Rewiew of “The Illegal” by Lawrence Hill

Character Growth in Three Parts The first part of the novel introduces the protagonist, Keita Ali, who has to flee his homeland to earn money for his family’s ransom. In this part, the readers learn that he feels alienated from his motherland and tries to fit in. The next section...

Hamlet as an Enjoyable and Exuberant Play

Introduction William Shakespeare was a renowned English writer, poet and dramatist. Shakespeare had a number of plays to his credit. Also, his works influenced quite a number of writers such as Charles Dickens, Herman Melville and a host of others. (Charles 602) This essay will focus on pointing out how...

Barn Burning by Faulkner: Symbols & Setting Analysis

In the story Barn Burning by Faulkner, we first encounter Mr. Snopes in a courthouse. He is accused of burning Mr. Harris’ barn. The justice of the court tells Mr. Harris to prove his allegations but he is unable to do so because Mr. Snopes is cunning and does not...

In His Steps: How Did Maxwell, Norman, and the Shabby Stranger View the City of Raymond?

In the novel In His Steps, Charles M. Sheldon explores the problems in society by observing the city of Raymond through the eyes of different characters. Sheldon’s goal was to “urge Christians to join forces to ameliorate social ills” (Smith 114). This essay examines the characters’ thoughts on Raymond. The...

Shakespeare’s “Othello”: Iago’s Honesty

Introduction In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the character Iago is the most well-known and multifaceted. To the characters in the play, he is a trustworthy and honest person who everyone in the community is willing to confide in. The audience on the other hand can note that he is the evilest,...

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” : The Book Analysis

Background “One Flew over the Cuckoo´s Nest” is a story of lives within a group of people with different psychological approaches. The characters in the book are definitely with peculiarities as of their psyches and Billy Bibbit is a great example of a man with a psychiatric disorder. Ken Kesey...

The Role of Women in A Doll’s House

The play A Doll’s House was written in 1879 by Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian writer born in 1828. It spread to the rest of Europe during the revolution period and sparked off a controversy because of his portrayal of women through the character Nora. The thesis of this essay is...

Supplication in the Iliad

Supplication or petitioning can be considered a kind of prayer where a person asking his superior for something. This prayer can be for himself or for someone else. The person who is making the supplication is referred to as a supplicant. Normally the supplicant is the inferior of the person...

Success in Death of a Salesman

The modern world is full of different points of view about failure and success. Different people think that success is a big family with ten children, the others consider success as a financial part of life, and some people think that it is a success when they have achieved something,...

“Crime and Punishment” by Dostoevsky: Analysis of the Work

The novel Crime and Punishment written by Fyodor Dostoevsky concentrates on the moral issues and highlights the urgent problems of society in the nineteenth century. The protagonists of the novel embody different features of characters who find comfort through redemption. In addition, the novel presents the reader with a great...

The Soul Never Dies: John Donne’s “Death, Be Not Proud”

Among the cornerstone issues of human existence is the aspect of relations between man and Death. In the circle of life Death is the ultimate destination and the greatest mystery to solve; unknown and enigmatic, Death both draws people’s attention and scares them, since it takes away the most precious...

John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath harshly criticizes American culture during the years of the dustbowls. He suggests the hardships of the people were driven not by the environmental factors as much as it was by the capitalistic fixation on economic profit regardless of the cost to the common...

Emilia’s Role in the Play Othello by Shakespeare

Outline This paper is an attempt to analyze the character of Emilia in William Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello. It begins with a thesis statement and the body discusses various questions like what is the role of Emilia. Is Emilia responsible for Desdemona’s death? What is her role in the handkerchief...

Fate vs. Free Will in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and The Seafarer

Nowadays, it is being commonly assumed that name, the Christian worldview defines the essence of Western civilization, as we know it. However, the close reading of the earliest Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon poetical pieces, such as “Beowulf”, “The Seafarer”, and “The Wanderer”, provides us with insight into the spiritual foundation of...

Historical Context of Pride and Prejudice: Research Paper

The novel Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen are considered to be a significant contributor to the world of literature made in 1813. It is important to stress that Jane Austen finished her work in 1797 when she was only twenty-one. The novel has rich historical value because it...

“East of Eden” by John Steinbeck

The main message of East of Eden seems to be that the individual has a moral and spiritual obligation to discover for themselves whether they have acted for the good or the evil. This is stated outright by the narrator in Chapter 34, “There is no other story. A man,...

Symbolism in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

Symbols have a special significance in Death of a Salesman. Recurring images of the rubber hose, diamonds, and stockings help to convey the play’s main message. This essay studies the symbolism in Death of a Salesman and uncovers the meaning behind the imagery used by Arthur Miller. Symbolism in Death...

Barker’s Regeneration & Plath’s The Bell Jar: Compare & Contrast Essay

Introduction Literature is usually regarded as a guide, which leads us throughout the realities of life, impacts our conclusions, and permeates our cultural consciousness. It is in the literature that we find our characters; we find the evidence of our pasts and an expectation for our potential. It is literature...

“The New Automaton Theater” by Steven Millhauser

Introduction It should be noted that Steven Millhauser is a writer and author of many popular works that raise important philosophical and moral questions. He uses the images familiar to every individual and creates a small world, a micro-universe, into which the reader is immersed from the first lines. The...

