Contents and Writing Styles of Insectopedia Written by Hugh Raffles

Introduction The writing style is an essential part of any science. Although the experiment’s results can be assessed with a certain degree of certainty, which excludes bias, the ability to write often determines the way the readers get to perceive certain subjects, be it literature, anthropology, history, sociology, or others....

“Metamorphoses of the City” by Pierre Manent: A Book Review

Introduction The reading for this assignment consists of a part of the book “Metamorphoses of the City” by Pierre Manent. The book’s introduction attempts to define modernity as a massive collective project, the kind that would be impossible to carry out without a staging ground. Manent states that the city...

Power in “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Marquez

Introduction Quote “They thought that he would have had so much authority that he could have drawn fish out of the sea simply by calling their names and that he would have put so much work into his land that springs would have burst forth from among the rocks so...

Gender Equality in Jackson’s “The Lottery”

The issue of gender and relationships between men and women has always been an area for multiple debates and the collision of opposing views. Therefore, being one of the most topical issues for discussion, it has been widely discussed in the literature, and “Lottery” is one of the strongest examples...

“How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez

Today’s nurses are faced with the challenging task of delivering culturally competent care to a large number of patients with different ethnic backgrounds. Among other things, a culturally tailored approach requires overcoming prejudice and racial stereotypes, which have shown to have a negative impact on patient health (Perkins, 2014). The...

Conservatism, Radicalism, Irony in Austen’s “Emma”

Irony Jane Austen (2003) treats Emma, the central character of the novel of the same name, with irony. The most apparent aspect of this attitude is created situationally, for example, through the mismatches that Emma creates, which contrast with her “disposition to think a little too well of herself” and...

Band of Brothers: Stephen Ambrose’s WWII Insight

Authored by Stephen Ambrose, “Band of Brothers” is a must-read piece that comes in handy in providing an insight on the Second World War. The book tables the turn of events or rather the journey of the citizen soldiers from the Easy Company, 101st airborne and the 506th Regiment units...

Epic Heroes in Literature: Gilgamesh, Achilles, Beowulf

Introduction Epic heroes are considered to be one of the most important figures in history and literature, who represent the best human qualities and traits, illustrate proper morals and values, and teach the reader what it means to be a fair, honorable, and respectable person. As a rule, epic heroes...

A Good Man Is Hard to Find: Main Ideas

Introduction “A Good Man is Hard to Find” is a short story written by Flannery O’Connor in 1953 and is mostly known for its controversial and grim ending. O’Connor, being a Southerner, has been mostly using a Southern Gothic style in her writings; this genre is usually referred to as...

Comparison: “Lamb to the Slaughter” and “Jury of Her Peers”

Themes The present paper compares and contrasts the characters of two short stories: “A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell and “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl. Both stories seem to explore the themes of crime and punishment. Apart from that, both stories depict a specific case of...

Ximen Qing in “Jin Ping Mei” Novel by L. X. Sheng

Ximen Qing was born to a family of a person who sold medical herbs (Roy, 1997). Very often Ximen assisted his father in his shop and as a child he was accustomed to work. Nevertheless, his father was not a very rich man, and since early childhood Qing understood that...

“The Blind Men and the Elephant” Poem by Saxe

Introduction The poem “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by John Godfrey Saxe depicts the actions of six blind men in their attempt at trying to discern what an elephant is like based on their perceptions. The result is a series of rather humorous descriptions wherein each man ascertains the...

Shakespeare’s Macbeth vs. Tolkien’s Smeagol: More in Common Than Not

The characters of Macbeth and Smeagol/Gollum in the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings seem at first glance to be drastically different characters. Macbeth is a relative of the king, in line for leadership. Smeagol is a cut-throat of dubious, possibly Halfling origins with none but himself and his...

Issues in “The Female American” by Unca Eliza

In the article, the author begins by pointing out the various issues that stand out in the eighteenth-century novel “The Female American” by Unca Eliza (McMurran 323). The author of this article outlines several facts that are specific to eighteenth-century society. The article proceeds by laying out the peculiarity that...

