5763 samples of this type
Introduction Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz was the famous Mexican poetess of the XVII century and the outstanding personality of her time. She went into a convent when she was young and devoted her life to serving God. Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz was one of the most...
Some time ago I reread one of the most famous novels of the 20th century, Franz Kafka’s The Trial (Kafka, 1925). Unlike my first experience of reading it, this occasion of reading, along with some other information I run across soon after, has driven me to many conclusions about the...
Ian Watt argues in his critical text The Rise of the Novel that the novel was the first literary work to use personalized authentic names for its characters. Watt insists that traditional writers used names that implied some behavior or qualities, and, therefore, were not authentic. According to him, such...
Most writers rely upon the crucial point, which the stories they create reach, in order to develop fully some characters. Through relating the interaction of characters with others, their dialogues and actions, the readers get a clear picture of their true nature. Without it, there is no other way the...
Introduction Today, The Wizard of Oz is an American classic of children’s literature and a written work recognized and appreciated globally. Baum’s most famous book teaches readers essential wisdom of life. In order for an individual to find their proper place, their home, in this world, they need to make...
Introduction Although people often strive to excel in their endeavors, always aiming for perfection may not be reasonable. In his short story “The Birthmark”, Nathaniel Hawthorne demonstrates the impracticality of searching for an absolute ideal. The narrative’s protagonist, Aylmer, is a man of science who believes that his wife, Georgiana,...
Introduction In this work, Snorri identifies three values that were highly esteemed by the Norse people: bravery, hospitality, and wisdom. These qualities could be seen in such epic stories as Beowulf, The Journey to the Land of the Giants, and The Völsunga Saga. Bravery was seen as a necessary attribute...
Introduction Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot has been regarded as one of the most essential pieces of dramaturgy to come out of the 20th century. The play, originally staged in 1953, centers on the characters of Vladimir and Estragon, who anxiously await Godot’s advent. The characters are forced to...
Introduction Rattawut Lapcharoensap, born in 1979 in Chicago but raised in Bangkok, received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his MFA degree from the University of Michigan. Lapcharoensap published his debut collection of short stories, “Sightseeing,” released to critical acclaim in 2005. The work has been translated into several...
Introduction Written by Mourid Barghouti, “I Saw Ramallah” is a formidable memoir that will resonate with audiences worldwide, especially Palestinians. The book offers a unique perspective on the Palestinian experience of displacement, loss, and the struggle for belonging. The descriptions of local people and the region are nuanced enough to...
Introduction In James Joyce’s “Araby,” the narrator is driven by his infatuation with a girl, which leads him on a journey to buy her a gift at a local bazaar. The story concludes with the narrator’s realization of his vanity and the anguish and grief that result from it. The...
Background “Portrait of a Good Father” by Kristiana Kahakauwila introduces a set of unique characters whose interactions represent curious and quite remarkable dynamics. At the centerpiece of these interactions, Sarah struggles to grapple with the loss of her father and is haunted by the memories of her childhood. Though the narrator...
Introduction Shamash, the sun god, played a crucial role in the Mesopotamian pantheon. He was considered one of the most important gods in Sumerian-Akkadian mythology due to his unique characteristics and vital functions in the cosmos. Shamash was a god of justice, divination, and fertility, and he was known as...
Literary Theme in “The Old Paniolo Way” “The Old Paniolo Way” is a story written by Kristiana Kahakauwila in her book “This Is Paradise.” The story follows the life of Pili, a man who came to Hawaii to say a final goodbye to his dying father. While the story revolves...
Introduction Revolutionary Brothers: Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de Lafayette, and the Friendship that Helped Forge Two Nations is a biography book by Tom Chaffin, first published on November 26, 2019. The book is about two national heroes, one French and the other American. Thomas Jefferson, an American politician and diplomat,...
Introduction In the play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell, the protagonists, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters, find themselves in a precarious situation when they discover proof that may incriminate their companion, Mrs. Wright, in the killing of her spouse. This information points the finger of suspicion at Mrs. Wright. Although they...
Introduction There is a considerable amount of proof that William Shakespeare’s plays influenced Wagner’s work, both in his autobiography My Life and his articles. The notion of naturalness, according to Wagner, was a key element of both Shakespearean play and future theater in general. While the narrative of Wagner’s operas...
Introduction In Susan Glaspell’s play Trifles, the plot intricately weaves with the theme of gender roles and oppression, significantly impacting the exploration of this theme throughout the narrative. The plot revolves around the murder investigation of John Wright, with the male characters focusing on the evidence and legal aspects of...
