John Kennedy Toole's literary imagination is to say that this personified manifestation of humanity does not live around every corner of every town. Indeed, the Ignatius J. Reilly's of the world are alive and well and infiltrating every segment of society, so much so in fact that reading Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces can be likened to a reflection upon contemporary civilization. The writer discusses how Reilly represents all the sourpuss negativity that permeates within and among this planet's inhabitants. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Dunces.wps

Hope Leslie : A 5 page essay discussing the book "Hope Leslie" by Catherine Maria Sedgwick. This is a novel set in early America and deals with the subject matter of the Native Americans and other prevalent issues of the day, in a completely different manner than perhaps any book has before. Sedgwick approaches her subject matter from a very skeptical, and obviously disgruntled, position in which she examines puritanical attitudes and the position of women in society. No additional sources cited. Hopeles.wps

"The Journey Into the Whirlwind" by Eugenia Ginzburg : This 5 page report discusses the horrendous injustice of what Eugenia Ginzburg faced in terms other than her painful imprisonment. Instead, it examines the idea of betrayal of an individual by the system which she has chose to support her entire life. Bibliography lists only the book itself as a source. JourWhir.wps

The Ox Bow Incident : A 5 page critical analysis of the book "The Ox Bow Incident" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. The book takes a bit of work to get involved in, starting out slowly with overly involved descriptions of characters, yet quickly becomes a truly excellent study of the condition known as mass hysteria, or mob mentality. The author describes the inner reasoning of the characters and gives the reader an excellent insight into these conditions. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Oxbow.wps

Doris Lessing’s "To Room Nineteen" / Use of Setting & Color : Doris Lessing’s story "To Room Nineteen" is a story about the repression of the human spirit and seeming unending emptiness and personal alienation that come as a result of social, cultural and even ethnic divisions. Susan Rawling, Lessing’s main character, vacillates between sanity and insanity, and her struggle to escape the accompanying alienation comes through a view of her surroundings. This 2 page considers this argument by considering the action in Lessing’s work. No additional sources cited. Dlessing.wps

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