Bond Between Eliezer and His Father in Wiesel’s “Night”

The Relationship Between Eliezer and His Father Eliezer is the protagonist of the Elie Wiese’s Night narrative. Eliezer was the son of a Jewish elder called Chomlo (Bosmajian 211). Throughout the novel, Wiese narrates how Chomlo treated his son throughout his life. Similarly, he narrates how Eliezer’s attitude towards his...

The Idea of Group Harmony: Confucian Lessons from Japan

Introduction The world is characterized by different faiths and beliefs that are guided by specific norms, principles, and notions. Human beings from a given society or nation can study other cultural beliefs in an attempt to identify various best practices that can be adopted to improve their lives or experiences....

Sarah DeLappe’s Play “The Wolves”

There are different ways of getting acquainted with writers’ works, such as reading a book, watching a film, or attending a theatrical performance. Out of these three, the latter seems to have the greatest impact on the audience. A play is different from a book in that it presents characters...

Jig’s Character in the “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction This conversation shows that Jug has made up her mind to keep the pregnancy. This is quite interesting because she engages in an ironical conversation, which is full of satire. This can be observed through the symbols she uses in the conversation. Apart from this, Jig fakes her innocence...

“A Death in the Family” Novel by James Agee

Introduction A death in the family is an autobiographical book by James Agee. The writing of the book started in 1944, but the book was printed in 1957, two years after the death of its writer James Agee. The novel is entirely based on what happened when the author visited...

Resolving Sexual Violence Issues in J. M. Coetzee’s “Disgrace”

Introduction Coetzee’s “Disgrace” is a reflection of the extent to which brutality and sexual violence characterized the famous South African era of apartheid. This novel features David Lurie as the central character whose negative perceptions of women, racist attitudes, and cases associating him with rape depict the level of moral...

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down Summary (By Anne Fadiman)

Introduction There is growing recognition today of the importance of cultural differences in many spheres of life, including health care. Anne Fadiman wrote a nonfiction book entitled The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, which is the story of a young Hmong girl named Lia Lee who had epilepsy....

Strife in Love Chapter in Lawrence’s “Sons and Lovers”

Introduction In Lawrence’s “Sons and Lovers”, when approaching the title of chapter eight, ‘Strife in love’, it is evident that we will encounter incidents of love in the chapter, that love will be dominant therein, but looking at strife in its independent contextual meaning, then, the kind of love in...

“I Gave You All I Had” and “In Difficult Times”

In their works, Zoe Valdes and Heberto Padilla explore the theme of asking and giving. In particular, they show how people can be asked to sacrifice their lives for the sake of other individuals or some noble ideals. One can analyze this theme by focusing on the protagonist of Zoe...

Character Analysis in “The Awakening” and “Summer” by Chopin and Wharton

Themes In the literature, juxtaposition is used widely in engraving a given character in detail where the author may create suspense (Blau 48). This essay will juxtapose the stories titled as “The Awakening” (TA) and “Summer”. Technically, the novelist Edith Wharton commences in a somewhat different model when compared to...

Consumption-Driven Future in “Brave New World” by Huxley

Introduction “Brave New World” is a dystopian (or utopian, depending on the reader’s view) science fiction novel that was written by Aldous Huxley and published in 1932 (Atwood par. 2). In this novel, Huxley displays a future based on consumerism, free sex, and drug addiction, which has an unyielding resemblance...

“Henry IV, Part 1” Play by William Shakespeare

Introduction “Henry IV” is the most popular of William Shakespeare’s plays. “Henry IV, part 1” was acted in 1597 and 1598. The play is set up in London, where it began at the palace, where King Henry IV addressed his council about the civil war in England. In “Henry IV,...

Poems’ Form, Type, Tone, Voice, and Imagery

“Death Be Not Proud” by John Donne The poem “Death be not proud” by John Donne is an Italian sonnet. First, it has a total of fourteen lines with the first eight (octet) having a different rhyme scheme from the last six (sextet). The octet is of the a-bb-aa-bb-a rhyme...

Metaphor in “Sonny’s Blues” Story by Baldwin

The proponent of this study attempted to figure out the importance of the title “Sonny’s Blues” in contributing to a theme in the story. At first glance, and without the benefit of a thorough analysis, the first thing that came to mind was the common understanding of the meaning of...

“Emma Zunz” a Novel by Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges is a famous Argentine writer, he is well known for his innovative approach and his special view of reality. In his works history, imagination, memories and fiction have equal rights and can all be treated seriously, as if they all were possible. Borges refuses to have an...