Introduction The play’s title, Death Knocks by Woody Allen, is ironic as it suggests a profound encounter with death. However, there is a comedic approach to the theme of morality. Woody Allen turns the scenario and the main character into an engaging game with death that delays Nat Ackerman’s fate....
Introduction English literature at any age has been prominent for its brilliant authors – adherents of specific literary movements or influential agents referring to solid devices. The role of literary terms is undeniable, as they were used to convey significant messages and help authors enhance the effect of their language....
Introduction Coraline is a spooky and exciting book by Neil Gaiman. It’s a story for kids that mixes scary stuff and magic and talks about being brave and curious and how much family matters. The book is about a girl named Coraline Jones who finds a creepy other world. At...
Introduction Unraveling the complex web of language – its structure, historical history, and complicated relationships – philology reveals itself as a deep field inside the complex universe of linguistic research. Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo’s story, which began in Madrid in 1478 and continues throughout this sophisticated research, flows together like...
Introduction Literature is a unique phenomenon that emerged at the dawn of society and has been evolving. It has always responded to the most topical societal events and reflected the values critical at a certain period. That is why literature always remains topical and attracts the attention of numerous readers....
Introduction Women’s position in society and how men treat them is an infinite topic of various discussions worldwide, even today. When feministic movements continue to grow, there is still a significant number of violence and domestic injustices that happen to women every day. However, particular writers and authors pay considerable...
Introduction With the assistance of the magical lamp, Aladdin is able to leave his situation and reclaim control of his life after being duped by an African magician. This illustrates both the usage of magic as a plot element and the topic of power and control. Aladdin’s Use of the...
Introduction Walter Mosley’s book, “Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned,” takes the readers into the harsh world of its main character, Socrates Fortlow. This story is not just about Fortlow; it is a powerful look at the struggles many African Americans face in poor urban areas. By digging into the pages of...
Introduction In the poem “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the speaker vividly portrays the concept of donning a symbolic mask to hide the genuine emotions and turmoil that lurk beneath the surface. The poem delves into the clash between the outward persona individuals display to the world...
Introduction My favorite assigned reading of the week was Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” I enjoyed it so much because of its rich language, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking themes. The epic poem’s significance lies in its exploration of the fall of man, the nature of good and evil, and the complexities of...
Introduction In exploring Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias” and Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” the paper delves into the complex web of human pride, power dynamics, and the ephemeral nature of heritage. It offers profoundly moving insights into the complexities of ambition, revealing the inevitable progression of time that transforms even...
Summary of “Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires” The chapter provides a unique perspective on vampirism in literature, suggesting that stories about vampires symbolize more profound themes. The latter include disrespect for others’ freedom, selfishness, and exploitation (Foster 14). The chapter explains that vampires in stories are not just...
Introduction William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the most controversial plays in world literature and the author’s legacy. Different from his other pieces in the level of comedy or, rather, ridicule, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has kept audiences and critics alike wondering what occasion it might have...
Introduction There are literature pieces written decades or centuries ago, but the topics they explore are relevant to this day, and George Orwell’s Animal Farm is in this category. First published in 1945, the fable provides a satirical allegory of the 1917 Russian Revolution and its broader implications (Palmisano and...
Introduction The Brothers Karamazov is the most content-rich novel by Dostoevsky, saturated with insights. It presents the basic questions of human existence: the meaning of life for each person and all human cultures, the ethical principles, and the spiritual pillars of life. Meanwhile, The Brothers Karamazov is a philosophical exploration...
Introduction In Derek Walcott’s poem “The Prodigal,” personal identity is intricately woven into the fabric of artistic creation, providing a rich tapestry of imagery that reflects the poet’s internal struggle with heritage and belonging. Walcott, a Nobel laureate from the Caribbean, often grapples with his dual allegiance to the colonial...
Introduction Eugene Gant’s odyssey in Thomas Wolfe’s “Look Homeward, Angel” is a quintessential Romantic journey, replete with the zeal for personal discovery and the yearning for transcendence that characterizes the American Romantic movement. This bildungsroman, or coming-of-age narrative, mirrors the Romantic ethos through its protagonist’s intense internal struggles, the passionate...
Introduction Among the most renowned short stories in the nation is Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. The narrative follows the residents of an unnamed village on the morning of June 27th as they participate in the annual lottery. The story’s beginning implies a somewhat positive feeling of anticipating an affair that...