Death of a Salesman Characters: Dreams, Failures, and Betrayals

The play “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller is a prominent and well-known work with vivid and deep characters, and each of them had one’s own story. Willy Loman aspired to the American Dream and wanted to have the support of his loved ones. As a result, he received...

“The Lottery” by Jackson and “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” by Le Guin

Introduction: Dystopian Stories by Jackson and Le Guin The short stories, which represent a genre of utopian fiction, give the reader an opportunity to immerse himself/herself in the study of societies based on totalitarian principles and concealing controlled regimes behind the visible general happiness. Therefore, two stories, namely “The Lottery”...

Slavery in “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

Introduction Although slavery is considered to be the issue of the past, in the novel Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler imagines that this social phenomenon may acquire a new form soon. The extension of powers of big conglomerates may lead to the aggravation of poverty and enslavement of employees....

Emily Dickinson’s Reasons to Write About Death

Introduction There are many reasons for people to love or hate Emily Dickinson, but her passion for writing about death can hardly leave any reader indifferent. This author is strong due to her confidence and the desire to find out what happens before and after death and formulate clear emotions...

“Death of a Salesman” Dramatic Tragedy by Arthur Miller

Introduction The genre of dramatic tragedy is revealed comprehensively in the play “Death of a Salesman” written by Miller. The main character of the work is Willy Loman, a salesman who is disenchanted with his life and goes through the difficult steps of an internal crisis. Miller represents American reality...

“All Shook Up” a Book by Glenn Altschuler

Music can help people in times of trouble; as a soundtrack to their lives, it has the power to change them. In his book All Shook Up: How Rock ‘n’ Roll Changed America, Glenn Altschuler tells a story of how the ‘1950s rock ’n’ roll craze changed the American society...

Sighet’s Doubts: Moishe the Beadle’s Warnings Ignored

Warning of the Impending Doom The people of Sighet found it hard to believe Moishe the Beadle due to certain reasons. The first is because of the status of Moishe the Beadle in the society that they lived in. He was poor, and thus was not particularly liked by the...

Foreshadowing in The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

Examples of Foreshadowing in The Lottery While not immediately obvious, there are instances of foreshadowing in the story which seems to imply that some form of auspicious practice was about to occur. The most obvious example of foreshadowing was the emphasis the author placed on how the various characters in...

“Moll Flanders” a Novel by Daniel Defoe

The Fortunes & Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe is a novel that already includes the main plot in the title since it tells about the whirlwind life of a criminal – Moll Flanders. Written as a collection of Moll’s memories, the novel follows the main character...

The Battle of the Sexes in the Miller’s Tale

Introduction The Miller’s Tale is a humorous story about an old rich carpenter, his wife and two clerks. The latter two keeps seducing the carpenter’s wife in order to get her to bed. Among the various themes in this story is cuckoldry. The term cuckoldry refers to a man whose...

Marriage in “Popular Mechanics” by Raymond Carver

Introduction The author’s desire to convey topical and vital issues of modern society is often one of the primary goals of literature. The ability to reflect the problem as sharply and clearly as possible is an indicator of the writer’s talent, and if readers can appreciate the creative message of...

Themes and Devices in “Disgrace” by Coetzee

Introduction The novel “Disgrace” written by John Maxwell Coetzee can affect anyone who reads it. The author of the work has received several awards for it, and experts in the field have highly appreciated the book. The reading reveals the essence of extremes that can exist in any person, and...

The Relationship Between Father and Son in “Night” by Elie Wiesel

The theme of love has been developed in the novel, “Night” by Elie Wiesel. Reflectively, this theme is the axis of the climax. It defines the interaction between Eliezer and his father Schlomo. Thus, this treatise attempts to explicitly analyze the changing relationship between father and son in the novel...

Historical Memory in the “Barefoot Gen” Manga

Artistic expressions are part of every society’s collective memories and subsequent history. The main role of historical memory is to make a society remember what it has forgotten. Furthermore, historical memory upholds the concept that forgetting is part of remembering. This is why memories might change over time in the...

Gendered Analysis of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”

The story of Henrietta is a classical example of how women are portrayed and thought of in the society. The portrayal of women on magazine covers is exemplary done by the author in her book cover. The author views Henrietta as a beautiful black woman. In fact, pundits argue that...

The Novel “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kiran Desai

The book “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kiran Desai talks about an important world issue of class division and the differences between the social layers. The Soviet times are analyzed as the period when there was a race for satellite and space control between nations, which created even more division...

“Birds without a Nest” by Clorinda Matto de Turner Literature Analysis

Clorinda Matto de Turner has recounted the misfortunes that befell the Yapangui family in Killac, Andean, in the late 19th century in her novel, “Birds without a nest: A story of Indian life and priestly oppression in Peru”. Just like the other Indian families, the Yapanguis also have to endure...

Manley Pointer in Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor

“Good country people” is a short story by Flannery O’Connor, a prominent American writer. It is imperative to mention that it can be regarded as one of the most interesting works by the author, and is considered a masterpiece by some. It has a broad range of interesting characters, but...