The Science Debate: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus appeared at a time when the science fiction genre was only at the initial stage of its emergence and development. For the 19th century, the story of a man who managed to create an unnatural living being was, on the one hand,...

“Waiting for the Barbarians” by J. M. Coetzee

Critical Observations Asked about the barbarians and why they seemed disgruntled, the following was Colonel Joll’s response: I will say nothing of the recent raids carried out on them, quite without justification, and followed by acts of wanton cruelty, since the security of the Empire was at stake, or so...

Themes and Devices in “Disgrace” by Coetzee

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

Elie Wiesel’s ‘Night’: Father-Son Dynamics in Concentration Camps

In his book ‘Night’, author Eli Wiesel depicts several dynamics that affect the relationship between Elie and his father. The two characters are confined in a concentration camp during the Second World War after leaving their home in Siget. Like the other Jews in concentration camps, Eliezer (Elie) and his...

Symbolism in Coetzee’s “Disgrace”

Introduction Symbolism is often used in fiction to describe pressing but controversial issues. Through subtle comparisons and allegories, authors can connect simple objects and situations to more complex problems. The novel Disgrace, written by Coetzee in 1999, uses a number of symbols to strengthen the message of the author. First...

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton: Novel on New York’s Upper-Class

Introduction In the chef-d’oeuvre book, The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton highlights a form of innocence that comes by simulation. The strict societal rules that govern every aspect of living impose this form of innocence that does not come by one’s choice. In a bid to understand the context of...

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...

The Issue of “Othering” in Literature

The issue of “othering” was studied by plenty of authors. However, the need to examine the current situation remains. In this connection, in Frantz Fanon’s “The Fact of Blackness”, Nina McConigley’s “White Wedding”, and Eula Biss’ “White Debt” the act of “othering” and its impact as a generating factor of...

Symbolism of Masculinity in John Maxwell Coetzee’s “Disgrace”

The issue of social isolation and ostracism has been explored extensively in literature, yet it shines through especially vividly in Coetzee’s award-winning Disgrace (Poyner 1). Among the characteristics that make the message of the novel especially poignant, one must mention the fact that Coetzee manages to incorporate the political and...

Life-Death Contrast in Flannery O’Connor’s Stories

Introduction The present paper is a review of two stories written by Flannery O’Connor – A Good Man Is Hard to Find and The River – regarding their depiction of the concept of death. The two readings incorporate the concept of death in very different ways, and it is apparent...

Injustice in Shelley’s Frankenstein and Milton’s Paradise Lost

“Th’ infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile Stird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv’d 35 The Mother of Mankinde, what time his Pride Had cast him out from Heav’n” (Milton Lines: 34-37) The monster created by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein (henceforth mentioned as Frankenstein) and the character of Satan...

Gender Roles in “Herland” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Introduction The book Herland written by an American writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman tells about young men who randomly got into an unusual place where only women lived. The way of life of local inhabitants was completely different from a standard order. These women have special laws for raising children; they...

Little Red Riding Hood by Dahl and Perrault

Comparison of the Different Versions of LRRH Little Red Cap is a folk text initially written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Today, it is also widely known as Little Red Riding Hood (LRRH). This fairy tale reveals a story about a young girl who goes through the woods to visit...

Elie Wiesel’s Exploration of Faith in “Night”: Themes and Reflections

Eliezer’s faith in God was something beyond question. He spent time in devotion to God. He frequently prayed to Him and at times he even cried. This was to show how deep his reverence to his creator was. It was made even more evident when Moshe questioned his faith and...

“The Cay” by Theodore Taylor: Historical Perspectives

The Cay is a children’s war novel written by Theodore Taylor. It is a classic story about hard survival in an island engulfed by war. The protagonist in the story is an American boy called Phillip who experiences a harsh reality of war on the coast of Venezuela. A blast...

Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” Poem

Robert Frost is one of the most renowned poets in the twentieth century. Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken”, has remained an influential literary piece over the last few decades. Robert Frost uses a distinct mastery of the colloquial language as well as vivid depictions of rural life in most...