Introduction The theme of confrontation or determination of the true nature of good and evil is common in literature and cinema. Many authors have tried to find the most expressive images and plots to convey the complex dynamics of these concepts. Moreover, today’s perception of good and evil may differ...
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...
Introduction The short story “A Hunger Artist” provides an exquisite paradoxical nature in self-expression, art, and the prospect of the relentless pursuit of authenticity in a society driven by the spectacle. The protagonist in the short story undergoes an immense journey, unraveling complexities that exist in the human petition. Additionally,...
Introduction In the vast ocean of literature, certain books possess the power to shape minds, stimulate critical thinking, and offer profound insights into the human condition. Teenage years are formative, often characterized by a quest for identity and world understanding. During this time, literature can serve as a beacon, guiding...
Introduction American poet Emily Dickinson was renowned for her original and avant-garde writing style. Dickinson’s poetry is praised for its unique form, capitalization, and punctuation. She descended into profound intellectual and emotional depths using succinct, evocative words. Emily Dickinson’s poems “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” and “The Sky...
Introduction “Fences” by August Wilson masterfully explores the African American experience in 1950s America, delving into race, personal ambition, and familial obligations. Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector, stands at the center of the narrative. This essay contends that Troy’s character remains static, entrenched in...
Thesis The complexities of human emotion are one of the main aspects of Euripides Media, and the interaction of personal vendettas with societal expectations is boosted. Medea’s vengeful actions challenge the boundaries of traditions, gender roles, and Greek society’s beliefs. This analysis will examine the psychological motivation behind Medea’s revenge,...
Introduction Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” is a profound exploration of choice, individuality, and the unknown paths in life. The poem’s overarching theme revolves around the critical decisions that shape our life’s journey. Frost uses a simple yet powerful metaphor of a traveler at a fork in the road...
Introduction Universal themes that characterize human nature always remain relevant, even while their context may change. Two hundred years ago, people were concerned with becoming rich and powerful, and today, many still set this as ultimate in their lives. In Edgar Allan Poe’s work, the transcendent themes of good versus...
Introduction Hamlet, one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, explores the psychological unraveling of its titular character, Prince Hamlet. Throughout the play, Hamlet faces numerous instances that push him closer to a point of no return. This essay studies the pivotal events in Hamlet’s life and examines the turning points that lead...
Introduction Neil Gaiman’s Coraline follows the titular character, an adventurous protagonist who explores a new world. The narrative employs similes to convey themes of finding good in adversity and questioning appearances (Gaiman, 2002). Similarly, Marita Conlon-McKenna’s Under the Hawthorn Tree narrates the story of three courageous siblings, Eily (12 years...
Introduction Edgar Allan Poe, frequently called the maestro of the dark and a founder of the horror genre, left a lasting legacy in English literature. His writings are a must-read for English literature students because of his profound and enduring contributions to the genre. It is possible to gain a...
Introduction There is a thirst for renewal in people and for starting life from scratch without past mistakes, sins, and villainies that haunt the soul and do not allow it to be happy. However, many people do not know the means to do this. For example, Tom Stoll from the...
Introduction Susan Glaspell’s one-act play Trifles examines gender dynamics within the context of a murder investigation. This essay will dive into the understanding of plot and character, showing how these elements contribute to the development of the play’s central theme, which is the rebellion against oppressive gender norms. Trifles emerge...
Introduction Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf shows readers how humans and humans can interact with the environment. The epic poem is written in Old English and tells a story about the famous hero Beowulf. Seamus Heaney’s version not only captures the spirit of this text but also adds his poetry...
Introduction In “435,” Dickinson states that people often confuse sense and madness, and in “When I Heard the Learn’dAstronomer,” Whitman indicates that receiving knowledge from measuring is not the truthful way for some people. Both poets use meter, rhyme, and metaphors to highlight the value of thinking not like others....
Introduction In the short story “Hell-Heaven” by Jhumpa Lahiri, the characters and their actions spoke to me in a profound way. The story revolves around the narrator’s family, particularly her mother, Boudi, who falls in love with Pranab, a foreign student taken in by the family. However, Pranab falls in...
Introduction Since L. Frank Baum introduced Oz in 1900, and generations of readers have lost themselves in the enchanting fantasy realm he created. Oz dazzles as an imaginary world due to its intricate details, which make it feel like a complete universe with its natural laws. Baum achieved worldbuilding mastery...
Introduction The main idea of “The Story of an Hour “is freedom and its importance for an individual. Louise Mallard is a happily married woman with a very loving husband. She doesn’t really have much independence, though; she only obtains it after she finds out about her husband’s passing. In...
