August Wilson’s Fences Analysis

The play is Fences by August Wilson, written in 1983. This play is set in the yard of the main character, Troy Maxson. There is a suggestion that the setting is August Wilson’s native town, Pittsburgh, as many prompts mention it within the play. The central conflict involves the main...

Sociological Line in Marie de France’s Story

Introduction The Lees of Marie de France is a series of twelve short narratives about the Breton barks of the poet Marie de France. They were probably created in the late 12th century. The short, narrative poems emphasize the glorification of the notion of courtly love by the adventures of...

A Hero Worthy of Admiration in “Njal’s Saga”

Introduction The sagas of Icelander, or family sagas, make up a real encyclopedia of the life of this nation during the Middle Ages. Historical facts and fabulous fictions, vivid events and tragedies, fierce battles, and descriptions of daily routines such as cooking dinner or children’s games – all these contrasting...

“Everyday Use” Short Story by Alice Walker

First of all, I fell in love with this essay for the beautifully and believably described characters of Maggie and Mrs. Johnson. These characters, in my opinion, are imbued with feminine energy and an aura of preservation, tenderness, and love for others. Mrs. Johnson, having her personal preferences and interests,...

What Nestle Could Have Done to Address the Child Labor Issue in 2015

Even though Nestle claimed that the company has a clear policy against child labor, the company was captured using such cheap production measures in 2015. Such actions contradict all the principles of corporate social responsibility because child labor oriented production is entirely unethical. There are many possible solutions to the...

The Play “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell

The play Trifles is about a murder scene where the male authority investigates Mr. John Wright’s death. Mr. Wright has been strangled to death by a rope and the wife, Mrs. Wright, is the main suspect. However, with their understanding of the relationship between the Mr. and Mrs. Wright, of...

“The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine A

Introduction Taking retrospect at the entirety of one’s life is a challenging task. However, parting with regret for any missteps made during this lifetime is even more excruciating. In “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,” Katherine A. Porter depicts the torment experienced when being unable to reconcile with a mistake made...

“The Cyclops in the Odyssey, Ulysses…” by Miller

In the researched source titled “The Cyclops in the Odyssey, Ulysses, and Asterias Polyp: How Allusions Affect Modern Narratives and their Hypotexts” by Dellen Miller, the author raises the topic of the use of allusions in relation to the famous Greek character Polypheus in various works. To begin with, it...

“West Brain, East Brain” by Sharon Begley

The essay demonstrates the literary argument based on “West Brain, East Brain” by Sharon Begley. Sharon Begley was recognized as one of her generation’s greatest science writers, capable of making even the most complicated scientific subjects both engaging and approachable (Seelye). The article “West Brain, East Brain” was published in...

Understanding “The Other Side of the Bar” by J. Kaida: Analysis

The author of the story primarily uses the descriptive type of narration incorporating metaphorical elements. Such a hidden comparison connects the emotions of the characters with the surrounding atmosphere. For example, “evening clarity reigned over the damp green and brown diamond” (Kaida, 2010, p. 1). This allows the reader to...

The Play “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde

The Importance of Being Earnest is a drama written by Oscar Wilde to address critical societal matters through the use of comedy. The author presents a humorous approach to cultural criticism using the comic elements of paradox and puns. The play consists of epigrams that expose characters’ perspectives on love,...

Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle History Novel

When learning about the past, humanity has always resorted to different forms of recording and interpreting the events. History comprises people’s experiences under different political, economic, social, and cultural circumstances, which are incorporated to portray an accurate description of a given historical period or event. In the 19th-20th century America,...

“Once a Marine” by Popaditch and Steere: Book Review

The book by Nick Popaditch and Mike Steere titled Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery can be described as an outstanding military biography. It describes the perspective and experience of Nick Popaditch as a tanker who fought courageously in the Iraq...

“Hunting El Chapo” by Andrew Hogan and Douglas Century

“Hunting El Chapo: The Inside Story of the American Lawman Who Captured the World’s Most Wanted Drug-Lord” was written by Andrew Hogan and Douglas Century and published in 2018. The plot of the book revolves around the capture of Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, a Mexican drug lord also known as...

Sin of Betrayal in Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy”

Canto 34 of Dante’s Inferno part of Divine Comedy describes Dante and Vergil meeting the three ultimate sinners: Judas, the traitor of Christ, and Brutus and Cassius, who betrayed Caesar. The pass that Dante is talking about is the gateway to Hell – the Underworld, where the sinners go after...

Analysis of “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by King

An open letter from Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most famous documented conversions of a man from prison. Although the entire text is an oratory example, one of the paragraphs of this text, in my opinion, is the most revealing. In this passage, the politician refers to...

Moral and Religious Obligations in Socrates’ “Antigone”

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

Hamilton’s “The City Always Wins” and Pamuk’s “Istanbul” Comparison

Introduction Hamilton’s “The City Always Wins” and Pamuk’s “Istanbul” are two major literary works that describe the development of cities, their historical heritage, and the way they reflect the culture of the country and its people. At first glance, the books seem different as “The City Always Wins” deals with...