Antigone as a Tragic Hero: Exploring Sophocles’ Masterwork

Introduction One of the reasons why there is indeed the spirit of tragism to the tragedy Antigone by Sophocles, is that the masterwork’s main character (Antigone) fits rather well the pattern of a ‘tragic hero’. In this paper, I will explore the validity of the above-stated at length, while emphasizing...

Puritan Themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Short Stories

A writer’s literary works often reflect certain circumstances of his or her private life as well as peculiar personal characteristics. Such is the case with one of the most prominent writers of American Romanticism, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Born in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, which is notorious for its witch trials,...

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift Literature Analysis

Written by Jonathan Swift (1729), “A Modest Proposal” is an essay with content based upon the lifestyle of Ireland, where the majority who were poor Roman Catholic Believers work as agricultural laborers and lessee farmers. The modes of payment were the produce, and the rates were excessively high for the...

“Skin: Ineradicable Stain Project” by Shelley Jackson

Introduction According to Harris, the gothic genre involves mysteries, horrific scenes, death, and other features that generate fear among the readers (par 1). The style establishes uncertainties in the settings and plots of stories. In most of the gothic genres, death is inevitable. In fact, most of the characters face...

The Modern Prometheus: Analysis of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

This Frankenstein analysis focuses on Victor’s motivation, various themes, and parallels with mythology. Check it out if you need ideas for your analysis of Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Analysis of Frankenstein: Introduction Almost two centuries have passed since the first publication of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Today, the monster...

Literary Analysis of Langston Hughes’s “Theme for English B” on Identity and Race

Introduction Langston Hughes’s poem “Theme for English B” offers a profound exploration of the complexities of identity within a racially charged society. Written from the perspective of a black college student at Columbia University in the 1950s, aged twenty-two, the poem delves into the struggles of self-definition in a world...

The Odyssey by Homer vs. Antigone by Sophocles on Gender Roles and Family Dynamics

Introduction This research paper critically examines the portrayal of gender roles and family dynamics in ancient Greek literature, specifically by analyzing two pivotal quotes from Homer’s “The Odyssey” and Sophocles’ “Antigone.” These texts, seminal in the canon of classical literature, provide a unique vantage point for exploring the intricate balance...

Themes of Identity and Racism in David Chariandy’s Novel Brother

Plot and Setting David Chariandy’s novel, “Brother,” is bound by a mysterious aura that elicits a range of emotions. The main themes of the story revolve around family, racial discrimination, belonging, and identity. Through his storytelling prowess, Chariandy aims to show the impact of racial stereotypes on black communities as...

Aristotelian Tragedy and Human Nature in Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Introduction Would American theater exist without Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller? Death of a Salesman is a classic play by Arthur Miller, first produced in 1949 (Benziman 20). The tale’s protagonist is the traveling salesman Willy Loman, who struggles to realize the American Dream. The connection between Willy...

Satire and Gender Power in Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata”

Initial Reaction The text Lysistrata is about women and their dealings with the war. The author discusses women’s power and how they exert control over peace through their influence on sex. The text also reveals the roles of men and women in society. After reading the text, my initial response...

Character Development and Symbolism in POOF! by Lynn Nottage: Exploring Power and Emancipation

Introduction POOF! by Lynn Nottage is a strong and provocative play that explores the complicated themes of power relations, emancipation, and the effects of silence. Nottage expertly brings these concerns to the fore via character development and symbolism, enabling the audience to connect profoundly with the play’s underlying meanings. This...

Familial Bonds and Emotional Isolation in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Introduction Frankenstein, a work of gothic literature penned by the renowned Mary Shelley, delves into an array of profound themes, including the paramount significance of familial ties and the enduring human yearning for love and companionship. Throughout the novel, Shelley adeptly portrays the complex web of emotions that arise from...

The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald: Characters and Realities of the Roaring Twenties

Introduction In the path of the First World War, America underwent a transformative era known as the Roaring Twenties. This decade, characterized by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and social change, is the backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s renowned novel, The Great Gatsby. Through the eyes of its characters, the novel...

Dangers of Virtual Reality Technology in Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt”

Introduction Virtual reality (VR) was initially marketed to the gaming industry, but it has many prospective applications in other fields, including education, training, simulations, fitness, and healthcare. However, there exists a lack of comprehensive comprehension among individuals regarding the benefits and drawbacks of VR (Servotte et al. 35). In “The...

The Power of Memory and Truth in The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Introduction Times of war have always been a topic for many works, illustrating the lives of civilians and soldiers on both sides. Tim O’Brien’s compilation of short stories titled The Things They Carried delves into the perspectives of American soldiers serving in the Vietnam War. The author delves into the...

Alienation, Existentialism, and Human Nature in Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”

Introduction Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” is a classic novella first published in 1915. The story revolves around the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into an insect. The story explores the themes of isolation, alienation, and existential crisis as Gregor struggles to come to terms...

Resilience in Tragedy: A Comparative Study of Sophocles’ Oedipus and Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Introduction Shakespeare and Sophocles, among other playwrights, have skillfully tackled the sensitive topic of perseverance in the face of catastrophe in their works of classic literature. Their plays, Hamlet and Oedipus Rex, are enduring examples of how the human spirit can persevere in extreme tragedy. Two royal characters caught in...

