Morality Play: Everyman

This paper discus Everyman, a morality play performed during the medieval ages. The morality plays are also known as allegory essays and focuses on the behavior of man in earth and life after death. In this play, the main character is Everyman who has been used symbolically to represent the...

“The Compound” by Bodeen: Close Reading

Choose a favorite chapter/section in your YA novel In this section (the beginning of chapter seventeen), Eli and his mother are trying to figure out how to leave the compound. Since Eli’s father is unconscious, they have the chance to leave the compound, but only if they can understand what...

Herd Behavior in “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

Introduction The story innocently titled “The Lottery,” written by Shirley Jackson would be generally expected to have a positive theme. However, the plot narrates the events of the annual lottery, which takes place in the most ordinary setting of a small village (more specifically in its main square). The purpose...

Odysseus and Maximus: Heroes Comparison

Introduction In this paper, I compare two prominent heroes in contemporary literature – Odysseus and Maximus. Based on the portrayal of the latter from the movie Gladiator and the representation of Odysseus in a book with the same title, I argue that both characters had more similarities than differences. In...

Ha Jin’s “Saboteur” in Nicola McAllister’s Critique

While reading the critical response on Ha Jin’s short story Saboteur, I’ve realized that the critic Nicola McAllister has a low opinion of the Chinese government and knows nothing about the policy of China. On the other hand, he is just ignorant of the historical changes that took place in...

Justice and Morality in Coetzee’s “Waiting for the Barbarians”

Where are the borders between the truth and lies, between justice and injustice? Should the world be considered being civil and civilized, if it is based on the principles of law? What is the connection between law and justice, between civilization and the barbarian world? J. M. Coetzee has discussed...

“Fences” a Play by August Wilson

Introduction One of the main themes in The Fences is the theme of parenting. Both Troy’s and Bono’s sad recalls offering background for considering the similarities and dissimilarities of the generations unraveling Troy from Cory and Bono from Lyons. The one feature Troy appreciated was a sense of accountability, and,...

Literary Devices in “Cask of the Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Poe’s short story The Cask of Amontillado illustrates some of the main techniques developed by this author in order to create a sense of suspense that engages the readers. In this case, much attention should be paid to the use of foreshadowing and irony. They are particularly relevant when...

“Mhudi” by Sol Plaatje: A Chance for Unity

The book Mhudi, which was written by Sol Plaatje in 1920 and first published in 1930, is a novel that tells a story of indigenous African tribes, the complex relations between them, and the facts that impact these relations greatly. The sophisticated atmosphere is perfectly shown by the author, who...

Exploring Themes of Desire and Identity in Kate Chopin’s “Desiree’s Baby”

There is irony in the paper, Desiree’s Baby. It is evident in the reading that there are some instances where the irony comes out clear. It was unheard of to have two people from different races in a sexual relationship. It was common for people to have sexual relationships; this...

Love and Sexuality in “Tom Jones” by H. Fielding

Introduction Sexuality and the construct of ideal love in the novel Tom Jones by Henry Fielding is an explication of the new form of love and sexuality prevalent in the eighteenth century. Love in its discoursed ideal, sentimental form is little presented in the novel. Instead, Fielding presents male love...

Elie Wiesel’s Night: Ghetto and Concentration Camp Horrors

Elie Wiesel revealed his experience in the ghetto in his novel Night. He portrayed the horrors of the war years and the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. The author shares his thoughts and deepest emotions. The book is a very intimate confession of a person who tried to come...

The Book “Man, the State, and War” by Kenneth Waltz

Even though the book Man, the State, and War: A Theoretical Approach by Kenneth Waltz was written as far back as in 1959, it nevertheless contains a number of in-depth insights into what can be considered the main preconditions for wars to occur on a periodical basis. Given the fact...

The Things They Carried: The Main Characters and the Underlying Themes

This essay discusses a famous novel about the war in Vietnam called The Things They Carried. It also gives a piece of background information about the writer, Tim O’Brien. In the essay, there is a discussion of the main characters and the underlying themes. The author analyzes some of the...

Williams Shakespeare Biographical Interpretation

Does the life of an author have a significant influence on his work? Do the author’s experience and surrounding wield influence on his writing? How much does an author’s life impact his work? The effect of an author’s life experiences on his writing is often unquestionable. The impact Shakespeare’s life...

The Evolving Father-Son Relationship in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”

Night illustrates the life of Elie Wiesel and his father in the Nazi concentration camps during the World War II (Rucco 3). In the concentration camps, they underwent through cruel and brutal situations. The situations affected and changed their relationship in a number of ways. After being taken to the...

Family Relationship in “Night” by Elie Wiesel

Introduction In the book Night by Elie Wiesel, the relationship between Eliezar and his father appears to be complex. It is shaped by harsh conditions, religion, deportation, and the interaction between the two and other people. In this essay, the author analyzes how this relationship changes throughout the novel. According...

Women Role in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet

Abstract The villain role of women in the Shakespeare’s plays Othello and Hamlet seems to have inspired the themes in both literary works. Currently, there exists an apparent insufficiency of analysis in the field of literature regarding the actual role of female characters in the plays. This paper seeks to...