Ulyssean Influences on The Wars by Findley

Introduction The Wars is a novel written by Timothy Findley about a young Canadian, Robert Ross, who takes part in World War I. The story follows his journey, starting with the death of his beloved sister, which makes him enlist, ending with his death. The narrative moves between people who...

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Oates

Connie’s characters showcase the quintessential teenage protest and self-discovery. She argues with her mother. She is enraged that her older sister is always set as an example. Connie does not want to be obedient and agreeable, but seeks to look older, communicating more with boys. However, deliberate adolescence seems a...

The Novel “1984” by George Orwell

The novel “1984” written by George Orwell, raises many social and political issues, and at the same time, its plot is built around the relationship of the main characters – Winston and Julia. In a totalitarian state, where love is prohibited, their romance is rebellion and crime. However, when the...

Pride, Wisdom, and Memory of “Semá:th Xo:tsa” by Silver, T. C.

Semá:th Xó:tsa: Sts’ólemeqwelh Sxó:tsa or Great Gramma’s Lake a children’s book written by the Reach Gallery Museum in collaboration with Stó:l partners, tells the story of Sumas Lake’s draining from an Indigenous perspective. The book reveals the history and essence of culture, the very spirit of the Sumas people, reflected...

Racial Inequality in “Recitatif” by Morrison

Introduction Race, inequality, discrimination, and prejudice are the issues that have been significantly addressed recently but will probably remain a part of humans’ nature forever. Since these negative concepts bring too much violence and sufferings into this world, empathetic people try to help those who face unfair treatment. For example,...

Picturing Will by A. Beattie: A Novel Review

Relationships are strange, especially as highlighted in the novel Picturing Will. Every single relationship is different from others and within them, there are different responsibilities each individual has to undertake. The gender roles that some relationships have are considered normalized and others are deemed to be out of the ordinary....

The Story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Marquez

Mysticism and reality are two opposing concepts that have a close relationship in work. Even in the first paragraph, mysterious elements are introduced, demonstrating the surreal character of the older man with huge wings. Marquez & Tornaritis (2007) immediately destroys all thoughts of a powerful and holy angel, placing him...

The Book “Changes in the Land” by William Cronon

Changes in the land by William Cronon (2011) provides comprehensive information on the changes that have occurred in the nature and ecology of New England with the arrival of the colonists. In general, the book presents a comprehensive look at the relationship between the activities of Europeans and the formation...

The Novel “The Hour of the Star” by Clarice Lispector

Introduction The story of Lispector’s main character, Macabea, is told through an additional perspective of the sophisticated S.M. Rodrigo. The contrasting viewpoints on life and principal values consequently provide alternative realities for the reader. Most importantly, the narrator’s judgment and telling of Macabea’s story contribute to the development of a...

Conformity in “The Vanishing Half” by Bennett, Brit

Stella passing for white in The Vanishing Half is an act of conformity. The term refers to behaving in accordance with some standard or authority. In the narrative, Stella acknowledges the power that the white population had in the novel which reflects the discussed concept (“Conformity”). She decides to escape...

“The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy

The story The Death of Ivan Ilych, written by Leo Tolstoy, emphasizes the topic of life regrets. The main character Ivan Ilych, a member of the judicial chamber, and nobleman, has recently died. The story’s narration is centered on describing the character’s emotions during life and illness. The author strives...

Narrative Perspective of “A Rose for Emily” by William Falkner

In William Falkner’s “A Rose for Emily,” the narrator’s word choice and attitude towards Emily gives us good insight into the character of Tobe, Emily’s faithful servant that had been with her for many years up until her last breath. He was the last connection Emily had with the outside...

Frederick Douglass on Power of Written Language

Frederick Douglas blames the recognition of an independent, free, and hypocritical commitment to government loyalty as an inhuman mockery. He often refers to the fact that not all people living in America have the equal freedoms that every American should have. The author writes in an autobiographical style, referring to...

Building Blocks of “The Odyssey” by Homer

Introduction In Homer’s writing, morality is coded as a guarantee of a secure world. Strangers are viewed as harmless or dangerous, and when the residents see them, they should prepare for uncertainty if they do not handle them with wisdom. Homer’s depiction of Odysseus is an embodiment of a self-assured...

Analysis of China Candid by Sung Ye

China Candid is not a general story but a collection of interviews with twenty-six different Chinese people conducted by famous journalist Sung Ye. The book tells the readers the alternative history of China and its nation from the middle of the 20th century till the first decade of the 21st....

“Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” by Mark Twain

In the short story “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,” Mark Twain contrasts the two characters in terms of their beliefs and ideas by distinguishing their speaking styles in the first place. The narrator, who seems extremely bored with his friend’s request, expresses his thoughts eloquently when discussing the matter...

The Definition of the Science Fiction

Science fiction (SF) stands amongst the world’s most popular genres of literature and cinematography alike. To define it, one should first look more closely at the two parts its name consists of – science and fiction. When separated, they seem incompatible since fiction stands for something not real by default,...

Main Contents of Literature and Literary Studies

Literature is a significant achievement of humanity that connects different times, philosophies, outlooks on life, and ideas. There are many different genres and styles, and each has its own characteristics. Moreover, there is the form of interaction with literature as a way of expressing ideas based on works, namely literary...