Langston Hughes’ “Salvation”: A Story of Faith, Pressure, and Disillusionment

Introduction “Salvation” by Langston Hughes is a poignant coming-of-age story about a young boy who has a religious revival and experiences a crisis of faith. The story centers around the themes of innocence, peer pressure, and the struggle between societal expectations and personal beliefs. Summary The story starts with the...

Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl”: Navigating Feminine Expectations and Maternal Authority

The Intended Impact of the Advice in Girl Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl” is a powerful piece that captures a stream of advice and admonitions from a mother to her daughter. The narrative style is distinctive, with a near absence of traditional dialogue and the mother’s long, uninterrupted list of directives that...

Applying Hercules’ 12 Labors to Modern Personal Development Challenges

Thesis Statement The ’12 Labors of Hercules,’ a thought-provoking story from Greek mythology, is instructive and can be applied in many ways today. The topic of the study is the timeless nature of the narratives about Hercules’ feats and what insight they provide today. After comprehensively researching selected relevant sources,...

The Moral and Ethical Flaws in Raskolnikov’s Justification for Murder in Crime and Punishment

Introduction In Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” Raskolnikov’s justification for committing murder raises a complex ethical issue. The character is sure that the old woman is malicious, petty, and useless to society and that her money would only benefit dishonest individuals. While this reasoning may hold some truth, it is essential...

Fear and Destruction in “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Poe

Introduction In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” fear is depicted as a powerful force that leads to destruction. This theme is explored through various literary devices, such as symbolism, imagery, and character portrayal. The main argument of this essay is that fear is the catalyst...

Science Fiction as Allegory and Prediction in Gibson’s Idoru

Introduction People have always used literature, especially science fiction (SF), as a way to express their concerns, allow readers to get distracted from real-life issues, and make their predictions regarding the future. In his SF novel, Gibson (1996) describes exciting events in the near future. Therefore, the reader recognizes many...

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick: The Heartwarming Story Behind Winnie-the-Pooh

Introduction The author of the book “Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear” uses it to share her family’s history and connection to the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh. She dwells mostly on how her great-grandfather Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinarian, purchased a bear cub from a hunter...

Satirical Mastery in Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal

Introduction The various literary genres that authors use in their works allow them to reveal the text’s central idea uniquely. The genre of satire, which the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift uses in A Modest Proposal, is an essential tool for conveying the author’s thoughts. The masterful application of satirical literary...

The Historical Novel “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo

Les Miserables is a historical novel that was written by French novelist Victor Hugo in 1862. The novel talks about a life of a person named Jean Valjean, who had been arrested for stealing a loaf of bread from his sister. When Valjean was taken to court, he was sentenced...

Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Raven” Review

Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Raven” is one of his most mystical and complex poems. It was first published in 1845 and immediately caught readers’ attention with its dramatic and musical tone (Poe 2). This poem narrated the story of a young man who lost the love of his life. In...

Virgil and Protagonist in Dante’s The Divine Comedy

Introduction The Divine Comedy is one of the most brilliant works of the great Italian poet and thinker Dante Alighieri. This is his last work, which reflects the poet’s worldview. The poem consists of three parts: Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise – and describes the state of the soul that has...

Aeneas’ Characteristic in Aeneid by Virgil

The epic Aeneid is the most outstanding work of the Roman poet Virgil. The poem is based on mythical accounts of the legendary ancestors of the Romans, the Trojans, and their king Aeneas. The latter, according to legends, founded a kingdom on Latin soil, which became the foundation of the...

Medea by Euripides: Marginalization and Mistreatment

Medea is an ancient Greek tragedy written by Euripides that focuses on the myth of Jason and Medea, initially published back in 431 BC. Though in a patriarchal environment, Medea portrays a powerful ability that is not only confusing but also inspiring. She holds a controversial character in Euripides that...

Blame in “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien

Leadership is always a very difficult task, not suitable for every person, especially if leadership qualities need to be developed in a war. Tim O’Bryan describes in ‘The Things They Carried’ Jimmy Cross’ attempts to become a leader. The author demonstrates how important it is to have maturity, discipline and...

Walls in “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” by Melville

In the narration of the book Bartleby, the theme of walls represents the boundaries that set barricades between characters throughout the story. For example, at the lawyer’s office, a ground-glass folding door is the wall that sets apart the two rooms where the lawyer and Scriveners work. With Bartleby’s recruitment,...

“Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor

Like many other stories addressing the complexity of human nature, Flannery O’Connor’s “Good Country People” introduces a complex moral issue under the guise of a seemingly simple ethical problem. By showing how evil can assume the disguise of morality and, thus, affect unsuspecting people, O’Connor proves that both experiences, when...

Poseidon, Penelope and Scylla in “The Odyssey” by Homer

Homer’s The Odyssey is a classical epic story, which has existed for millennia while preserving its relevance. Its plot represents a combination of simplicity and sophistication, as the basis of it is a hero’s journey home. On his way from the Trojan War, Odysseus encounters numerous characters, each of whom...

Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels

Jonathan Swift is the author of the Gulliver’s Travels, which describes fantastic journeys to fictional lands. The novel is filled with caustic satire on the state system, outdated foundations, exposing human stupidity and shortsightedness. Swift’s text is a mixture of genres that reflects the ideas of revolutionism and enlightenment, at...

Symbolism in the “Ghost” Story by Jason Reynolds

The story Ghost by Jason Reynolds tells the story of a boy named Castle who grows up in difficult times for him. His family almost fell apart due to the fact that his father is a prisoner and his mother is practically on the verge of poverty. Thus, the author...

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales Analysis

Introduction The middle Ages was a period in European history where religious beliefs, jobs, and money separated individuals. During this time, a class system began to emerge. The middle class emerged, a social group between the working and upper class, including professionals, business employees, and their households. Chaucer’s The Canterbury...

Legend of King Arthur: Unsolved Mysteries of History

It might be argued that myths like King Arthur play an important cultural and historical role in their belief. Legends like King Arthur frequently have their beginnings in genuine historical personalities and events, reflecting the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the civilizations in which they developed. For example, the story...

Vonnegut and Kafka: A Plea to Change Perspective on Life

Introduction The literary works by Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis,” and Kurt Vonnegut, “Slaughterhouse-Five,” show that the abilities of the person to change their destiny are limited in many cases, and the individual can only submit to the circumstances to preserve psychological sanity. The lines from Kafka and Vonnegut illustrate the...

Kazuko Itoi Is the Authentic (Japanese) Name of the Writer Monica Sone

Kazuko’s attitude toward the American people during and after her relocation. Kazuko Itoi is the authentic (Japanese) name of the writer Monica Sone, who was born in the United States to Japanese parents, first-generation immigrants. As the story progresses, this balance of the two components of her personality periodically changes...

Euripides’ Medea vs. Ibsen’s Nora (A Doll’s House)

Over time, gender parity and women’s roles have changed from conservative views to family set-ups a modern woman would consider patriarchal. Various literary pieces describe how women with a modern worldview challenged traditional gender attitudes and belies including Medea speech by Euripides and the play A Doll’s House by Isben....

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction Faith and resilience stand out in the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, particularly in the older man’s story. Reading about Santiago’s experiences allowed me to view life from a hopeful perspective. The old man’s life is an inspiration to deal with life’s challenges without...

The Story “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston

“Sweat” is a story written by Zora Neale Hurston, an American writer, in 1926, and it provides valuable insight into the daily life of African-Americans during this historical period. Delia, a young woman, works as a washer in white families, while Sykes, her abusive spouse, struggles to find any job,...

“A Wrinkle in the Realm” by Okri and “Tribal Ceremony” by Campbell-Hale

Today, reading minor literature is a unique opportunity to recognize and learn the gaps between modern citizens of the United States. There is no need to talk about inequality or injustice in interpersonal relationships but to see how the authors of a particular minority group share their thoughts and deliver...

“Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction Ernest Hemingway was a master of short, expressive prose. Moreover, he considered his “best prose” to be the story of a man who never gives up – “Old Man and the Sea.” The harmony of man and nature can be considered one of the main ideas in this work....

The “Candide” Work by Voltaire: A Close Analysis

The actions of Candide can be explained by underlying aspects of his devotion to Pangloss. Although not apparent in the story, this essay will demonstrate that what Pangloss tells Candide shapes his worldview and behavior. When Candide first meets Pangloss, he stays with his German uncle; it could be said...

Conformity in the Consumerism Culture in “America” by Tony Hoagland

Introduction The poem “America” by Tony Hoagland is an example of a verse that represents the topics of conformity and rebellion. The author emphasizes the connections between economic issues and conformity, showing that people do not see their natural desires and inclinations because they are busy consuming products. In the...

The Kafkaesque Experience in “The Metamorphosis”

After Kafka published his novella “Metamorphosis”, it became a classical piece and continues to be relevant nowadays. “Kafkaesque” is applied as a term describing an experience in which the person does not have control over and loses the connection with the existing reality (Edwards, 1991). Frederick R. Karl highlights that...

“How Wang-Fo Was Saved” by Marguerite Yourcenar

Introduction In the story “How Wang-Fo Was Saved,” Marguerite Yourcenar addresses the nature of beauty and truth. He tells the story of a Chinese artist, Wang-Fo, who was imprisoned and later saved by a kindhearted monk. Wang-Fo’s experience in prison changed him profoundly; he came to realize that his obsession...

Book Report on “On Killing” by David Grossman

For much of human history, wars were always part of human existence, whether people liked it or not. Many study wars, analyze combat strategies, and even try to predict what would happen next. Throughout these times, people have always questioned whether war and killing others are innate to humans or...

Gabriel in James Joyce’s “The Dead”: Character Analysis

A part of James Joyce’s “Dubliners,” “The Dead” tells a story of a highly conflicted protagonist who struggles to embrace change and especially the urgency, to be honest with himself about his integrity. Set in 1910s Dublin, the narrative addresses the complexity of Ireland’s politics and the conflict between unionists...

Use of Personification in a Poem to Pass a Message to Readers

Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Because I could not stop for Death,” and John Donne’s “Death be not proud” have personified death from different perspectives. Personification is an imperative figure used for a long time in literature to enable the audience to connect with the subject described (Sigvardsson 559). It includes giving...