“The Secret Miracle” by Jorge Luis Borges

A short story The Secret Miracle by Jorge Luis Borges is written in the genre of magic realism and contains such characteristics of this genre as a mix of unreal events and reality and emphasis of mystery that can be found in usual life. Being in jail, Jaromir faces the...

“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison: Main Themes and Motifs

Nowadays, many people tend to assume that there are no reasons to believe that the socio-political realities in today’s America are being affected by any officially endorsed policies of racial discrimination against African-Americans, as it used to be the case up until the late 1960s. Nevertheless, it does not represent...

Kate Chopin and Her “The Awakening” Story

Introduction American literature is the written or factual work prepared in United States and some of its former colonies. It consists of thousands of short stories and classic novels and covers all other kinds of subjects and genres (D’Arcy 6). One outstanding fact that remains is the struggle to forge...

“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach

I perfectly realize the unique mission our newspaper accomplishes, the role it plays in the formation of peoples mentality, and the impact it has on their minds. For this reason, I am sure that only worthy artworks could be published by it. Thus, considering the unique goal and a specific...

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz

The central character of Junot Diaz’s novel, The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, does not seem like a traditional hero, and his foolish choices can cause the reader to gasp or shake their head over how ill-advised they are. However, Diaz has subtly endowed Oscar’s tale with some...

“The Excursion” and “A Defence of Poetry” Comparison

Introduction Romanticism in England took place between the end of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century. This movement influenced writers, poets, artists, and other creators of cultural heritage. Romanticism is best traced through works of literature, in which the movement’s main ideas and defining features can be...

“The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” by James Weldon Johnson

James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is a fictional autobiography of a man born from a mixed race family trying to find his racial identity but never fully committing to one. At first, he is unaware of his origins and believes that he is a white boy,...

“In Our Time” a Short Story by Ernest Hemingway

The nature of humans suggests that we tend to get close with certain people or things, and to keep others at a distance at the same time. Some things are familiar to us; we know them well and feel safe with them. Other things are foreign to us, and we...

Human Nature in Wells’s “The Island of Dr. Moreau”

Introduction The theory of evolution according to which humans descend from animals and inherit their key traits was first introduced by the English naturalist Charles Darwin and was met with a mixed response from the public. Since then, numerous debates have been rising around the problem of people and animals...

Jonathan Swift’s Hidden Satire in Gulliver’s Travels

Introduction Many scholars agree that Gulliver’s Travels was written as a bitter satire designed to parody the human race, with particular emphasis to England and Europe. However, despite this, the satirical significance of this book has over time diminished with its secondary meaning, as a children’s book emerging as the...

History and Language in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Introduction The novel under discussion is a highly valuable object for analysis both from the literature and historical perspectives. One receives a unique chance to learn about the life of the African region from the first hand. The detailed descriptions of the rural life, the skillful depiction of the local...

Madame Bovary by Gustav Flaubert

Charles was married to a young woman. She was his second wife. The first one died. His first wife was a widower. Charles married her because he was unsure of himself. In fact, his own mother was unsure if Charles could survive on his own. Even with impressive credentials and...

Evolution of War Depictions in Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”

In the history of literature there were many writers who became the living witnesses of the horrific realities of their times; some of them were Erich Maria Remarque (who was a soldier during World War I), Elie Wiesel and Primo Levi (who survived in concentration camps during the World War...

Literature Comparison: “Lust” and “Sex Without Love”

Introduction The story ‘Lust’ by Susan Minot is very sensational and describes the carefree life of young college students who are keen to enjoy life without giving much consideration to the consequences involved. In this book, the narrator is a young college girl. She brings her audience to a world...

W. E. B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey’ Works Comparison

Introduction It is imperative to mention that the works by Du Bois and Garvey are truly fascinating, and both leaders were extremely influential. “The Souls of Black Folk” and “Africa for the African” are the ones that are especially noteworthy. Both pieces are regarded masterpieces by many scholars, and they...

“Divine Comedy” and “Confessions”

Just like any other religion, Christianity had a period when it was to pave its way through the doubt and rejection of the people in order to gradually win more and more followers. The intent to move on from one religion and set of beliefs to another always comes along...

Theme in Henry James’s “Daisy Miller”

“Daisy Miller” is one of the most remarkable novellas written by Henry James in 1878. In his novella, James focuses on the opposition in visions typical for the Americans and Europeans living in the 1870s. From this point, “Daisy Miller” addresses the question of the morality based on certain social...