Review of “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” Book by O’Connor

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” is a fiction book and a collection of short stories written by Flannery O’Connor. In the short story with the same title, the author focuses on the story of a family’s vacation to Florida, during which this family meets a criminal named The...

The Colony in “The 100” by Kass Morgan

Without any doubt, the most influential institution in the setting of The 100 is the Colony, represented by the legislative council and the Chancellor. After the thermonuclear apocalypse, the remnants of humanity survived on the satellites joined together in the orbit of Earth. However, the resources were extremely scarce, so...

Michael Lewis’ “Blind Side” Book Review

Michael Lewis’ book, Blind Side, is a fascinating real-life tale of Michael Oher’s life from struggle to the uttermost success. The book starts by informing its readers about the changes that were taking place in football. The story of Oher is then introduced when a man by the name of...

“Barbie Doll” by Piercy and “Girl” by Kincaid

Introduction Literature is characterized by a set of characters used by the author to convey their message. While each character has unique features, their levels of influence differ. The protagonist is the main actor in literature, who is often opposed by an antagonist. The protagonist makes crucial storyline decisions, largely...

Bad Men, Black Poetry, and Black Solidarity

The common topic of chosen poems is social problems and the idea of brotherhood between the Black men dedicated to solving them. It is consonant with the current Black Lives Matter movement, which emerged as the idea of social and racial equity and equal opportunities for all and is possible...

Domesticity in Narrative “I” from Kincaid’s “Girl”

In addition to the fact that Jamaica Kincaid’s short story “Girl” consists of one sentence, the reader should never forget about the number of lessons the author tries to share. This narrative presents the evaluation of multiple issues that fulfill human life and the life of young girls in particular....

Topic of People’s Cruel in Literature

One of the most surprising things for me in these readings was the portrayal of how people’s attitudes changed when they perceived someone as ‘inferior’ or different. This idea is aptly depicted in the story “A very old man with enormous wings,” where the main characters begin to treat ‘angel’...

“The Cask of Amontillado” Story by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe’s frightening stories have not lost their power of impact since their first publication. They resonate in every new generation and still seem terrifyingly genuine. Most readers may not be aware that real incidents inspired multiple essays as Poe incorporated scandals and sensational murder trials into his literature....

Symbolism in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”

The Narrow Road to the Deep North recounts the tale of Basho’s actual excursion through Japan. It additionally tells the account of better places in Japan and a portion of its set of experiences. It is the narrative of Basho’s excursion toward truth, disclosure, and edification. When creators need to...

A Descriptive Analysis of a Mash-Up Poem

This paper provides a descriptive analysis of a mash-up poem created by mixing lines of two poems by José Olivarez and a song by The Beatles. The poems’ names are River Oaks Mall and You Get Fat When You’re in Love, and the song’s name is All You Need Is...

Material Success and Failure in Miller’s Play “Death of a Salesman”

Introduction In the play “Death of a Salesman,” written by Arthur Miller, the main themes are portrayed with the help of a variety of symbols. They are intertwined with the memories of the main character, Willy Loman, who reflects on his failure as an employee, a husband, and a father....

Analysis of Play “Fences” by August Wilson

Introduction August Wilson was a famous American playwright who is widely known for the cycle of ten plays that is titled Pittsburgh Cycle. They are devoted to the problems, struggles and hopes of African-American people in the USA, who were severely humiliated in the 20th century. For instance, the play...

Jeremiah’s Encounter With Maggie in “Kiss of the Fur Queen” by Highway

To begin with, one of the characters of the novel Kiss of the Fur Queen, written by Tomson Highway, who is known as Maggie Sees, is a form of the Trickster or Weesageechak in Cree. In other words, it is the mythological creature that “goes by many names and many...

“The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” by Stephen Crane: Learning to Accept Change

The need to embrace change and recognize it as a central part of life is quite a challenging task for most people, primarily due to the fear of discomfort that may emerge alongside with new concepts and ideas. In his short story, “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky,” Stephen Crane...

Family Theme in Kafka’s and Oates’ Literary Works

Introduction Literature has always served as a mirror through which society can be evaluated. The main themes portrayed in stories depict the issues affecting ordinary people. Although authors may base their stories on different elements in different settings, there is always common ground in the features they use. Such is...

“The Pied Piper” Poem by Natasha Hooper

In the poem “The Pied Piper,” Natasha Hooper uses various literary techniques to convey her emotions of anger and frustration to the audience. In this regard, most metaphors and symbols are related to the sphere of music, sometimes with specific references to R. Kelly’s works to deliver the main point...

“Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann: Plot, Main Idea, and Characters

The author, David Grann, presents his understanding of the relationship between the United States government and the Native Americans. He explains that the adverse treatment of the Native Americans was driven by the jealousy the government had for them. The United States government saw all the wealth the Osage tribe...

Making Love or “Sex Without Love” by Sharon Olds

The defining difference is that sex can be consensual and non-consensual, while lovemaking is always consensual. Sex also includes many physical positions, such as positions that change how you do things, like holding your partner. Making love can be anything from an embrace to a sexual act and does not...

Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic”

Introduction Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic – graphic stories by Alison Bechdel with autobiographical roots, released in 2007. The author’s childhood and adolescence are shown through family conflicts. The main characters in this book are Alison and Bruce, a daughter and a father, who are going through difficult experiences in...

The Fantasy Genre in Literature

The fantasy stories, such as those listed in the discussion question, are often interpreted in a variety of media because they build an entirely novel fantasy universe and world around the story. For example, it should be noted that “fantasy worlds bend the laws of reality, yet still retain some...

Conflict Between Inward Traits and Outward Circumstances in “Paul’s Case”

Introduction It is hard to disagree that many teenagers and young people are desperate dreamers and believers. They are rarely satisfied with their parents’ destiny and life choices, which makes these young persons try to achieve more, seek other opportunities, and rebel against the will of their mothers or fathers....

Themes in Roth’s Book “Goodbye, Columbus”

The book “Goodbye Columbus” is one of the world’s best-known literary works. The themes raised in it – first love, the pursuit of one’s dream, and the formation of one’s identity – have a universal character and have remained relevant throughout the decades. The book’s main character leaves home to...

“All Aunt Hagar’s Children” by Edward P. Jones

The short story “Young Lions” by Edward P. Jones addresses the subject of social belonging, relationship with society, and violence. Caesar, being the main character and symbolically given the name of one of the greatest rulers of the Roman empire, finds his way in life by stealing people’s lives along...

“Nisei Daughter”: Secret of Mixed Cultural Identity

Introduction The Issei, Nisei, and Sansei experienced many hardships in identity formation as being connected with two cultures: Japanese and American. One of the most popular resources reflecting the culture and problems the Japanese experienced is the Nisei Daughter memoirs. Using the biographical format, Kazuko Monica Itoi describes her own...

Selina’s Proposal and Annotated Bibliography

For Selina, singing is a response to the invincibility of external forces and a way of shielding from what she is not able to accept. Singing is necessary for protection from the outside world and interaction with it. Critical Lenses Two critical lenses will be used to evaluate the text,...

Ernest Hemingway’s “Soldier’s Home”: Literary Work Critique

Introduction Inspired by the effects of the World War I on soldiers, Ernest Hemingway, published a short story titled Soldier’s Home, based on the life a soldier named Krebs, who struggles to cope with life after coming back from war. The book was first published in 1925 by the Contact...

Analysis of Candide by Voltaire

The monumental shifts in human nature – in the nature of the main character, primarily – in Candide start with the real historical event of the Lisbon earthquake, which took place on November 1, 1755. From there, the old controversy of the German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz flared back to life....

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

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

Literary Analysis of “A&P” Story by John Updike

The short story A&P is centered around the main character named Sammy, who is displeased with his current life, including his job and the people around him. As a teenager, he realizes that he wants a more adventurous life because he is living in a highly conservative and quiet town...

“The Beginning of the Book” Poem by Jabès

In “The Beginning of the Book,” Jabès uses a metaphor of the book that spans through much of his work. Existence as a question of being and writing is at the core of Jabès’ work in the post-Holocaust period. Being and writing for Jabès are universal ‘unknowns.’ Therefore, a vehicle...

Portrayal of Women in Southern Literature

McHaney, Pearl Amelia. Representations of Women in Southern Literature. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature. 2019. The book deals with the portrayal of women in southern literature, looking at the roles they adopt in different literary works. These roles range from rebels, commonly associated with southern women in the nineteenth century,...

Chapters 1-4 of “Frankenstein” and Suggestion of Future Events

Frankenstein is the dramatic story of a scientist whose enthusiasm for science led to terrible consequences and personal misfortune. The protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, lost his dignity, honor, and faith in people in the pursuit of knowledge. For him, his picture of the world was probably the most important one, and...

Hotel Rwanda and Home Soil: Heroes

Introduction Heroism can be termed as an act of courage and fearlessness where someone prioritizes others before their own lives, no matter how risky the situation could be. Institutions and societies need social heroes who are willing and able to remind people of their principles and values and challenge them...

Relationships in the “Night” Novel by Elie Wiesel

People rarely value their relationship with others, especially with parents who they believe will always be around and therefore allow themselves to be rude to them. Yet, when people experience a traumatic event together, they often become closer and start realizing the significance of honoring and respecting their loved ones....

The Restoration: Afra Benh’s Poem Orunoko

Introduction Afra Benh poem Orunoko has become one of the most important narratives about slavery. The main line examines the story of an African prince who falls in love with a simple girl and is then sent into slavery. In the future, he is freed from it and becomes the...

Katherine Mansfield – Eminent New Zealand Writer

Katherine Mansfield Murry is regarded as one of the eminent New Zealand writers. She was born on the 14th day of October 1888 in the middle class of the colonial family. She wrote several short tales, narratives, and poems under the name Katherine Mansfield. In 1898, the First Mansfield Printed...

The Short Story “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

People use symbols to represent various ideas through the same subjects or events. Symbolism is a common literary device that aims at creating an indelible impression on the reader (Severson). Its importance is the possibility to convey hidden meanings and provoke critical thinking and creativity. Edgar Allan Poe uses multiple...