“Remember” by Harjo and “Blessed Be the People Who See” by Gorman

NASA made a decision to include a golden plaque on a satellite named Lucy that was to complete its mission in 12 years and then stay in its orbit for an indefinite time. The plaque contains messages from different people related to science and art, including Joy Harjo and Amanda...

Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” Critical Analysis

The Story of an Hour by American author Kate Chopin is a feminist literary classic. The story, which was first published in 1894, depicts Louise Mallard’s conflicted reaction to learning of her husband’s death. From there on, the protagonist experiences complex and contradictory feelings on the matter, most of which...

Poems “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “My Papa’s Waltz”

In the poems “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes and “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, metaphors and allegories are used to add depth to the descriptions. “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes is an allegorical depiction of the history of the black race. In the...

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Analysis

William Shakespeare and his works occupy an honorary place in world literature. At the same time, the play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, briefly referred to as Hamlet, is one of the most famous. The plot reveals complex themes of revenge, mortality, deception, madness, and other issues. The...

The Break Novel by Katherena Vermette

Many bad things happen around; some are noticed and fairly discussed, while others remain neglected. In 2016, Katherena Vermette wrote The Break to show how dangerous and traumatic the human experience could be in a seemingly ideal community. One of its most outstanding issues is that there are no properly...

“The Lost Letters of Pergamum” Analysis: Honor and Shame

The Lost Letters of Pergamum is a collection of letters in which prominent people from the nobility and churches of the century first communicate and discuss various matters. In general, this book shows people writing letters about how Christianity gradually and appeared influenced the world around. The plot describes the...

Point of View in Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”

A Rose for Emily is a short story by Faulkner focusing on the life of aristocratic-like Miss Emily. The narration utilizes a first-person plural point of view, representing the town where she lived, although it immediately reveals the differences between the two parties. The author chooses to tell the story...

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon

Christopher, the protagonist in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, is subtly shown as autistic by Haddon through his actions in the text. The author guides the reader to assume the protagonist has a form of cognitive issue evidenced by his obsession with inconsequential...

Gender, Labour and Financial Agency in “Jane Eyre”

This paper will summarize the fifth article ‘Charlotte Brontë’s Circumvention of Patriarchy: Gender, Labour and Financial Agency in Jane Eyre’, by Owsley Lauren. The main argument is whether Jane Eyre functions as a primarily feminist text in the modern literary and gender discourse (Owsley). She does this by examining the...

American Writers and Their Writing Styles

American writers set themselves apart from their European counterparts due to their varying writing styles and focus on the continent’s development. One could determine that an individual is an American writer if their stories indicated a plot of decline. Writings such as The Great Gatsby begin on a high note,...

The Poem “Odyssey” by Homer: Episode with Cyclops

Introduction One of the most known adventures of Odysseus is the encounter with cyclops and, more specifically, Polyphemus, and this episode serves as a turning point in the narrative. It is critical for understanding the consequent events as they happen under the influence of evil powers, which postpone the hero’s...

Dramatic Purposes of Roderigo in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

Othello is Shakespeare’s play driven by its characters whose traits, moods, or relationships are told by the words, rhythm, and structure of the drama. The story therein is about a general in the army fooled into questioning his wife of adultery; and his name was Othello, so he is considered...

The Connection Between American Literature and Jazz

The jazz culture and history of the United States have had a significant impact on American literature. Culture, social inequality, oppression, prejudice, and their hardships and frustrations are discussed in this literature, which comprises short tales, poems, and novels. To include these issues, oral techniques such as rap, blues, gospel...

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Gemeinhart

Summary Future and self-imagination go hand in hand. Whether or not to take a step to the next level is a personal decision that requires a cognitive evaluation. For instance, Coyote’s journey is the book that indicates the outcome of the next step, which is often uncertain in the real...

“The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” by Sherman Alexie

Introduction “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven” is a collection of interconnected short stories by Sherman Alexie, who published it in 1993 and added two new levels in 2003. It contains 22 short stories with the same characters, Native Americans living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The book’s...

Mother-Son Conflict in Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces”

Introduction John Kennedy Toole’s novel A Confederacy of Dunces unveils diverse issues people encounter in their lives. These problems include but are not confined to relationships with others, ways to fit in the community, and attempts to realize oneself and satisfy one’s needs. At that, family issues, or rather the...

The Poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

The poem under analysis is “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and focuses on the necessity of humility and hope. The mariner is a messenger for the wedding guest concerning the message to deliver to the couple. Although the wedding guest shows patience with the mariner’s persistent essence in the...

“A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings”: A Character Analysis

Introduction Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a Colombian Nobel prize winner commonly regarded as one of the best authors of the 20th century (Echevarría). His works famously blend elements of fantasy and realism to explore solitude, violence, and the human condition (Echevarría). A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings is a...

A Raisin In the Sun: Summary and Analysis

The fight against the segregation disease turned out to be successful for the US’s people of color. However, at the time of the debut of A Raisin in the Sun in 1959, the movement for the rights of black people led by Martin Luther King had not yet won its...