The Role of Evil in Elie Wiesel’s Novel “Night”: A Deep Dive into Themes

Various reasons why Moishe was not believed and whether modern journalism has eliminated the problem of complacency In the novel “Night” Moishe, the Beadle warns the residents of Sighet that all was not well in the world and that they were in a lot of danger. Moishe’s warnings went unheeded...

“Disgrace” by John Maxwell Coetzee: Character of Petrus

Introduction When the reader comes across Petrus, there is the development of the assumption that one is reading concerning a delegate of the countryside. In a given instance, David instantly recognizes his physical features as having a wrinkled, worn face and astute eyes, and estimated his age to be between...

“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote

Truman Capote in his book In cold blood has created allocated the main character varied strengths and intolerance. This is the main character and he is known as Perry Smith. In general Perry Smith has been described as having a disproportionate body with a heavy muscular torso and broad shoulders...

Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World

Introduction Income inequality is a perennial problem that characterizes societal growth in many countries. It refers to the unequal distribution of wealth across different social and economic groups. The concept connotes different social indicators such as social opportunities, life expectancy, and equity (among others). People have varied opinions about its...

“Paradise Lost” by John Milton Literature Analysis

Before we look into the passage, it is better to understand the poem of Paradise Lost. The passage is taken from the first book of the poem. Paradise Lost was written by John Milton in 1665. It was written in ten books and then revised where two other books were...

Symbolism and Human Nature in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

Introduction In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, three main characters embody various symbols and aspects of human nature. These symbols are crucial elements for understanding the novel’s themes and plot. It is important to note that the changing symbols throughout the novel are crucial to interpreting the work....

The Symbolic Meaning of Ithaca in Homer and Cavafy’s Poetic Reinterpretation

Introduction Ancient Greek poets, including Homer, frequently explored themes of genuine patriotism and unity with their homeland, exemplifying the spiritual anguish experienced by their contemporaries through the heroic characters of epic poetry. Homer’s poem “The Odyssey” is no exception: in this work, the author describes the return journey of the...

Family Dynamics in World Literature: Love, Conflict, and Societal Pressures

Introduction Although the family is often idealized as an unbreakable bond filled with love and support, literature provides a more nuanced perspective. The literature’s perspective exposes the complexities and challenges inherent in familial relationships. The literary works selected for this essay delve into the intricate dynamics of family, demonstrating how...

Symbols of Money and Gold in Zora Neale Hurston’s “The Gilded Six-Bits” Story

Introduction Zora Neale Hurston’s short story, “The Gilded Six-Bits,” is a rich tapestry of symbolism that enhances the narrative and deepens the reader’s understanding of the characters and their relationships. Set in a small town during the early 20th century, the narrative revolves around the lives of Joe and Missie...

Plot Structures and Artistic Effects in “Girl” and “Sonny’s Blues”

Introduction In the vast world of literature, a short story’s plot can hold paramount importance because it contributes to conveying the key meaning and themes. It is the spinal cord around which the narrative body thrives and evolves. The stories “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid and “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin,...

Modernist Rewrite and Analysis of William Blake’s “The Tyger”

Background “The Tyger,” a poem by William Blake, is the romantic poetry I’ve selected. With its emphasis on the sublime in nature and use of evocative, vivid language, this poem is a classic example of Romantic literature. In “The Tyger,” a poem, the awe-inspiring strength and beauty of a tiger...

Mortality in Poetry: Thomas’, Dickinson’s, and Donne’s Perspectives on Death

Introduction In the vast panorama of human experience, poetry is often an intimate chronicle of the most profound emotions. Among these, the theme of mortality—a universal and profoundly personal subject—has been explored by poets across ages and cultures. For this essay, I will examine and juxtapose how three distinct poets...

Narrative in The Minister’s Black Veil by Hawthorne and The Fall of the House of Usher by Poe

Introduction The themes of isolation and secrecy effectively manifest in the two selected stories. In “The Minister’s Black Veil,” Mr. Hooper becomes socially isolated when wearing a black veil (Hawthorne 2). The author uses this item to symbolize the minister’s sins, which he wants to keep secret. In “The Fall...

Ethical Dilemma in Speaking Against Social Injustice Explored in Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime

Introduction In Trevor Noah’s memoir, “Born a Crime,” the ethical dilemma of speaking out against social injustices when benefiting from them is a recurring theme. Noah navigates this complex situation through his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa (Noah 2). On one hand, silence can imply complacency, promoting systems...

The Role of Father-Son Bonds in Night by Elie Wiesel

Introduction Night by Elie Wiesel is a powerful memoir describing the author’s Holocaust experiences. The fragmented story represents Wiesel’s loss of faith and trust in humanity because of the horrors he witnessed in German concentration camps. However, the text also emphasizes the importance of family relations and support. Although the...

The Complex Father-Son Relationship in “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden

Introduction The work under consideration, “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden, is a highly acclaimed and poignant short poem about the relationship with his father. The author conveys the depth and complexity of his perception and shares it with the reader through symbolism, imagery, and enjambment from a narrative point...