Introduction What is worse than being oppressed? The victims of the oppression are oppressing it. The story by Zora Neale Hurston, called ‘Sweat,’ focuses on Delia Jones, a hardworking washwoman, and her abusive husband, Sykes. The background for the story is that it is set against the backdrop of the...
The Intended Audience The book The Emotion of the Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi is written for a broad audience. It might be interesting for Muslim families living in Western countries, for people trying to understand the problems of these groups, or for an ordinary reader who wants to find...
Introduction “Confessions from the Chair” by Russell A Shuler unravels the complex tale of Anne Madison, a dedicated woman running a mission at a Baptist church, aiding battered women and those displaced by COVID-19. When Anne’s once-reliable connection to the local newspaper falters, she finds herself navigating through a labyrinth...
Introduction The impact of character influence is evident in Susan Glaspell’s play “Trifles” through Mrs. Hale’s significant contribution to developing the theme of societal expectations and gender roles. As a farmer’s wife and close neighbor of Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Hale offers valuable perspectives on the societal norms and gender roles...
Why Sir Gawain Is a Chivalrous Knight Sir Gawain, the main character in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” is frequently seen as a chivalrous knight because he follows the principles of chivalry. His behavior in the story shows his dedication to chivalrous values like honor, allegiance, and bravery. Nevertheless,...
The Significance Behind the Title: Why Trifles Reflects the Play’s Core Message The title “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell is a poignant choice that reflects the underestimation of women and their concerns by the male characters within the play. The term “trifles” refers to things of little importance or value. Throughout...
Arafah, Burhanuddin, and Amir Pattu. “Racial Discrimination Experienced by Black People as Reflected in Langston Hughes’s Poems.” Journal of Language Teaching and Research, vol. 13, no. 2, 2022, pp. 350-356. In this research paper, the main topic under examination is the experience of racial discrimination. Particularly the experience of people...
Introduction In William Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew,” the question of who is the best wife is ultimately subjective and can be answered in various ways, depending on one’s interpretation of the characters’ actions and the play’s themes. However, the play’s final scene offers a telling test of...
Introduction With its rhythmic cadences and profound metaphors, poetry has long been a vessel through which humanity explores the depths of emotion and experience. The distillation of complex human feelings into verse offers a unique lens through which life can be understood and appreciated. Rudyard Kipling’s “If” and Langston Hughes’...
Personal Reaction to the Play Reading the play Trifles, I was struck by the way the male characters, such as George Henderson and Henry Peters, dismiss the women’s observations and opinions. One observation of the site of the crime that both men and women see but interpret differently is the...
Introduction Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a heartwarming toddler’s book concerning a young boy named CJ and his grandmother (Nana) as they embark on a bus ride across the town. Notably, the book was published in 2015, and it is a children’s literature genre,...
In Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress, the speaker’s sincerity is evident through the usage of various poetic devices, including rhyme scheme, rhythm/meter, word choices, key images, tone, and mythological and religious allusions. Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress poem’s argument is that life is short and fleeting, and therefore...
Introduction The novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” and Junot Diaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” exhibit the theme of profound alienation woven into the lives of Hester Prynne and Oscar de Leon. These characters are in a battle cry with societal expectations, which, according to them,...
Introduction Literature, mythology, and cultural stories have often depicted the themes of fate and ambition as interconnected. Ambition can be defined as the desire to achieve a particular goal, while fate is a predetermined course beyond human control (Mallah 5). Two literary works, D.H. Lawrence’s The Rocking-Horse Winner and Sophocles’...
Introduction The Broadway debut of August Wilson’s play “Fences” in 1983 was met with overwhelming praise from critics. It won the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award and was praised as a masterpiece. Even though the play was widely popular, it took almost thirty years to be made into a big...
Disclosing Social Topics in Read Literature Gender criticism in modern times challenges people’s traditional notions of what constitutes masculinity and femininity. At the moment, the question of sexuality is quite tricky and multifaceted, and it is beyond the binary categories. The modern approach to this issue is more critical, as...
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...
Introduction Harper Lee, a highly regarded American author, occupies a significant place in the history of literature due to her seminal work, To Kill a Mockingbird. The work has received critical acclaim due to its insightful examination of racial injustice and ethical development in the Southern region of the United...
Introduction In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” readers are introduced to the dynamic protagonist, Squeaky, a young girl with a talent for running and a fierce dedication to her mentally challenged brother, Raymond. Throughout the narrative, Bambara skillfully employs the theme of “don’t judge a book by its...