Mathilde in Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace”

Introduction Fiction writing is one of the most intriguing pieces of art in literature. Characterization is one of the integral parts of fiction writing. Characterization uses description to create characters that stick in mind. Therefore, when developing a character, the author needs to describe in detail his characters to a...

“Modern Chivalry” a Novel by Hugh Henry Brackenridge

‘Modern Chivalry’ is an American novel based on Captain John Farrago, who is portrayed as the American frontier Don Quixote. He departs from Pennsylvania to take a “ride” around the world accompanied by his servant Teague presumably to observe human nature. His comparison to Don Quixote is quite justified given...

The Poetry by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most famous and loved poets in American literature. The author’s word choice and use of punctuation make her works outstanding, as they combine both sound and pause, resembling the wind. Dickinson avoids conformity, as Emerson would say, and she creates her own poetry rules....

William Carlos Williams’ Poem: “This is Just to Say” and Its Exploration of Everyday Moments

Communication is an important aspect with regard to human relations and interaction in social contexts. Through communication and interaction, people share and propagate ideas that ultimately portend influence on overall thresholds of discourse and engagement. It also offers an opportunity for individuals to relay feelings and emotions in a manner...

“Schoolsville” a Poem by Billy Collins

The Introduction: The Author’s Humorous Tone First of all, I would like to point out that the poem Schoolsville reminded me of my own school life. Of course, it is obvious, that the writer Billy Collins used expressive language devices to impress the readers. In other words, his speech is...

“The Karma of Brown Folk” a Book by Vijay Prashad

Introduction The book, The Karma of Brown Folk, is the book that presents the history and the life of the minority groups in the United States. Some of the minority groups that the book examines include Asian and Black Americans. According to Prashad, Asian and Black Americans living in the...

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...

The Aeneid, the Iliad and the Odyssey Literature Comparison

The Aeneid is an epic poem written by Virgil. This work narrates the story of Augustus by using the character, Aeneas. The Aeneid is related to Greece and Rome, as the story begins in Troy and ends in Rome. The principal aim of the work is to appreciate the achievements...

Literature Analysis of Jewish Suffering in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”: Key Themes and Messages

Introduction Wiesel’s book talks about Jews’ suffering during the holocaust. The book echoes events in Germany during the Nazi era. The book also reminisces events in Germany’s colonies during the Nazi era. Wiesel uses Eliezer to express Jews’ experiences during the holocaust. At a tender age of twelve, Eliezer endures...

Literature Image Exploration: “Oedipus the King” by Sophocles

In the play Oedipus the King, Sophocles uses various images to develop the narrative or highlight the inner world of the characters. This paper is aimed at discussing such a symbol as the cross-roads which plays an important role in this tragedy. To a great extent, it denotes the moment...

Literary Analysis of Elie Wiesel’s “Night”: Themes of Loss and Survival

Introduction Father-son relationships have never been easy, and Wiesel’s novel is the exact manifestation of the given fact. Although the novel touches upon several issues apart from the given one, and the family dilemmas are not the focus of the novel, it is quite peculiar to watch the evolution of...

Analyzing Themes and Character Development in Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”

It is often argued that politics in our democratic societies consists of various parties offering their ideas on the market and individual people deciding which ones of those ides they like best. However, in practice, persuasion plays an immense role in shaping people’s belief systems in a way that corresponds...

Antigone as a Tragic Hero: Exploring Sophocles’ Masterwork

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

Comparative Literature: The Significance of “Shitty First Drafts” in Writing

Introduction Derrick Brown’s poem, “Come Alive” dwells on designing arguments when describing an item. Besides, Anne Lamott the passage “Shitty First Drafts” discusses arguments in terms of the ethos, pathos, and logos. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to identify critical writing issues that these authors identify in relation to the...

Puritan Themes in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Short Stories

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

John Grady Cole’s Journey: Values, Dreams, and Harsh Realities

Introduction John Grady Cole is a young person with a set of values and morals who is eager to find his place in this world. The young man has to face a lot of obstacles, and he learns that the world is different from what he expected. The author reveals...