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...

Exploring Self-Discovery in Pablo Neruda’s ‘We Are Many’ Poem

Introduction In the translated poem “We Are Many” by Pablo Neruda, the speaker delves into identity and the challenge of self-discovery amid life’s intricacies. Through vivid imagery and a sense of self-deprecation, Neruda conveys the idea that societal expectations and personal insecurities often overshadow one’s true self. The poem reflects...

The Role of Children in Medea and Oedipus Rex: Despair, Revenge, and Dramatic Irony

Introduction Ancient Greece is known for its many traditions and norms that have been preserved for millennia, emphasizing the values of family, dignity, and integrity. However, Ancient Greece is additionally known for its literature and well-known plays that carry powerful messages and illuminate themes that are often debated even in...

Nancy Mairs: A Pioneering Voice in Disability Rights and Feminism

Introduction Nancy Mairs is a renowned author and disability rights advocate whose work has been recognized for its frankness and willingness to tell her story to increase recognition in the disability community. Despite several severe disabilities, this person has achieved excellence in education and has become a prominent author. Mairs...

Analysis of Characters in Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

Introduction In his short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Washington Irving uses a variety of figurative devices to represent the depth of his characters’ feelings and the setting where real and supernatural themes are properly intertwined. The personification of birds and the environment underlines the unique nature of Ichabod...

Symbols in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants”

Introduction “Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway. The story takes place in a train station in Spain, where an American man and a woman are waiting for their train and having a conversation about a crucial issue in their relationship. The story is considered...

The Novel “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

Introduction In the novel, The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini analyzes the situation in Afghanistan and some of the historical events that have defined the region for the past four decades. He relies on the use of several characters whose actions and roles help the reader learn more about the nature...

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...

The “La Belle Dame Sans Merci” Poem by John Keats

“La Belle Dame sans Merci” is a ballad written by the English poet John Keats in 1819. The work “La Belle Dame sans Merci” is called one of the English classic poems. Ballad is an example of John Keats’ preoccupation with the concept of death and love themes. The poem...

The Novel “Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian writer well-known for many of her speculative fiction novels. In 2003, she created Oryx and Crake, set in a near-future dystopian post-apocalyptic world. In her work, the author discusses many social and ethical issues of capitalism, corporate greed, and corruption, in which the novel’s setting...

The Malcolm X Character in Poems

Brookes, Gwendolyn. “Malcolm X.” This poem is about Malcolm X, as obvious from the title, written soon after his assassination. It seems to be relatively ambiguous in its descriptions of him – “original,” “ragged-round,” “rich-robust.” It acknowledges the influence Malcolm X had on the Black movements, and yet emphasizes that...

Gulliver’s Travels by Swift: A Literary Analysis

Swift was a figure of the Enlightenment Era, covering almost the entire first half of the eighteenth century. That time has entered the history of humanity as a time of progress and reform, the time of the dawn of human self-consciousness. Many Enlightenment thinkers defended the ideas of freedom and...

How Themes Inform the Context: Herrera, Tafolla, and Laviera

Introduction In literature, poetry is a truly unique phenomenon since, unlike the rest of the genres, it does not seek to tell a story; instead, its purpose revolves primarily around conveying a specific message and appealing to the reader’s emotions. Therefore, the thematic richness of a poem is inevitably connected...

The Novel “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi

Introduction Persepolis is a novel by Marjane Satrapi, published in 2003. The novel explores many important themes such as family life in the context of the Iranian Revolution, political tension, expectations, cultural differences, and others. This book consists primarily of graphic representation, so the novel received the status of a...

“One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia

Introduction The historical fiction novel One Crazy Summer, written by Williams-Garcia, touches upon the topics of racial discrimination in America. The author provides the readers with the opportunity to learn about changing social times and how people in different states of America experienced racism. The novel also discusses the Black...

Hamlet: Shakespeare’s Detective

Written at the turn of the 16th century, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is the longest and one of the most renowned works by William Shakespeare. Right from the start, the author sets the mood for tragedy with the mysterious death of Hamlet’s father, king of Denmark. The...

The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara: Analysis

The lesson by Toni Cade Bambara is a narrative about children who, with the help of their teacher, learn a lesson about the social problems of society. The reader can see that children live in a bubble, not comprehending the daily challenges they and their parents must endure. Nevertheless, even...

Analysis of Atonement by Ian McEwan

The novel Atonement by Ian McEwan is a romantic war tragedy metafiction that follows Cecilia and Robbie’s lives as the protagonist. They experience conflicts trying to fulfill their dream of eternal love and separate, shutting down all their achievements. McEwan intertwines irony and symbolism to explore the theme of love...

Plot and Themes of “The Cask of Amontillado” by Poe

Every reader of the horror genre knows the name Edgar Allan Poe and his countless works. In 1846, the author wrote one of his most short stories, “The Cask of Amontillado.” In it, the main character, Montresor, recalls how he buried another man alive for, as he believes, insulting him....