Adelita and Cinderella Characters’ Comparison

The story of an orphaned girl with a tough life meeting a prince who falls in love with her is universal, and different cultures have their own interpretations of it. Thus, Cinderella, which is inherent to the English tradition, and Adelita, which belongs to the Mexican tradition, share the same...

Hybrid Creatures and Their Significance in Greco-Roman Myth

Introduction The imagery of hybrid species, encompassing a wide array of bizarre anatomical combinations feature in numerous Greco-Roman myths. These hybrid creatures typically possess humanoid parts alongside beastly characteristics, which intuitively seem to exhibit a certain principle. The true nature of the creatures remains unclear; they may have inhabited alternate...

Old, Middle, and Early Modern English Literary Periods

Introduction At the dawn of human history, humankind was able to transfer information only in the oral form. However, the invention of writing more than five thousand years ago changed the way information was spread through human societies. Since then, both oral and written formats of information transfer have coexisted....

Saving Rufus’s Life in “Kindred” Novel by Butler

Kindred is a fictional novel written by Octavia Butler, which touches upon the topic of the value of human life, referring to the horrifying antebellum South events. The female protagonist Dana suddenly experiences the time-traveling to the past and meets her ancestor Rufus, the antagonist of this story. Dana has...

Tragedy: Special Features of the Genre

From ancient times, people composed stories to entertain themselves and to teach others certain lessons. Over time, genres appeared to which each story could be assigned, which significantly facilitated the process of creation of new art since writers now had certain templates to build upon. Tragedy has always been recognized...

The True Meaning of “Dulce et Decorum Est”

Dulce et Decorum Est is a poem written by Wilfred Owen in 1917 and then published in 1921 after the author’s death (Muttaleb and Hamadneh 3). Its title is the reference to Horace’s words, who once said, “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.” In his poem,...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Vladek From “Maus” by Art Spiegelman

Introduction The topic of PTSD or any other mental disorder is common among modern authors. However, some opt for not clearly stating the issue in their texts but rather inviting the reader to be a witness of the characters’ symptoms. Art Spiegelman employed such a method to present how trauma...

The Past in the “Educated” Memoir by Tara Westover

Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, where she explicitly describes her challenging way toward education. Born in a conservative family isolated from mainstream society in the mountains of Idaho, Tara decides that a university education is the best way for her to start a new life full of opportunities....

“iGen” by Jean Twenge

The first chapter of Twenge’s book is titled “In no hurry: Growing up slowly.” The primary theme is that the iGen is taking longer to become adults. Essentially, Twenge is convincing the readers that, comparing to the previous groups, people who were born between 1995 and 2012 remain dependent on...

Hypocrisy and Its Manifestation in Moliere’s Tartuffe

Jean Baptiste Moliere’s comedies have been called the “mirror of the mores” of the time. One of Moliere’s favorite techniques was hyperbolization as a technique for creating images-types. Characters were typified in the minds of viewers and readers and became common nouns. The situation prevailing in the country at that...

Sedaris’ “Us and Them” and “Who Is Malala?” by Yousafzai

Both written pieces represent memoirs, which implies that those stories happened in real life, and it raises more exceptional emotions within the readers. Us and Them is a powerful piece discussing mindless beliefs and adaptation to something uncomplicated, like television. Sedaris’s purpose is to show how people are unable to...

The Theme of Destiny in Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

It is challenging to understand unique characteristics and shape self-identity when actions are dictated to people and there is no basic freedom. Never Let Me Go is a story about a world where humans are cloned then told to donate organs when they become adults. The main character of the...

“The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara

Introduction “The Lesson” is a short story written by Toni Cade Bambara in 1972. It narrates a story of a woman, Miss Moore, trying to tell a group of children from a poor neighborhood in New York about the problems of American capitalism, which makes people unequal. The plot is...

Characters of Walker’s “Everyday Use” and Their Heritage

A short story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker was first published in her storybook In Love and Trouble in 1973. In the story, Mama, the narrator, anticipates the arrival of her eldest daughter Dee. Dee comes to get in touch with her roots, but her ideas about reality are so...

“A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry

An American author O. Henry wrote a short story “A Retrieved Reformation” in 1903 and published it in The Cosmopolitan Magazine. The plot tells Jimmy’s story, a theft, and a man who saved a girl’s life-risking to lose the personal relationships he established after prison. O. Henry’s narrative’s main character...

Symbol of the Cat in the Story “Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe

The works of Edgar Allan Poe are famous for their gothic style, the penchant for depression and melancholy, as well as sinister motives of imminent death and evil fate. So, in the “Black Cat,” the story of alcoholism, madness, and movement towards destruction unfolds. The cat is the main symbol...

The Book “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker

Most people would likely agree that preserving one’s cultural heritage is a meaningful and worthy pursuit. However, people also tend to disagree on what is the best way to proceed with it. Maintaining African American cultural legacy features prominently as a theme in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use.” The author uses...

The Importance of Literature in Society

The emergence of books once revolutionized the teaching process, allowing people to transfer knowledge indirectly, making it more accessible. People can develop new skills independently of others or learn more about the world by merely reading the material on a topic. Written history invites a reader to imagine life before...