Introduction Hawthorne’s adept craftsmanship in American Romanticism transcends mere storytelling; it is a meticulous exploration of the human psyche, dissecting the intricacies of relationships and exposing the repercussions of unbridled passions. In “The Minister’s Black Veil” and “The Birth-Mark,” Hawthorne’s narrative scalpel dissects the very fabric of love, laying bare...
Introduction The concept of love has both troubled and inspired humankind since time immemorial, appearing in numerous forms and often leading people to act irrationally. Thomas Coraghessan Boyle’s “The Love of My Life” is a profound exploration of young love, its passion, and the shocking implications that can occur when...
Introduction The poem “White Lies” delves into the topic of racial identity and the societal expectations associated with it. This text is filled with various images and meanings hidden behind childhood memories. The innocent little lies that the heroine tells are a serious social problem in a world where people...
Introduction Literature raises a large number of different topics that are relevant to people’s lives. However, the topic of life becomes especially difficult and exciting for many. In many cases, it affects the most vulnerable parts of the human soul and causes complex emotions that not everyone is ready to...
Introduction The Tragedy of Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s oldest but most memorable plays of all his work. In this proficiently written play, Hamlet, the King’s son, is a sad protagonist who plays his character so well that the audience thinks he is insane. The root cause of Hamlet’s...
Introduction The intention to create judgments and share personal opinions about someone or something is one of the main characteristics of human beings. Sometimes, people succeed in their desire to examine an event and define who is right or who is wrong. However, there are also situations when individuals fail...
Introduction Hercules was a god from Roman mythology whose character was adopted from a Greek tradition. In Ancient Greece, the hero was known under the name of Hercules. Hercules is famous for his twelve labors that gave the mortal man an opportunity to achieve divine immortality. However, the fate of...
Introduction Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is an enchanting tale that transports readers on a whimsical journey through a surreal realm teeming with peculiar individuals and unimaginable occurrences. Although it may appear to be a simple children’s story, Carroll skillfully intertwines themes of youth, maturation, and individuality to impart important...
Introduction In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Young Goodman Brown,” the figure encountered by Goodman Brown in the forest can be interpreted in two different ways, each signifying distinct motifs. One is a literal embodiment of the devil or malevolent forces, and the other symbolizes internal conflicts with temptation and sin....
Harper Lee’s Background American author Harper Lee, well known for her iconic book To Kill a Mockingbird, drew heavily from her own experiences growing up in the South of the country. Born in Monroeville, Alabama, on April 28, 1926, Nelle Harper Lee grew up in an era where racial segregation...
Use of Personal Information In Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Arnold Friend can be argued to be an incarnation of the devil or some fairytale villain. The evidence lies in how Arnold manipulates and preys on Connie’s vulnerabilities, using his charm and cunning to...
Introduction Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find” is a compelling exemplar of a short story that delves into profound themes surrounding morality, kindness, and the intricacies of human thoughts and emotions. Through a masterful interplay of literary devices and narrative choices, O’Connor weaves a tapestry that challenges...
Introduction In Anton Chekhov’s “Lady with a Lapdog,” the title seems to be a straightforward reference to Anna, the female character who is frequently seen with her Pomeranian pet. However, upon closer analysis, it becomes evident that the ‘lapdog’ in the title may also represent Dmitri Gurov, the male protagonist...
Introduction Ann Beattie’s Snow is a profoundly moving and evocative tale that strikes a chord with readers on a profound emotional level. The story evokes a sense of wistfulness and yearning as it delves into the intricacies of love and the relentless march of time. Beattie’s vibrant descriptions and poignant...
Introduction It is hard to disagree that most situations and people cannot be considered entirely good or bad and right or wrong. Numerous perspectives reveal other sides and angles, and an individual seen as an immoral hypocrite becomes a victim of certain circumstances. Thus, in Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s...
Introduction Domingo and Diego struggle with different but related matters that influence their storylines. Both characters deal with issues of identity, belonging, and the complexity of friendship despite the differences in the causes and expressions of their problems. Conflict in Domingo Domingo represents the wrangle with cultural distinctiveness. Domingo’s conflict...
Introduction While literature is considered a form of art, its content is equally important as it allows the readers an opportunity to experience different emotions and look at life from different perspectives. Furthermore, writers can use the connection established with readers through literature to convey important ideas or provide social...