Hysteria in “The Feather Pillow” by Quiroga

Hysteria is an anomaly reaction on the exterior sources of irritation that is gradually developing and demonstrates openly only at the final stage of the disease. In this response, there will be considered a specific case was described in Horacio Quiroga’s story “The Feather Pillow,” where the main hero, Alicia,...

Symbolism in Toni Morrison’s “Sula”

Introduction Toni Morrison is one of the most renowned American writers famous for her exploration of controversial topics in a humorous and solemn manner. Her novel Sula is one of the brightest illustrations of the author’s style, and it is a story that can hardly leave a reader untouched. One...

Analysis of “Anyone Lived in a Pretty How Town” by Cummings

“Anyone lived in a pretty how town” is a part of the poem’s collection written by Cummings. The poem represents a small society of people who lead ordinary life following the traditional cycle, such as getting married and creating a family to achieve something significant. The poem has two main...

Ode on a Grecian Urn Explication

Ode on a Grecian Urn is doubtlessly on the list of the best-known poetic works by John Keats, a British romanticist of the early 19th century. In the writing under review, the author, presumably, seeks to express his perspective on what messages art is able to transmit. In addition, he...

Corrupting Force of Power: The Tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Introduction The lust for power influences people’s decisions, their ability to think soberly and act on the basis of principles. The tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare for whom the desire for power becomes decisive in the loss of humanity. Macbeth Macbeth’s actions to gain power begin with the assassination of...

Paul’s Mother in “Rocking Horse Winner” by Lawrence

Paul’s mother, Hester, in Lawrence’s short story “Rocking Horse Winner,” is a character that drives the plot and serves as a basis for unveiling the theme of the dominance of materialistic values in society. Hester is materialistic, greedy, and pessimistic, which is evident from her worldview limited by obtaining money....

Themes of Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

Theme I don’t mean that he had traded on his phantom millions, but he had deliberately given Daisy a sense of security; he let her believe that he was a person from much the same stratum as herself—that he was fully able to take care of her. F. Scott Fitzgerald...

Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ Critical Analysis

Introduction The Lottery is a widely known short story written by Shirley Jackson. The narrative revolves around an ancient tradition of randomly choosing a member of the village and stoning them. The story provides provocative insights into the themes of conformity and social wrong. The current paper attempts to critically...

“One-Dimensional Man” by Herbert Marcuse

We may distinguish both true and false needs. “False” are those which are superimposed upon the individual by particular social interests in his repression: the needs which perpetuate toil, aggressiveness, misery, and injustice. Their satisfaction might be most gratifying to the individual, but this happiness is not a condition which...

“Fight Club” a Novel by Chuck Palahniuk

Fight Club – The Novel Describe the Narrator’s life before Tyler The narrator’s life before he meets Tyler is characterized with chronic insomnia which has been disturbing him for a while. His condition becomes a problem at his Work place where he works as a product recall specialist and prompts...

Literature Studies: The Odyssey by Homer

When I began to read The Odyssey, I had some background knowledge of the events and characters described by the author. For example, as a student, I read about the myths created in ancient Greece, and the characters always described by Homer fascinated me. For example, I can speak about...

Drugs Theme in R. Carver’s “Cathedral” and J. Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues”

Many people associate drug abuse with antisocial behavior such as crime. However, drugs do not necessarily lead to such behavior. In Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral” and James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” drugs, such as marijuana, alcohol, and heroine enhances creativity and also enables self-discovery. Alcohol and marijuana enhance the communication between the...

The Break Book by Katherena Vermette

Katherena Vermette’s narrative details the circumstances under which a family in North Winnipeg is forced to deal with a violent sexual assault that occurs in the full view of a young Metis woman. Stella must contend with the fact that the young girl she witnessed being molested was her niece,...

Sethe’s Difficulties in “Beloved” by Tony Morrison

Introduction The literature on such a critical issue as slavery is of particular value for study and analysis. The significance of these sources lies in the fact that they provide an opportunity to understand better and realize the challenges that people had to go through. The book by Tony Morrison...

Religious Contrasts in Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” Novel

Literary creativity often intersects with various issues and problems of its time, illuminates essential topics, or ridicules decisions and phenomena. Social, political, and religious factors influence the motives of literary works because they resonate with the personal beliefs of their authors. Religion played an important cultural and social role at...

“A Long Way Gone” Book by Ishmael Beah

Nowadays, many peaceful adults go to war not out of ideological convictions but only for the sake of saving their children and ensuring they have a brighter future. Kids should be valued and protected all over the world, both by their relatives and strangers. However, this view was not shared...

The “Patriotism” Short Story by Yukio Mishima

The story Patriotism by Yukio Mishima reflects the ideas of loyalty and sacrifice portrayed with consideration for human feelings and relationships. The events described during the scene are not unambiguous, as they reflect several perceptions of the main characters. At the same time, the story plot represents the direct path...

Theme as Literary Element in “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

Introduction Literacy texts employ different features of style to convey a message to a reader. The style used will have the impact of attracting and making a reader relate to the story. Jack London’s “To Build a Fire” uses an array of literary elements to capture the attention of a...