Motives for Writing by Robert Keith Miller

It goes without saying that there are no literature works that would not be created under the influence of a particular idea, emotion or event in life. Thus, the three works of literature that we are going to discuss in this essay also were created under the influence of the...

The Story of an Hour and Hills Like White Elephants Literature Comparison

Various literary works can be closely examined with the help of feminist interpretation, which lays stress on gender and sexuality. This framework is particularly useful if it is necessary to explore the way in which males and females are portrayed by different authors. This paper is aimed at discussing two...

Shirley Jackson’s Short Story “The Lottery” Literature Analysis

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” is a memorable short story that has been called a piece of gothic horror (Contemporary Literary Criticism – Select). It is also clearly a piece of social commentary. It has even been analyzed as a feminist critique of patriarchy and male oppression (Oehlschlaeger). It gets part...

Analyzing “Titus Andronicus” by William Shakespeare: Themes and Insights

One of the major problems, which William Shakespeare highlights in his play, is recognized to be a problem with patriarchy. While discussing the issue, some fundamentals of the play must be considered. So, first of all, it must be noted that William Shakespeare’s play Titus Andronicus involves numerous contradictory issues....

“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Analysis and Reflection

Gilman’s short story called The Yellow Wallpaper is partially autobiographical; otherwise, I cannot imagine a healthy person with any physical and mental concerns writing such a stunning literary piece. The novel, as if criticizes the medical approaches to curing women of the depressive disorder by the so-called “rest cure.” Written...

“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo Literature Analysis

Boo investigated and wrote in detail about the cultural influence of western society on the Indian mindset. Many writers reviewed her analysis and also criticized her in a few areas. To support her analysis, Boo referred to the incidents that took place in Annawadi. Annawadi is full of individuals who...

Elie Wiesel’s The Night – Faith in God Literature Analysis

In his book Night, Elie Wiesel explores a variety of themes. One of them is the attempts of a person to reconcile one’s experiences with the belief in God. Eliezer, who is the main character of this work, is on the verge of losing his faith in God as a...

Comparing Social Norms in Wilde and Molière’s Plays

Oscar Wilde’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest highlights the prejudices and stereotypes which were widespread during the Victorian era. The writer illustrates how these biases could influence the life of an individual. To some degree, this literary work can be compared to Molière’s play The Learned Ladies because both...

“Woman Hollering Creek” by Sandra Cisneros

Referring to the folklore stories, women are often expected to do a lot of things in sake of men and sacrifice their vision of happiness and real love for the family’s needs. While focusing on the cultural differences, it is possible to note that the Mexican women are expected to...

“Heritage: For Harold Jackman” by Countee Cullen

Paraphrase the poem The poem entitled “Heritage” was written by Countee Cullen. The poet contemplates his origins and his present state. Cullen concludes that though he is civilized, he will still remember about his roots, and he will never forget the beauty and greatness of Africa, his motherland. Interestingly, it...

“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

Introduction Octavia Butler has authored several novels based on science fiction. One of them is the ‘Parable of the Sower.’ The book was written in 1993. The main character in this text is Lauren Olamina. According to Butler (23), the female character possesses hyper empathy skills. To this end, she...

“Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare

The theme of disguise is heavily used in the 12th night, and at some point, almost all the character end up wearing some disguise or other with the most overt example being Viola who convinces everyone that she is a man by dressing like one. The focus of this paper...

Challenges of Learning English for Immigrant Children

In the story, Mother Tongue, Amy Tan, the author, highlights the problems that children raised by immigrant parents go through as they grow. Having born just a few years after her parents settled in California from China, Tan grew in an environment where spoken English was different from the conventional...

Franz Kafka’s Novel “The Trial”

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...

Eliezer and His Father: Relationship Reinforced in Marion Wiesel’s “Night”

Marion Wiesel’s book titled “Night” has done a commendable job not only in documenting historical truths about some physical events that happened during the Holocaust, but also attempting to create an emotional picture of the grotesque events experienced by individuals during that time. The book avidly demonstrates how the most...

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry is the author of the story “The Giver”. She is an American writer who has written almost forty children stories. Lowry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lois Lowry’s place of birth is Hawaii. She was a calm and introverted child who liked reading. During childhood, she had to live...

“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte

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...

Character Development in Interpreter of Maladies

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...