The Book “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman

Anne Fadiman’s The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down manages to evoke a critical issue in contemporary society. Through a humorous twist, the story presents what happens when two different cultures collide. Fadiman strives to communicate the depth of the issue in a series of themes associated with how...

Homer’s Odysseus as a Favorite Hero

True leadership requires the courage to stand alone, the fortitude to implore tough decisions, and the kindness to empathize with others. Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer’s Odyssey, the father of Telemachus, and the husband of Penelope, demonstrates how courageous, fearless, and effective a leader he is. Throughout the book’s early...

O’Connor’s “Revelation” and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” Comparison

Introduction Flannery O’Connor’s short stories, titled “Revelation” and “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” were written at different points in the woman’s life, but they still display a number of similarities in their narrative core, messaging, and themes. These two pieces have a lot in common while also possessing...

“When Leaves Turned Red”

The story begins in Ancient Greece, in the times of Gods and Heroes. It starts in a small town at the edge of the country. People here grow olives, catch fish, and hunt deer to sell their produce to bigger cities. Here the main heroine Chrosta lives on her tiny...

“Daddy” and “Where Are You Going, Where Are You Been?”: Gender Power Imbalance

Sylvia Plath’s poem Daddy and Joyce Carol Oates’ short story Where are you going, Where are you been? Question the typical woman’s role in society. Daddy explores the author’s relationship with her father, using analogies to emphasize his power over her. Where are you going? Where are you been? portrays...

Willson’s “Fences”: Where Masculinity Is Born

August Wilson’s Fences is a play built on the difficulties of understanding the characters. It concentrates on the characters’ ideas of right and wrong, honor and dignity, and how to live life. Strong male characters are revealed in Troy, the main character, and his son Cory, who transcends the fences...

Naomi Shihab Nye as an Author of Poetry

The video features the award-winning author of poetry, Naomi Shihab, Nye, reading from her work of adult and children poetry that includes 19 varieties of Gazelle such as Fuel, Poems of the Middle East, and Red suitcase. Her collection features a variety of poems about the Middle East and Palestinians...

The Death of “Billy Budd” by Herman Melville

Melville’s story “Billy Budde” culminates in the death of the main character – an innocent, inexperienced sailor, who through no fault of his, was hanged. While the captain’s Vere decision about the fate of the young sailor can be justified – he did it to avert a mutiny on his...

A Woman’s Fate in the Chinese Culture

Shen Cogen’s works The Husband and Xiao Xiao tell the stories of a young woman and a girl who were born into poverty and live out the destination that is designed for them by Chinese traditions. A remarkable thing that unites both works is that the Chinese customs seem to...

Frankenstein Mythology and Paleontology: Comparison

The thirst for knowledge is universal for many scientific fields, but the novel Frankenstein by Shelley illustrates how it may carry one astray. Paleontology may be characterized by an all-consuming, pure interest in knowledge. The desire for extensive learning first appears in the narrative when Victor Frankenstein describes his fate...

Addressing the Issue of Self-Understanding

In the literature of various genres, authors have repeatedly referred to the topic of self-awareness and self-understanding of a human being in multiple settings and contexts. Apart from an array of key philosophical themes addressed by literary works, self-understanding occupies a unique place due to the reflection of the author’s...

Loss as a Transformative Experience in Alice Dark’s “In the Gloaming”

Writers have tackled the theme of tragedy and loss for as long as there was literature itself, contemplating the many different aspects of this hard yet omnipresent experience. In this respect, Alice Elliot Dark’s “In the Gloaming” is hardly a ground-breaker, as it is definitely not the first piece of...

Analysis of T. S Elliot’s “The Waste Land” Versus Langston Hughes’ Poetry

Introduction Literature serves as a mirror of society, capturing events in a fictionalized form; the purpose of literature is to inform, educate, and connect people. It enables individuals to express their emotions and thoughts; this catharsis improves individuals. Reading literature allows people to connect personally and discover meaning in life....

Comparing Lies in War Literature

Countless authors use their literary skills to attract and retain audiences from different parts of the world. In essence, although these writers aim at persuading others to accept their thoughts as good position in various issues, they often use lies and opinion to make the readers believe their notions of...

Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe’s Detective Stories

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

Fredrick Douglass and “Sunday School”

Douglass’ story shows how white slaveholders propagate subjection by keeping their slaves illiterate and unaware of many opportunities. At the time Douglass was composing, many individuals accepted that subjugation was a characteristic condition. They assumed that blacks were intrinsically unequipped for taking part in ordinary society and, accordingly, ought to...

Stowe and Douglass’s Depiction of Slavery

Introduction Slavery narratives are a large part of America’s history and cultural heritage. As the inevitable component of the country’s collective past, it has left a significant impact on art, literature, public discourse, and other areas of society. In this work, the messages of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick...

Climate Change in “The Parable of the Sower” by Butler

Octavia E. Butler wrote a novel in 1993 that has gained popularity in the academic spectrum. It is a post-apocalyptic knowledge literature novel that addresses climate modification and socioeconomic inequalities (Iossifidis, 2020). Several people have ventured into the novel and strived to learn about the Earthseed area she created by...