The “King Lear” Play by William Shakespeare

Introduction King Lear, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, is a play that creates an alarming mental picture of different societal structures, for instance, the political, social, and familial. These reflect the other broken orders in the whole play. For example, earlier in space, King Lear breaks the order of a...

“Where My Characters Come From” by Haruki Murakami

Introduction Murakami, in his article “Where My Characters Come From,” gives an overview of how he chooses the characters in his novel and what motivates the choices of characters (2). Murakami’s purpose is to explain how he develops his characters over time in his writing career and how the characters’...

The Novel “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini

Introduction The issue of women’s rights has always been an acute topic since while women in developed countries have the privilege of education and a career, having a sense of security and protection, many women in developing countries are restricted in their freedom. The novel A Thousand Splendid Suns was...

Unconditional Fatherly Love in Hayden’s “Those Winter Sundays”

Introduction Differences in the perception of life values, manifested in the context of a generation gap, are a common problem raised in literary works. In Hayden’s poem “Those Winter Days,” the poet demonstrates such an assessment by presenting himself as the narrator. In this short poem, he faithfully captures the...

The Midnight Gang by David Walliams

Introduction David Walliams employs imagination and humor to highlight the relationship between adults and children at a hospital. The story has irresistible characters and highlights many relatable issues that cannot be forgotten. The author further uses different themes to perfectly present his message. Additionally, his work acts as a clarion...

The “Crispin: The Cross of Lead” Novel by Avi

The book “Crispin: The Cross of Lead” by Avi tells the story of a young boy who has to flee his home after his mother’s death. In the beginning, the main character has a low social status, thinks little of himself, and does not have his own opinions. By the...

Mrs. Mallard in “Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin penned the short story “Story of an Hour” in 1891. The story’s protagonist is Mrs. Louise Mallard, diagnosed with heart illness after learning that her husband, Brently Mallard, perished in a train accident. Even though Mrs. Mallard finally dies from her sickness, her character growth throughout the narrative...

The Role of Colors in the Superman Comics

Comics rely heavily on such a visual element as color. This is due to the fact that this aspect helps to fulfill many different tasks that the author faces when creating a work. So, the color helps to convey the characters’ mood and the narrative’s general atmosphere. Thus, this response...

Manipulation and Distorted Traditions: Analysis of “The Lottery” by Jackson

The short story Lottery, written by Shirley Jackson, covers the events of one day in a small village where residents gather for the traditional annual lottery. However, while most lotteries bring positive results to the winners, such as monetary prizes and material rewards, the story twists its original meaning. The...

“Under the Influence” by Scott Sanders

Scott Sanders uses various literary techniques and skillfully manipulates his vocabulary to produce the necessary conciliatory tone across his essay “Under the Influence.” Analogies and tropes are some of the most frequently utilized literary devices in “Under the Influence,” although the book contains numerous other literary devices. Sanders’ syntax plays...

“To Build a Fire” by Jack London: Analysis

Introduction Literary works provide different perspectives on various aspects of life. For instance, Jack London’s short story To Build a Fire illustrates an individual’s fateful relationship with nature by describing how the main personage perceives the surroundings of his journey. London’s story is unique due to the use of literary...

The Impact of Technology in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

One of the most well-known pieces of classical literature is Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour. One of the most evident historical observances that could be made about the story is the telegraph, which plays a great role in the plot as well (Chopin). It is possible to interpret...

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...

The Evaluation of Susan Glaspell’s Trifles

Today, family abuse is a severe problem affecting numerous people throughout the world. Women from developed nations face the problem, meaning that the population of developing countries suffers from the issue even more significantly. That is why there emerge many non-profit organizations that aim to reduce the prevalence of the...

The “Tribal Ceremony” Poem by Janet Campbell Hale

In order to understand “Tribal Ceremony,” the communal feature of minor literature is used because it depicts the tragedy of an entire community. The communal feature can be described as representing the problem of a particular society, not only concerning the author of the poem. In “Tribal Ceremony,” it is...

“Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare Summary

Julius Caesar is a history play written by William Shakespeare. The plot of the piece concerns Brutus and Cassius’ conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar and, in some way, the consequences of these actions. The play’s first act establishes Caesar’s influence and the motivations for his assassination, which lies in the...

Humor and Horror in The Cask of Amontillado by Poe

The Cask of Amontillado is a story that combines horror and humor. The author does that in order to make the story not so horrific for the reader, as the comic effect Poe creates throughout the story alleviates the terror of Fortunato’s death. The humor typical of The Cask of...

Moral and Religious Obligations in Socrates’ “Antigone”

In Antigone, as in our culture today, there is always a conflict between our values and religious obligations. What we think and what we are taught to do are not always coordinated, which can lead to conflict, particularly when others hold conflicting views. Religious obligations, on the other hand, are...