Wiesel’s “Night” Reveals the Evil Inherent in Humanity

As one might expect from a book written by an eyewitness of the Holocaust who barely escaped death at concentration camps, Night by Elie Wiesel deals with the subject of evil in much detail. The teenage author’s encounters with SS soldiers and the personnel of the death camps provide more...

Analysis of Wolfgang Schivelbusch’s Chapter “Coffee and the Protestant Ethic”

Wolfgang Schivelbusch, in the chapter titled “Coffee and the Protestant Ethic,” talks about the consequences of the introduction of coffee for the European countries in the context of the Age of Reformation. He argues that coffee satisfied the needs of the period of Protestantism and rationalism, and had significant political,...

The Great Gatsby as a Reflection of American Culture

The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Fitzgerald is considered one of the cult books of the 20th century. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, was the forerunner of an entire literary dynasty of rich personalities with a mysterious past. The novel, which draws the reader into the atmosphere of a continuous holiday,...

Analysis of Stephen Jay Gould’s Writing Style

Introduction Most talented authors have their own style, which is reflected in the topics, structure, and word choices of the writer. Stephen Jay Gould also has a “voice” in literature, which allows readers to recognize his work from the first lines and attracts most of them. This paper will explore...

“Motorcycles and Sweetgrass” by Drew Hayden Taylor

Drew Hayden Taylor uses comic to explore community politics, intergenerational legacies, identity, and traditions in his book Motorcycles and Sweetgrass. I believe his primary theme is rational because it emphasizes the dire need to balance the modern world’s realities and culture. The author presents a troubled woman, Maggie, to demonstrate...

The Story “Where Are You Going, Where Have Your Been” by Joyce Carol Oates

Joyce Carol Oates utilizes her fictional story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have Your Been,” to present the reader with a thrilling narrative that revolves around the controversial life of Connie. The main character in question is a 15-year old girl. She can be described as a vain, as well...

“My Father Was a Writer” by Dubus

How would you sum up what Andre Dubus III is saying in this memoir? Try to express in the sentence or two the significance to him of the events he relates. Dubus focuses on two transformative experiences that affected his childhood. When his father leaves the Marines to become a...

Symbolism of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a long poem that tells the story of the adventures of the brave knight Sir Gawain. This story is a fairy tale that shows the bravery and courage of the knights, which were popular at the time of its writing; however, it also...

Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age Perception in “The Great Gatsby”

Introduction Great works of literature remain in history for a variety of reasons. Some of them represent a particular era masterfully, leaving the reader with strong, vivid impressions. This objective is attained through accurate use of specific symbols, strengthening the work’s relation to a particular epoch, and contributing to its...

“The Coming” by Daniel Black

Introduction Little attention has been devoted to the captured Africans’ experiences during the Middle Passage when they were shipped across the Atlantic to be sold into slavery. More importantly, few texts have attempted to capture the African spirit of resistance during the long journey from the shores of West Africa...

Authority, Resistance, and Submission in Literature

Introduction Literature has always been as much a commentary on society as an examination of human nature. Political authority and resistance against it have become a central theme of many literary works that attempt to ascribe the relations of power between structures, societies, and its subjects. Such works can inspire...

The Epic of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh and Enkidu

Despite the endeavors of Gilgamesh and Enkidu to be similar to gods, the two heroes overestimated their power and neglected the fact that they were both mortals, which led to tragic consequences. By the end of the epic, it becomes evident to Gilgamesh that every human being is bound to...

Personification in the Works of Robert Frost, William Blake, and Thomas Wolfe

In Robert Frost’s poem “Out, Out”, personification plays a significant role. The poet deliberately gives the saw human qualities to impress the reader, for example, it “leaped out at the boy’s hand” (Frost 30, line 16). This effect is used to show the strong intention of the saw to hurt...

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Literature has always been a tool used by authors to attract people’s attention to a particular aspect of their lives of problems topical for society. At the same time, some issues have always been topical for communities because of their universal character. These include love, relations, faith, morals, and values...

Semiotics in “Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino

Invisible Cities is a novel that invites the reader to active cooperation and provides erroneous interpretations. It seems that the development of an adaptive metanarrative for this text should not be too difficult since the emblematic nature of its constituent elements presupposes its presence. However, the complexity of perception is...

“The Boarder” Short Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer

The exposition begins when the characters and the setting are introduced to the reader. The dialogues between the characters filled with their constant disagreement serve as the rising action. The story reaches its climax when Moris Melnik decides to let the spoon of salt define the state of things in...

Analysis of “David Livingstone’s Journey” by Janet and Geoff Benge

Introduction David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer is a book written by Janet and Geoff Benge and published in 1999. It describes the remarkable and life-changing journey of David Livingstone across Africa’s uncharted regions to spread the gospel message to local inhabitants. This book belongs to the genre of Christian fiction that...

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: House as a Symbol

In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, the house of the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard, has a symbolic meaning. It is connected to the main character’s circumstances and the condition of mind, representing her state of being bound, lacking personal freedom. However, she does not realize it until the...

“The Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara

The Killer Angels is a well-known book that is obligatory for studying in American schools because it explores one of the most significant events in the history of the United States. The novel by Michael Shaara published in 1974 was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year later (Gale,...