Baldwain’s “Sonny’s Blues” vs. Saunders’ “Sticks”

In a family setup, one always encounters situations where the relationship between close relatives becomes emotionally distant. Although parental love is always inherent, children tend to misconstrue their fathers’ reactions toward them. Parents, especially fathers, often try to anchor and remind the rest of their role as the head of...

José Olivarez and Nate Marshall’s Poems

José Olivarez and Nate Marshall’s poems and dialogue were very interesting for reading. While discussing opportunities for life in the South, they address complex issues of identity, historical roots, and personal security of members of ethnic minorities and people of color regarding the widespread racism in society. Despite the still...

“Where Are You Going…” by Oates: An Analysis

Introduction Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been? is a short story written by Joyce Carol Oates in 1966. The narrative emphasizes the modern culture and norms of American society in the 1960s by telling a story of a 15 years old girl – Connie. The author uses various...

Cultural Code Behind Matsuo Basho, Faust and Odysseus

Introduction Literature is one of the main instruments of comprehension and description of reality, which is significantly influenced by characteristics of nations and cultures, by religious, historical and ethnical aspects. Traditions and common values of a certain society and time are reflected by various elements of literature. Almost any literary...

Classical Greek Ethnography and the Slave Trade

Summary of the Article The article “Classical Greek Ethnography and the Slave Trade,” written by Thomas Harrison, argues about the significance of the institution of slavery in forming stereotypes about foreign people in the Greek world. He also claims that the essential ethnographic data were gathered with the help of...

The Role of Adversities in “The Wars” by T. Findley

Adversity has the ability to leave an indelible impression on people’s minds, shaping our character and behavior for the rest of our life. Adversity triggers a powerful negative emotional response in people, causing them to get enraged, ashamed, humiliated, dejected, and discouraged (Bachem et al., 2019). People are forced to...

“The True History of the Conquest of New Spain”: Life in the Aztec Society

Based on the document, the Aztec people lived an organized life full of riches and splendor. The immense crowding of the market and the order used in running it shows that order organized the Aztec people in how they operated. The narrator illustrates that ‘every species of merchandise had a...

Autobiographical Information in “Black Boy” by Richard Wright

Richard Wright’s autobiographical book Black Boy is an account of the insidious effects of racial bigotry in the Southern United States in the 1920s. In its pages, the author reveals the brutal truth about whites’ degrading treatment of African Americans and the limited opportunities for employment and education. Therefore, Black...

“If We Must Die” by McKay and “The Hurt Locker” by Turner Poems

Contradictions, disagreements, and conflicts play a significant role in people’s lives as they determine defense mechanisms used to protect what is dear to them. Often people apply the analogy of war and fighting to define the meaning of life or its image and main principles. Moreover, there are many different...

Brothers in “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin

The story described in Sonny’s Blues stays relevant to these days, and many people meet the same life conditioned as the book’s main characters. The author presents his readers with the story of two brothers who live different lives and do not share the same interest. Sonny, the younger brother,...

“Guests of the Sheik”: Kinship System

The book Guests of the Sheik: An Ethnography of an Iraqi Village raises the topic of relationships and existence in the society of people in El Nahra. The subject of interaction between men and women is emphasized. While having different daily activities, men try to have complete control over women....

Dickinson’s “Recognizing Poetry” Literary Work Analysis

In Dickinson’s “Recognizing Poetry,” the author narrates about this genre and, more specifically, its significant trait. For her, it is the emergence of physical sensations “as if the top of my head were taken off” when reading a piece, and this factor correlates with the poetic expression (Kennedy and Gioia...

Writer William Cuthbert Faulkner’s Biography

William Cuthbert Faulker was an American writer born in New Albany, Mississippi, on September 25, 1897, and died on July 6, 1962. His parents were Maud Butler Faulkner and Murry Falkner, who lived in a small Mississippian village (Khelifa 2). Faulker or Falker as his original name was named after...

Under Fire by Henri Barbusse: Novel Analysis

Under Fire by Henri Barbusse is a masterpiece that belongs equally to literature and history. An unforgettable and immortal document of the era remains the best book of all written about the war of 1914-1918. The book received a profound response not only in France but also in almost all...

Symbolism in Literature: “The Raven”, “Young Goodman Brown”

A symbol is an object or a word that conditionally expresses the essence of a phenomenon. The symbol contains a particular mystery, a hint that only allows us to guess what is meant, what the writer wanted to say. Edgar Poe was the first to introduce symbolism into poetry, and...

Women Playwriters’ Development of Feminist Agenda

Theater and plays are important tools through which artists can speak to the public about social issues. Gender inequality has attracted massive attention since the late 19th century, which is also reflected in the work of women playwrights of different periods. The psychological pressure that women experienced while in the...

“Beowulf” Poem and Old English

Background The English language is rightfully considered one of the most complex languages in terms of its genesis, derivation, and creation throughout the years. The history of the language, while unavoidably intertwined with the physical history of the land and people, reflects some of the most significant milestones in history....