The Novel “Peace Shall Destroy Many” by Rudy Wiebe

Rudy Wiebe’s novel “Peace Shall Destroy Many” surrounds the lives of the pacifist Mennonites in Saskatchewan during World War II. The main protagonist, Thom Wiens (a young farmer living in the most isolated community in Saskatchewan) makes the book fascinating by posing challenging questions. During wartime, local males would either...

John Donne and His Literary Works

Introduction There are many great writers whose literary works still fascinate people and are studied by students and researchers. One such person is John Donne – an Anglican cleric and English writer of the late sixteenth – early seventeenth century. Researchers note that his art “is distinguished by its emotional...

Plot, Themes, and Characters of “Othello” by Shakespeare

Introduction Othello is a tragedy about heavy and terrible trials that the sublime and deep love of two beautiful people underwent. The noble Moor – Othello – who absorbed the culture of the Italian Renaissance, an experienced warrior, wounded by years and suffering, turns out to be powerless before the...

Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson – Challenging Stereotypes

The whole plot of Twain’s novel is based on racism and the hypocrisy around white supremacy. David Wilson is a qualified lawyer; when he moves to Missouri, a small town in Downs landing, he is denied equal chances to practice his law skills. The whites view him as a less...

God’s Anthropomorphism and Divinity in Homer’s Poem “Iliad”

Introduction Homer’s epic poem Iliad is one of the most influential literary works in western literature, and it is a detailed description of the values, norms, and beliefs of Ancient Greece. The author depicts the Greek pantheon of gods and their multiple interactions with people. One of the major peculiarities...

Modernist and Postmodernist Techniques and Themes in McEwan’s “Atonement”

An example of free indirect style in Atonement by Ian McEwan can be found in chapter six as the author describes the acts and thoughts of Emily Tallis. The author takes on Emily’s thoughts and expressing that she considered it important not to provoke the pain in his head lest...

Lieutenant Cross in O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”

Introduction All of the pieces of literature contain a specific thought the author intended to make readers pay attention to, a lesson that can be learned based on one or another character’s conduct. The book entitled “The Things They Carried,” written by American novelist Tim O’Brien is composed of stories...

The Main Character in A Rose for Emily

Introduction A Rose for Emily recounts the lonely life and odd relationships of Miss Emily Grierson, the protagonist in the story. Emily’s father brings her up in isolation, but after his death, she yearns for relations that paradoxically fail due to her obsession. The grotesque is a theme that is...

Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe’s Detective Stories

The genre of detective stories comprises a long history of the evolution of formats and themes. In today’s cultural environment, such works are highly popular as authors continue to extend the limits of the genre. Nevertheless, in spite of the abundant history of detective stories, many of their elements can...

Literary Analysis of Jackson’s The Lottery Story

Summary Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery is one of the most well-known and culturally significant short stories in the history of American literature. It provides an insightful and horrifying look at the comfort people take in passively accepting horrifying events as long as they are part of the accepted stability. Set...

Analysis of “To Live in the Borderlands” Poem

Being a part of the global community, with its incredible diversity and complicated history of relationships between different groups, is quite challenging, especially for those belonging to minority groups. In her poem “To Live in the Borderlands,” Gloria Anzaldua purports the emotional weight of the struggle that she carries as...

Racism in “Being Brought From Africa to America” and “A Letter From Phyllis Wheatley”

Phyllis Wheatley, the first African American to publish a book of poetry in 1773, was the author of the poem “Being Brought from Africa to America.” Wheatley represents the start of a long tradition of African American poets. She described her African ancestors as non-Christian (“Pagan”) and believed that she...

“Miss Brill” Short Story by Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield’s “Miss Brill” portrays humble attempts of a lonely English teacher to aggrandize herself and her surroundings and demonstrates the pitfalls of daydreaming. It reveals the inner workings of an ordinary person’s soul showing that everybody has their passions and dramas. The plot and narrative techniques chosen serve the...

Oedipus and Hamlet – Resilience in Tragedy

In Greek mythology, Oedipus, the king of the land of Thebes, portrays a king who brings disaster to himself and to the people he governs by killing his father and making his mother his wife. In search of the truth, Oedipus cares less about the danger his actions are about...

“The Butcher’s Tale” by Helmut Walser Smith

The Butcher’s Tale: Murder and Anti-Semitism in a German Town by Helmut Walser Smith is a 2002 book set in a Prussian town in the early 1900s. The novel begins with Smith outlining the details and history of a grisly murder that occurred in Konitz. While the town is now...

“The Tale of Sinuhe” in Ancient Egyptian Literature

The number of monarchies in the modern world has undoubtedly been greatly reduced compared to two or three centuries ago and the Middle Ages. Society has gone through many stages of development and the forms of government used have changed. In The Tale of Sinuhe, the author talks about the...

Why Antigone Cannot Be the Tragic Hero

A great tragedian, Sophocles, gave Greek tragedies their conventional form. Specifically, he started the tradition of including a tragic hero with four distinctive characteristics: the presence of a rank, a tragic flaw, a downfall, and a recognition of mistakes. In Sophocle’s “Antigone,” the eponymous character initially seems like the story’s...