Introduction In shaping the narrative of the American nation, the voices of Phillis Wheatley and Langston Hughes have been particularly powerful. Both poets, hailing from distinct historical periods, offer unique perspectives on the American experience through their seminal works, “On Being Brought from Africa to America” and “Let America Be...
Introduction Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” unravels the intricate layers of human emotion and societal expectations, presenting a poignant exploration of the pursuit of personal freedom. Through the experiences of Mrs. Louise Mallard, the narrative delves into the complexities of grief, liberation, and the constraints placed on individuals...
“River” by Sherwin Bitsui Description of the Work: Themes and Stylistic Characteristics “River” by Sherwin Bitsui incorporates themes such as violence, brutal colonization, the killing of Indians, and their systematic oppression. The context of the poem’s creation comes entirely from Bitsui’s personal experience of the brutality and violence he describes...
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,...
Introduction The concept of resilience is usually defined by literary characters’ ability to face and overcome difficulties. Sophocles’ Oedipus and Shakespeare’s Hamlet are iconic figures whose personalities have been studied for generations. In the field of tragic literature, they demonstrate strong resilience under challenging circumstances. The plot of the stories...
Historical Influences: Context and Events Shaping the Artist and Their Work Maya Angelou is one of the most prolific writers in American literature. She was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri (Aslam, 2021). She is famed for infusing a dialect referred to as Black Secular in her...
Introduction This analysis delves into character development within two compelling narratives, Barn Burning authored by William Faulkner and Bloodchild by Octavia Butler. Both stories explore intricate character interactions set against distinct backdrops, shining a spotlight on the dynamics of power and relationships. The characters in these stories embark on transformative...
Introduction According to Dante, treachery is the more severe sin, and the ninth circle of hell is the final place for betrayers, who are destined to roam the frozen wastelands for eternity. Brutus and Cassius – people disloyal to Julius Caesar – were among these unfortunate souls. However, the present...
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...
Introduction Edgar Allan Poe, a prominent luminary in American literary annals, garners acclaim for his somber and enigmatic narratives and verses. His compositions have ensnared the imagination of readers across generations, delving into the intricacies of the human psyche and the enigmatic facets of existence. To fathom the profound intricacies...
Introduction Marie de France’s elaborate descriptions of Lanval’s lover in her medieval poem serve a multifaceted purpose. They function not only as a depiction of physical beauty but also as a symbolic representation of virtue, social status, and aspiration, thereby providing a deeper understanding of the female character and societal...
Introduction Paula Vogel’s “Indecent” explores the complex relationship between societal expectations and human impulses while also exploring the negative effects of suppressing these desires and their freeing potential. The relationships between the individuals inside the play’s plot serve as a microcosm for the larger investigation of these subjects. This article...
Introduction It is hard to disagree that many literary works’ themes or concepts can be interpreted in various ways, especially when their authors avoid directly indicating specific ideas or attitudes, preferring to use literary devices and techniques. For example, in her 1682 memoir, Mary Rowlandson describes her experiences after being...
Introduction “Letters Concerning the English Nation” is a series of essays written by the French philosopher Voltaire, who spent a significant amount of time in England in the early 18th century. The essays, in the form of letters, were written in English, a language Voltaire mastered during his stay and...
Quote and Question In “The Nose,” by Akutagawa, Zenchi Naigu suffers from an abnormally long nose controlling his determination of self-value and the communitys views. The passage from Akutagawa that best captures his anguish is, “And what he feared, most of all, was that the word ‘nose’ would come up...
Introduction In Maxine Hong Kingston’s novel “China Men,” the author celebrates the legacy of Chinese American men, specifically through the story of Ah Goong. Kingston portrays Ah Goong as a strong and resilient figure who overcomes numerous challenges in his life, ultimately contributing to building foundational elements of the United...
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...
Introduction “On Being Brought from Africa to America” is one of the most famous poems written by Phillis Wheatley. The author’s experience as a small child who was sold into slavery and taken to the American colonies in 1761 is described in the poem. Wheatley makes the case in this...
Introduction Shakespeare truly does still matter. More than four centuries after his death, his works resonate with contemporary audiences worldwide, embodying universal themes and exploring timeless truths about human nature. His mastery of language, profound understanding of human emotion, and insights into the human condition are as relevant today as...
The Theme of Sympathy in The Old Cumberland Beggar by William Wordsworth Wordsworth’s poem touches on the theme of sympathy through the image of the old beggar. With no wealth and money, this man makes the audience pity and worry about him. The image is intensified when the narrator introduces...