“Pre-life” of the Name Olivia

Slaves in Algiers Rowson’s play is a reaction to actual events on Barbary Coast, where pirates raided American ships and captured passengers and sailors for ransom. The writer compares Arab culture and American values presenting the latter from a favorable perspective. Her characters are designed to demonstrate American faith in...

“The Wall of Fire Rising” Story by Edwidge Danticat

Literature connects people and reveals the deep issues influencing people’s decisions in life. Many people find it hard to balance reality and their dreams and fantasies. Character choices, setting, symbolism, and themes in a story highlight the most important lessons intended by the author. The story The Wall of Fire...

Descriptions by Ray Bradbury and Dagoberto Gilb

The bottom-to-the-top direction in Bradbury’s description of Tyrannosaurus Rex is not accidental. This technique allowed Bradbury to convey the sheer awe and terror experienced by Eckels. The terrifying dinosaur towers over thirty feet above the trees (Bradbury, 1952). The time traveler cowers in fear as he sees the mighty legs...

“Hope Leslie” by Catherine Maria Sedgewick

Catherine Maria Sedgewick’s book Hope Leslie depicts a story of historical context, romance, and social issues. A very prevalent theme throughout the narrative consists of the author’s interpretation and representation of Native Americans. Sedgwick can subvert several dishonest stereotypes that were widespread before and at the time of the book’s...

Oedipus and Hamlet – Resilience in Tragedy

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

“The Butcher’s Tale” by Helmut Walser Smith

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

Chapters 33 and 34 of “Istanbul” by Pamuk

Chapter 33 In Chapter 33, “A Foreigner in a Foreign School,” Pamuk talks mostly about his school days and his feeling of not belonging and otherness from people surrounding him, including his classmates, family, and friends. The author recounts his experience at Robert Academy, although he speaks mostly about the...

Modern Poetry as a Global Phenomenon

Lupke, Christopher. “Bridge Essay: Modern Poetry as a Global Phenomenon.” A Companion to World Literature (2020): 1-7. The essay by Christopher Lupke provides an insight into the history of poetry and the way different styles from different parts of the world contributed to the formation of modernism in poetry. The...

The Play “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare

As a character, Julius Caesar is defined by hubris and commitment to the grandiose. In Shakespeare’s eyes, Caesar is the ultimate emperor: simultaneously destructive and strangely magnificent in his yearning for omnipotence. The conspirators accuse Caesar of ambition, and his actions back up their claim: he does fight for full...

“Waiting” by Judith Wright: Poem Analysis

Summary The poem “Waiting” was written by Judith Wright and was added to her first book of poetry published in 1946. The author, famous Australian poet, and environmentalist dedicated The Moving Images to the themes of love of the environment, the dispossession of the Aborigines, and the possibility of changing...

How Kreon Is the Tragic Hero, Based on Aristotle’s Principles

Based on Aristotle’s principles, Kreon is the tragic hero in the story. Aristotle distinguishes between historical and poetical actions and the characters that accompany them. To Aristotle, a tragic hero is a person with easily identifiable characteristics depending on their age. Young tragic heroes “are ready to desire and carry...

Review of “Beowulf” Poem by Heaney Seamus

The monsters that played a vital role in the fights were Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. These monsters are depicted as sinful and deadly creatures that disturb people’s peace by attacking them. The poem describes Grendel as a sin-stained creature that used to kill and terrorize the Danes often....

Womanhood in Piercy’s “Barbie Doll” vs. Kincaid’s “Girl”

For the American feminist movement, the 1970s was a time of utmost importance in many ways. According to McBean (2018), even though the Women’s Liberation Movement started in the 1960s, it gained traction in the public sphere in the next decade. This contributed to the appearance of mainstream feminist fiction...

Review of “The Yellow Wallpaper” Story

The point of view in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” is an important element, which allows a reader to have a full and complete understanding of the inner being of the main character. The key reason is manifested in the fact that the central literary elements revolve around the...

Rhetoric as Style Choice in American Literature

American literature is broadly defined as English-language literature produced in what is today known as the United States. It began with the works of English adventurers and colonists arriving in the New World and proceeded its development alongside the historical events occurring since the period of colonization. Nevertheless, the alignment...

“With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa” by Eugene Sledge

Eugene Sledge’s With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa is a memoir by a World War II participant. The book describes the thoughts and experiences of a young man who joined the US Marines and fought against the Japanese forces. Thus, the summary will demonstrate the controversial nature of...

Mechanics of Raymond Carver’s Popular Literary Works

Plot/Structure The author depicts a fight between a woman and a man who is leaving the woman. He packs his things while she is holding her baby, and when he is done, the man demands the baby. They both hold the baby “is slipping out” due to the adults’ struggle,...

Plague, Religion, and Society in Literature

In the context of modern society, the notion of plague stands for metaphoric labeling of an all-destructive force that cannot be either stopped or controlled by human beings. In the Late Middle Ages, the plague pandemic has become a world-changing precedent that changed people’s perception of life once and for...

Gilgamesh’s Lesson in Search for Immortality

The story of Gilgamesh mainly deals with matters affecting human life. Gilgamesh is celebrated for his successes as a human, such as protecting the city and learning to accept mortality and not his dimity. Initially, he did not fear anything because he had powers bestowed by the gods to rule...