Women in Ancient Greece in Euripides’ Play “Medea”

The struggle for women’s rights has been fierce, lengthy, and challenging to achieve. Women all around the world continue to work relentlessly towards achieving gender equality. Although a significant progress has been made, it is important not to forget where it all started. For this essay, the focus is on...

Romanticism in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”

Mark Twain’s famous novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer illustrates the Romanticism tradition in depicting the characters. Even though the romantic literature was in a state of collapse at the time of the novel’s writing, Twain preserved the inherent image for this movement. The dreams and desires of the main...

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...

Hypocrisy in “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy

The works of Russian classical literature have gained a great deal of popularity around the world over many years. Their main characteristic is the stimulation of intense, often ambiguous feelings in the reader, which make him think. Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” was just such an example. The...

The Colonial Education in Myal

Introduction Literature reflects the author’s world, showing their unique experience and illuminating the daily affairs of the members of their communities. Thus, in her novel Myal, Jamaican-born writer Erna Brodber explores Afro-Caribbean spirituality and culture and the effect colonization by the British Empire had on them. Furthermore, the author discusses...

Oedipus the King: Analysis of Plot

In the play, Oedipus solves the Sphinx’s riddle to save Thebes from destruction. The Sphinx asked him a compound question, and Oedipus was the first man to conquer the Sphinx by answering it and saving the city from the plague; therefore, he got the title of the king. However, this...

Poem “Next to of Course God America I”

“Next to of course god America i” is one of the greatest poems in the history of America, and every reader always defines different meanings of the story, making it multifaced and mesmerizing. It is important to read the poem several times to understand its main essence, get a different...

Roth’s Defender of the Faith Story Analysis

Summary “Defender of the Faith” is an original story about a Jewish American Army Sergeant Nathan Marx who resists attempted manipulation by a trainee Jew Sheldon Grossbart to exploit their mutual ethnicity for a particular benefit. The fiction focuses on the conflict between two powerful characters, Marx and Grossbart. They...

The Truth in Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”

Interpretation and understanding of truth is a very ambiguous thing. Everyone has their own unique opinion regarding what is true and what is false. The reason is that language is not a perfect instrument for communication. The language is limited because we can only hear the words. When people listen...

“A Worn Path” Short Story by Eudora Welty Reviewed

Introduction “A Worn Path” is a short story written by Eudora Welty in 1941 which describes the journey of an old African American woman. The Hunger Games is a novel by Suzanne Collins first published in 2008 that depicts a dystopian world. At first, these two books can be considered...

Gilgamesh’s Search for Immortality: Inevitability of Death in a Story

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an interesting work to analyze on the topic of life and death. It is one of the oldest literary works that have survived to this day, extremely psychological in its essence. This epic is composed of old material, but the old legends were woven into...

“Henry V” Play by William Shakespeare

Henry V is one of the famous war plays by William Shakespeare. The play can be presented to be both anti-war and pro-war. The play is pro-war; this is because a part of it glorifies war through Henry’s speeches where he urges his troops into battle and through the chorus...

Mark Twain’s Satire in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

In his work, Mark Twain extensively used satire, which is defined as the intentional humorous exaggeration and irony, mostly aimed at exposing people’s stupidity and failings. In the books, stories, and essays, Twain sought to shed light on the stupidity and hypocrisy of people around him, specifically to ridicule the...

“The Devil and Tom Walker” Short Story by Washington Irving

There are many different negative features that are common for people of all times, be it the eighteenth or the twenty-first century. Greed, indifference, anger, corruption, immorality, and the readiness to sin for one’s own benefit destroy humans and everything good in society. To show the full horror of the...

The Problem of Heritage in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use”

Knowing, preserving, and passing on one’s cultural heritage are significant components of one’s cultural identity. In her story “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker addresses the problem of African Americans’ heritage, namely, what they considered to be their heritage and how they treated it back in the 1960s. In David Cowart’s article,...

“Citizen: An American Lyric” and “Stop and Frisk” by Rankine

Claudia Rankine is a writer, poet, dramatist, and anthology editor from the United States of America. The author published five collections of poems, two plays, and several articles. The two works of hers that were proposed for the analysis are Citizen: An American Lyric and the poem Stop and Frisk....

Sherman Alexie’s Book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Review

Sherman Alexie’s book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a narration about a 14-year-old Arnold Spirit Jr., called Junior in his family and community. The subject of the book is interesting and edifying because it focuses on the coming-of-age story and the feeling of belonging and community....

“The Plague” by Albert Camus

In Albert Camus’s The Plague, a classical masterpiece, a deadly outbreak begins with rats and spreads to humans, decimating half of Oran’s population but sparing the least likely: Joseph Grand. Readers meet Joseph early in the novel, just about the same time news breaks about rats supposedly having an epidemic,...

Poems About War by Borden, Owen, and Others

Introduction The paper responds to poems that deal with experiences and emotions experienced by soldiers on the war front. The first poem was written by a woman who provided humanitarian and medical care to soldiers, while the rest were written by men who fought in World War 1. Each of...