Introduction The various categories within classic literature encompass a wide array of narratives that have endured through generations. These stories frequently carry a moral or instructive message, granting us a window into the principles and convictions of diverse societies. This paper will delve into some of the most prevalent subcategories...
Introduction In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” the central characters, the unnamed narrator and Mrs. Louise Mallard, respectively, play crucial roles in illustrating the themes of female oppression and the pursuit of freedom. These characters undergo significant transformations, shedding light on...
Introduction When a couple expects a child, they prepare for the most exciting and rewarding experience. Thus, losing a child is a devastating event that can either strengthen a relationship between spouses or ruin it. However, many prefer not to discuss this issue because it is hard to come to...
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...
Introduction For centuries, literature has played an immense role in conveying the acute issues in society. Among the most common themes is social status and the divide between the rich and the poor. One such literary piece is the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams, which...
Introduction The epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature, recounts the transformative journey of a hero in search of immortality. This Mesopotamian hero, Gilgamesh, embarks on a quest that exposes him to various characters who profoundly shape his path. The thesis of this essay is that...
Introduction In their respective eras’ male-dominated and oppressive landscapes, Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley emerged as remarkable literary voices, defying societal expectations and historical constraints. Both poets lived during times when women had limited agency and enslaved people were denied education and a voice. Bradstreet, a Puritan in colonial New...
Introduction The chosen Fabliau is “The Miller’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer, while the modern story is the one from “The Other Woman” (2014 film). Moral in Fabliau “The Miller’s Tale” is a fabliau from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”. In this tale, a carpenter named John, his young wife Alison,...
Key Themes and Main Ideas in the Story A short story under analysis is “Hunchback Madonna,” written by Fray Angelico Chavez, a Hispanic American priest, historian, novelist, and poet. It addresses Mana Seda, an old woman passionately dedicated to serving her countrymen and their response to her assistance, compassion, and...
Introduction The Ramayana, an epic of ancient Indian literature, is a poignant narrative of the life of Rama, portraying his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to Dharma. These two prominent traits are demonstrated throughout the story, underscoring Rama’s character’s moral and spiritual dimensions. Rama’s Bravery and Commitment to the Principle...
Introduction “They and We: Racial and Ethnic Relations in the United States” is a book that delves into the reality of ethnic diversity and racial discrimination in America. Peter I. Rose explored some of the pivotal issues surrounding ethnic relations in chapters 4, 5, and 6, titled “Dilemmas of Diversity”,...
Introduction The theme of “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs is the consequences of meddling with fate, and this theme is intricately woven into the elements of the story — character, setting, and plot. This central theme resonates deeply throughout the story’s intricate characters, setting, and plot interplay. The story...
Abstract By presenting the way unfilled love impacts a person, Jhumpa Lahiri makes an attempt to show how important it is to make an alliance between people based on mutual feelings. Through the character Aparna, the author shows how a woman who finds herself in an arranged marriage experiences a...
Introduction The theme of war has always been one of the central topics in the world literature. Thousands of people have witnessed and participated in numerous military conflicts throughout history. It impacted their mentality, psyche, and lives and led to radical worldview changes. At the same time, the soldiers, who...
Introduction “If Beale Street Could Talk” by James Baldwin is a moving examination of love, family, and racial injustice in 1970s Harlem. Baldwin uses various signs and symbols throughout the narrative to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of human experience, particularly within the African-American community. This analysis delves into how Baldwin...
Summary of The Tartarus of Maids The Tartarus of Maids is a short story by Herman Melville from his collection Tales of the Square. The story centers on an unnamed narrator who visits an isolated farmhouse on a waterfall’s banks. This farmhouse is inhabited exclusively by women who work tirelessly...
Introduction Geoffrey Chaucer’s portrayal of gender roles in The Wife of Bath’s Tale differs significantly from other sources from that period. The author puts women in charge of judging men’s actions throughout the text. While the story begins with sexual assault that is later dismissed, it contains elements that present...
Introduction “Why I Live at the P.O.” is a classic short story by Eudora Welty that wonderfully captures the nuances of small-town southern life in the United States during the early 20th century. The story is narrated by Sister, who has moved to the local post office after a series...
Introduction Theodore Roethke’s poem “My Papa’s Waltz” explores the recollection of the speaker on a childhood experience centered around a waltz performed with their father. This piece exhibits noteworthy qualities in terms of its linguistic choices, tone, and employment of imagery, which collectively serve to communicate intricate feelings within a...