Phillip K. Dick’s Philosophical Stories: Imposter & The Man in the High Castle

Introduction The stories by Phillip K. Dick have a philosophical background. An imposter is one of Dick’s works. Although it is written in the genre of fiction and narrates about the imaginary future, its plot shares the common themes with the philosophical teachings of Plato, the Ancient Greek philosopher. The...

The Irony and Social Commentary in Woody Allen’s Death Knocks

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....

Irony and Unreliable Narration in The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Introduction Henry James’s novella “The Turn of the Screw” is a masterpiece of psychological complexity and layered narrative, making it a fertile ground for examining irony, particularly the discrepancy between appearance and reality. At its core, the central irony in “The Turn of the Screw” lies in the ambiguity of...

Key Literary Devices in English Poetry: Hyperbole, Enjambment, Allusion, Simile, and Couplet

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....

The Role of Oviedo’s “La Historia General Y Natural De Las Indias” in Philology

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...

Women’s Abuse in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and Nottage’s POOF!

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...

The Struggle of Concealing Emotions in “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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...

Exploring Timeless Themes in Milton’s Paradise Lost

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...

The Ephemeral Nature of Power in “Ozymandias” by Shelley and “My Last Duchess” by Browning

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...

Magical Imagery in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Moonlight and Roses

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...

Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”: Tradition, Blind Following, and Consequences

Introduction Human nature can be appealing and unpleasant, and Shirley Jackson demonstrates how these two form a complex thread in her seminal piece, “The Lottery.” In “The Lottery,” a small village’s strange tradition shows how blind following without thinking can lead to really serious consequences. Although everyone in the village...

Power and Oppression in Animal Farm: Orwell’s Allegory of Soviet Totalitarianism

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...

Race, Oppression, and Revenge in Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus

Introduction Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus is a play that delves into the themes of oppression and revenge, with race as a significant underscore for these themes (Ndiaye, 2021). Through the characters of Aaron and Tamora, the play explores how race plays a role in the oppression of individuals and the subsequent...

The Brothers Karamazov: Free Will, Family Conflict, and Social Themes in Dostoevsky’s Novel

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...

Identity and Art in The Prodigal: Derek Walcott’s Journey of Reconciliation

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...

Eugene Gant’s Romantic Quest in Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe

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...

Ambiguity and Hidden Ideologies in Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery

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...

Good and Evil in Faulkner’s Sanctuary, Morrison’s Sula, and A History of Violence

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...

The Paradox of Artistic Expression and Societal Expectations in Kafka’s A Hunger Artist

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,...

Mortality in Dickinson’s Because I Could Not Stop For Death and The Sky Is Low—The Clouds Are Mean

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...

The Static Character of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences

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...

The Interplay of Personal Vendettas and Social Expectations in Euripides’ Medea

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,...

Poe’s Influence on “The Fall of the House of Usher”: Revenge, Power, and Deception

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...

Hamlet’s Point of No Return: The Role of Revenge, the Ghost, and Broken Relationships

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...

Coraline vs. Eily in Gaiman’s Coraline and Conlon-McKenna’s Under the Hawthorn Tree

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...

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

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

Gender Dynamics and Rebellion in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles: Plot, Character, and Theme

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...

Human-Nature Connection in Seamus Heaney’s Beowulf Translation

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...

Comparing Dickinson’s 435 and Whitman’s When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer Poems

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....

Emotional Complexity and Cultural Identity in “Hell-Heaven” by Jhumpa Lahiri

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...

The Enduring Magic of Frank Baum’s Oz: Fantasy, Allegory, and Worldbuilding

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...

Feminist Themes and Tragic Structure in Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour

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...

Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat”: The Role of Community in Overcoming Oppression

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...

Confessions from the Chair by Russell A Shuler: A Novel Synopsis

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...

Mrs. Hale’s Role in Challenging Gender Norms in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles

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...

Dante’s Inferno: The Hero’s Journey Through Hell and Redemption

Introduction Dante’s “Inferno,” part of the more extensive work “The Divine Comedy,” is a deep allegory and engaging story that follows the structure of The Hero’s Journey, which is archetypal. This journey through Hell makes for an attractive exploration into the hereafter and mirrors Dante’s personal and religious search for...

Sir Gawain’s Chivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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,...