Joseph Campbell’s Mythic Insights: ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces

The fifth section of the second chapter in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, written by Joseph Campbell, “Apotheosis,” focuses on the hero’s path, in which enlightenment is achieved. The central claim of the considered part is presented in the sentence, “Having surpassed the delusions of his formerly self-assertive, self-defensive,...

Review of “Hum” by Jamaal May

Readers always have different opinions for the same work of literature. Specifically, people tend to use different lenses in interpreting a book. However, knowing the author’s biographic information and the contextual setting within which the author wrote a novel helps to get the intended meaning. Other aspects that a person...

Juvenal: The Famous Roman Satirist

Satire is practically the only Roman genre not borrowed from the Greeks. The word satire means a mixture, reflected in the different lengths of the works, the difference in content, and other aspects. The variety of content corresponded to the richness of forms: satires could be in the form of...

“Underground Railroad” by Whitehead vs. “Sticks” by Saunders

Introduction The two novels talk about events that people experience in real-life. In the novel “Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, Cora, a protagonist, flees the Georgia farm where her family has been slaves for three generations. (Whitehead 10). The story centers around a quest for freedom from slavery. On the...

The Hemingway Home: Writers’ Issues

No other place is as informative about influential personas as the places where they lived. It is no wonder why Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West has attracted so many visitors, me included. Hemingway’s residency is now a public museum that preserves authenticity due to Hemingway’s possessions remaining there. When...

Eliot’s and Ferlinghetti’s Poems Comparison

Poets at all times have been looking for new forms to express their thoughts in literature. Especially interesting in this respect are the works of T. S. Eliot, who experimented with both form and content, giving his poems new meanings. His poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock is...

Symbols and Romanticism of Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

Introduction Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the most prominent works written by Mark Twain. The novel addresses one of the most crucial issues of the society of Twains times – slavery and describes the life of people living along the Mississippi River. Undoubtedly, on one side, the Mississippi...

Righteousness and Innocence: The Lamb by William Blake

Introduction William Blake, a native of London, is one of the significant figures in poetry and the fine arts of the Romantic era. His literature is refined and full of meaning: he grew from rebelliousness and a spirit of rebellion into a creator with ideas of forgiveness and self-sacrifice. Blake...

“The Epic of Gilgamesh” and Biblical Parables

The texts reveal the idea of the sinfulness of people who incur the wrath of God by shameful behavior. As for the story of Adam and Eve, the whole world was created for them, and everything was permitted except one fruit. Despite their respect and love for God, Eve violated...

Novels: The Valuable Form of Art

Every year new, as well as well-recognized novels appear on the shelves of stores, yet the competition which they face from other forms of entertainment is hard to ignore. One of the opinions is that novels are no longer relevant, and their role in society today belongs to TV shows...

Humor and Horror in Poe’s “The Cask of the Amontillado”

Introduction In works of literature, authors rely on several stylistic devices to convey their message. One of Edgar Allan Poe’s literary devices in “The Cask of Amontillado” is the combination of horror and humor. Poe is a witty author who uses literary elements like point of view, place, and word...

On Being Brought from Africa to America Poem by Wheatley

The poem On Being Brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley is a poetic representation of dark period in American history when slave trade was prominent in society. However, despite the horrors of slavery, it is a poem of resilience and strength demonstrated by Wheatley on her journey. In...

Gender Roles in Trifles Play by Susan Glaspell

The “Trifles” play, written in 1919 by Susan Glaspell, illustrates the world of a gender-strict role, where men dominated the society. This is because males were allowed to go out and work while women were confined at home to perform household chores and look after children. Females had no control...

The Novel “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu

World’s literary culture contains monumental works written by authors from different regions and living in different times. Japanese literature is also an essential element of world literature, in the context of which Murasaki Shikibu and his work “The Tale of Genji” cannot be overlooked. The story is about the heir...

Different Views on Multicultural Identity: Aurora Levins Morales and Gloria Anzaldua

The idea of identity and culture has always been topical in the literature. Numerous authors have been cogitating about their culture and place in a particular country or community. For America, this issue acquired critical importance because of the history of the state and its multicultural nature. The diversity of...

Review of “The Taming of the Shrew” Play

Critical examination of works of fiction, combined with a reflective analysis of one’s reactions and emotions from reading them, is an effective academic strategy. For this assignment, the object of study was William Shakespeare’s monumental play The Taming of the Shrew, written in 1590. As an illustrative example of a...

“Cathedral” by Raymond Carver and “The Management of Grief” by Bharati Mukherjee

The common theme of “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver and “The Management of Grief” by Bharati Mukherjee is the misinterpretation of people’s feelings and perceptions by representatives of different population groups. Its general idea is the impossibility of understanding each other without walking a mile in their shoes. As a result,...

The “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

In the “Parable of the Sower,” the character Lauren has a disability, which causes her to overshare and feel overly empathic towards others. Lauren understands her disability as something that allows her to be more compassionate and understand others’ feelings. For example, in one of the passages, she talks about...