“Dwellings” Rhetorical Techniques Analysis

Linda Hogan’s piece “Dwellings” argues that the places inhabited by people are always in motion and going through continuous modification and change unlike the thinking of homes being solid, stable, and, motionless. Hogan’s work is written in an optimistic tone as the author uses language to explain and explore the...

Analyzing Langston Hughes’s Poetry

The Harlem Renaissance saw many writers, poets, and artists, but Langston Hughes was the best contributor to the period with his protest poems touching on African Americans’ livelihoods and experiences. During this period, most of his poems demanded answers to the many social issues that the black faced, including racism...

Female Agency in 19th and 20th Century Literature

Introduction The problem of female agency and the constraints that patriarchy has placed on it became particularly prominent in the West in the late 19th-early 20th century. Due to the pressure of sociocultural, as well as socioeconomic and sociopolitical changes, the opportunity for women to add potency, urgency, and convincingness...

“Yellow Face” by David Henry Hwang

There are two most likely reasons why the author is telling this story. To begin with, since it is a semi-autobiographical drama, the events described in it may be divided into those that happened to Hwang and those that did not. Thus, creating this play is a unique way for...

Ferdinand and Miranda in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” in Terms of Postcolonial Theory

Shakespeare’s last plays belong to the genre of tragicomedy – plays devoid of genuine tragedy, which, while slightly disturbing for the audience, were still mainly intended to entertain them by delivering a sharp and entertaining experience. Nevertheless, Shakespeare brings an exceptional tone to them, switching them into the fairy tale...

Transcendental Ideas in Frederick Douglass’ Memoirs

One of the seminal literary works revealing the theme of historical legacy is The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, written as the memoirs of a dark-skinned American slave. The book proper consists of eleven chapters describing, in chronological order, childhood, the stages of learning to write, the periods...

Parents’ Role in Young Adult Literature

Introduction Young adult literature is a genre of fiction explicitly aimed at adolescent readers. The target audience for this category of literary works is between 12 and 18 years of age, and the novels focus on problems and issues relevant to the teenagers facing new challenges of adult life. Thus,...

Evil and Vengeance in The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe

The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most astonishing short stories that has been interpreted in numerous ways. Most notably, the work is considered to be an allegory due to the biblical image painted through the human foot crushing the head of a serpent (Saxton...

Edgar Allan Poe’s Literature Analysis

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) was an American novelist, poet, literary critic, and editor who represented American romanticism, the forerunner of symbolism and decadence. When “with the help of some money raised by his West Point friends, he published Poems by Edgar A. Poe,” he...

“Child of the Americas” by Morales

Child of the Americas is a poem focused on one’s multicultural ethnic background, where the main character’s identity became multifaceted and complex. The author is well-aware of the general heritage she possesses, and she is not inclined to dismiss any aspect of her history. The poet fully understands that her...

Psychological Journey of Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”

Crime and Punishment appear to be one of the most widely spread novels of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. Despite being created at the end of the 19th century, it is extremely popular both in the author’s native country and outside its territory. All the plot is articulated on the random...

“Worlds Together, Worlds Apart” by Adelman, J et al. Analysis

Chapter 19: Global Crisis, 1910 – 1939 World War I was the first modern war, and its consequences were fundamental on a grand scale. Adelman et al. (2017) state that WWI’s aftermath expedited the trend toward mass society and hastened the debates on how to measure progress and organize people...

Tradition in “Everyday Use” by Walker and “The Lottery” by Jackson

During the semester, several works were studied. “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson were exciting pieces of literature. The “Everyday Use” is a short story that highlights the plight of African -Americas who were trying to redefine their social, cultural, and political identity. It mainly...

‘Everyday Use’: A Deep Dive into Rural Black South vs. Progressive Movement

“Everyday Use” is a short story written by Alice Walker, which depicts a family gathering where one of the two daughters comes home to visit her mother and sister. Dee studies at a University and her perspective on the African-American heritage differs from that of her relatives. Moreover, for her...

“The Art of Racing in the Rain” and “A Dog’s Purpose”: Comparison

Introduction To be truly happy, an individual should have or, at least, seek a genuine value that makes his or her life full-fledged and gives it a significant meaning. Undoubtedly, one of such worth is unconditional, real, and sincere love that can be manifested in different forms, including friendship, intimate...

“Neuromancer” and “Snow Crash” Comparison

Introduction It is hard to disagree that most people like specific genres of books and usually read only them. One of the reasons for that is that texts share certain elements, which make them rather similar but still different. Precisely repetitive narrative elements, including plot, theme, characters, and setting, allow...

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”: Human Cruelty

Introduction Shirley Jackson’s story “The Lottery” was published in 1948 during the rebuilding of the world after World War II. Almost all the post-war period literature is, to one degree or another, devoted to understanding the consequences of what happened during 1939-1945. One of the cruelest and most inhumane episodes...

The Theme of Love in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo

Introduction As noted in the plan mentioned above, this work is an analysis of the novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. It will present the results of a study of the past writer, narrative, characters, and various opinions related to the work. Also, this paper explores the...