Introduction Death is inevitable in a given society and is often associated with grief among those who lose their loved ones. Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” is a short story that explores the emotional impact of death on members of society. The story signifies how the husbands’ deaths...
Introduction In the chapter “Woman and The Family” from Plato’s “The Republic,” Socrates explores the societal roles of women and the concept of family. Two fundamental ideas that stood out are the concept of gender roles and the idea of communal child-rearing. Abandoning Gender Roles Socrates posits a radical theory...
Introduction Mental health is one of the most essential parts of a human being. It allows the person to properly function in society and collaborate with others in daily activities: working, learning, and spending free time. However, when a person struggles with mental health, the community quickly rejects them. In...
Introduction In the introduction to Cadillac Desert titled “A Semidesert with a Desert Heart”, Marc Reisner provides an in-depth exploration of the history and development of the American West, specifically focusing on the issue of water scarcity and its impact on the region. Reisner begins by describing the arid landscape...
Introduction In Cold Blood is a non-fiction novel written by Truman Capote that tells the chilling true story of the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959 (Capote, 2000). This book is often regarded as one of Capote’s most significant literary achievements and a groundbreaking work...
Introduction Dr. Seuss is one of the most popular authors of children’s books. In his life, he wrote and illustrated 45 books, some of which became classics of children’s literature (Schwartz). Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts, in a family of German ancestry that...
Introduction Social issues are often the subject of analysis by famous writers, mainly due to the comprehensibility and proximity of such themes to the ultimate reader. This essay critically compares three works written in different time, historical, and cultural frameworks. The first is A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, written...
Introduction Mental health problems are a significant consequence of any experience in a person’s life. Postpartum depression is one of the consequences that can develop in women due to the birth of a child. In the story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, one can find many parallel connections...
“Lanval” is a work by Marie de France, revealing how a hapless knight is attracted to a fairy ready to make him her lover. The story is about Lanval, who seems to be a handsome knight, but in reality, the female figures are the strongest. Lanval is a young knight...
Introduction Literary works have great power, which can draw readers’ attention to the most critical and disturbing problems. An example of such a work is a novel by Richard Wagamese called Indian Horse. This work touches on a relatively large number of topics, including unfulfilled dreams, the influence of alcohol...
Introduction In his article “Liar, Lunatic, Lord?” Marvin Olasky addresses the atheist students who argue against C.S. Lewis’ tripartite divide of viewing Jesus as either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. The students contend that Lewis assumes the accuracy of the Gospel accounts, which could have been written years...
Introduction In his seminal work, Mere Christianity, Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, employs a series of vivid word pictures and illustrations in Book II to elucidate profound spiritual truths, much like Jesus did with his parables. These imaginative analogies serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path to understanding for readers...
A short fiction story by Nadine Gordimer questions the authority of a white man in Africa. An African landowner and head of a regional party, Marais Van der Vyver, has killed his Black worker. Even though it might appear unacceptable in today’s culture, it is consistent with the image of...
Introduction Grief and loss of a loved one is an experience that significantly affects a person’s worldview, forcing them to rethink one’s own beliefs. For C.S. Lewis, the death of his wife, Helen Joy Davidman, was a turning point in his life, forcing the writer through many emotions and contributing...
Have you ever imagined living in a dystopian world where the Party rules with an iron fist and there is no way for freedom? Would you oppress such a life and question the oppressive regime? In the novel 1984, Winston Smith is such a person, a middle-aged man who has...
Introduction The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that describes the interactions of many key characters in mythology. Ramayana is an epic narrative from Hinduism that reveals the traditional ideas of the time about courage and duty (The Ramayana: A South Asian Myth and Text, n. d.). At the same...
Introduction Neil Gaiman’s short story “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” was nominated for a Hugo Award, won the Locus Award, and is now a film, despite being previously seen as a failure and being rejected inclusion in the anthology for which it was written. Reading Gaiman’s books is...
Introduction “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde is a classic comedy exploring love, deception, and societal expectations. One of the most prominent aspects of this play is its use of humor. Through this technique, Wilde effectively conveys the importance of being true to oneself in a world entirely...
The goal of Lazy Lawrence is to offer insightful teachings for children’s future success. The narrative teaches children that spending time on things that will help them reach their ambitions is essential. It teaches children the value of inner drive and the necessity of perseverance in the face of adversity....
Introduction Literature conveys various aspects of human life with unwavering precision, allowing us to delve into the world of characters and their personal experiences. One such work is Tony Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye, which explores the complex theme of racism, belonging, and self-esteem among African Americans in 20th-century American...
