Gregor Zamza’s Image in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis

Almost from the story’s first lines, Gregor appears to be a tedious and shallow philistine with no interests of his own. However, later it turns out that he is a compassionate person who loves art and is in dire need of the love and approval of his loved ones. Another...

Relation Between the Language, Landscape and the Literacy of Tracking

In his book, The Spell of the Sensuous, David Abram considers tracking as the first form of literacy. One may wonder whether literacy is related to the ability to read and write or does it require some knowledge and understanding. Being literate is about identifying, understanding, and interpreting visual information....

Nationalist Ideology on Women’s Reproductive Rights in Ireland and Iran

Irish literature entails oral and published literature of the inhabitants of Ireland, which is geographically part of the UK. In current history, the concept of Irish writing has been expanded to include works by Irish authors residing outside of Ireland, as well as works by artists of Irish heritage whose...

Themes of Knowledge and Family in Shelley’s Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a narrative that brilliantly illustrates life, death, desolation, vengeance, ignorance, and the fundamental human sin of behaving like God. The primary purpose of Shelley’s writing of this narrative is to demonstrate how futile it is for humans to play God, no...

Relevance of “The Blithedale” Romance to American Society

In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Blithedale Romance, Margaret Fuller’s inspiration, Zenobia, is portrayed as a woman who questions the restrictions of what nineteenth-century American society deemed to be the “women’s realm. On the one hand, women’s traditional, socially-acceptable role remains within the female realm. On the other hand, Zenobia represents the...

Comparison of Rip Van Winkle and Young Goodman Brown

One of the aspects that are similar in stories that happened both to Winkle and Brown is that the culmination of events happens concerning them falling asleep. Winkle meets a man who is dressed in old clothes and goes to an amphitheater with him. When the man suggests a drink,...

Speaker in “Homage to My Hips” by Lucille Clifton

The poem Homage to My Hips by Lucille Clifton has a very interesting speaker. I imagine her to be a strong, confident woman who is proud of her appearance and admires her body immensely. She is about 32 years old, and, in my imagination, she has a beautiful name that...

Rum’s A Woman Is No Man vs. Komba’s I Am Not My Skin

Introduction While discrimination occurs in Palestine against women due to their weak state in a patriarchal culture, it also happens in Tanzania to people with albinism in ordinary people’s culture. The story of the albinism nature of Yona makes him weak in a community with ordinary people, a similar weakness...

The “Memoir of Old Elizabeth” Book by Mariwaski

At first, the autobiography is set in the 18th-century historical context when slavery was eminent in the United States. Freedom deterred many people of color from enjoying liberty, including practicing their religious rights. Even after the laggard release from enslavement, people, including Old Elizabeth, experienced massive injustices, inequality, and lack...

Why Hamlet by Shakespeare Delays Revenge

The theme of death and revenge is multifaceted in Shakespeare’s works, as it is a classic strand of 16th- and 17th-century poetry. It is worth noting that revenge occupies a special place in the results because of its versatility and innocence. For Hamlet, revenge is an entirely new way of...

Views on Religion in “Paradise Lost” by Milton

Genesis has been poetically rewritten in Paradise Lost. It details the demise of Satan and his associates, the origin of man, and—most significantly—the act of disobedience committed by man, as a result of which paradise was forfeited for us. Because it incorporated the original tale, the investigation of everything that...

Eddie S. Glaude’s “Exodus!” Story Review

The Exodus story has played a vital role in the history of the U.S. regarding Black nationalism. America has historically been viewed as the country where dreams are achieved, from the country’s settlement to the Revolution and beyond. The Exodus story takes on a poignant meaning for African Americans during...

Rashomon by Akutagawa: A Short Story Analysis

The narrator in the story under consideration plays the role of a modernist, interpreting the servant’s consciousness in everything and not just conveying his actions. This story is one of Akutagawa’s shortest works, but it is very memorable because of the complexity and multilevel nature of the narrative. The author...

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” Analysis

Selfishness and individualism are the two main themes of “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” In essence, the grandmother’s determination to fulfill her own selfish goals leads to the demise of her entire family as well as her own life. This essay examines the grandmother and the Misfit, characters...

Images of Animals, Nature, and Wildlife in Morrison’s “A Mercy”

A Mercy unveils the story of an Anglo-Dutch farm owner whose life has been closely associated with the genesis of the American society under colonization, racism, and slavery. While the story itself presents deep insights into the life and thoughts of an enslaved woman told from Florens’s perspective, the imagery...

“Dear Marcus” by McGill and “The Jungle” by Sinclair

Introduction The disadvantaged position of specific population groups is a critical issue in the present-day world, which stems from the initially established relationships between them. In other words, in the past, the fact of belonging to these categories of citizens, living in less favorable conditions than their peers, was directly...

Family Theory: “A Day Late and a Dollar Short” by McMillan, T.

The nature of interaction among individuals in a family setting is an initiative that prominently faces dynamic elements. One of the critical factors that influences personality development is socio-cultural practices. In this case, it is vital to establish the distinctive elements that foster the bond between people from a nuclear...

Character Transformation in Lahiri’s “The Open Boat” and “Hell-Heaven”

Introduction Characters are the most important elements of a narrative because they drive thematic expressions and the whole story toward its ultimate goal. In other words, the types of characters presented in a story, the conflicts they experience, their relationships, and their behaviors comprehensively describe the tales’ hidden meanings and...

The Big Brother Concept in Orwell’s “1984”

Introduction It is important to note that George Orwell’s 1984 provides a clear and direct message about the implications of a democracy turning into totalitarianism. The given critical analysis will be developed around the subject of mass surveillance and the Big Brother concept from the novel. The installation of a...

Making Ourselves Worthy by Peter M. Leschak

Summary The text talks about how people cannot live without taking the lives of other beings and benefitting from the resources humans receive from them. Throughout the work, Leschak ponders about survival, the consequences of humanity’s actions and a so-called “existence tax”. Meanwhile, the author reviews the sense of supremacy...

The “Clearing the Plains” Book by James Daschuk

Justified by archeological records, Canadian history, and empirical proof, in the book Clearing the Plains, James Daschuk gives an in-depth account of political, economic, and ecological systems that prompted the existing disparities between the indigenous Canadians, also referred to as the people of the plains and the settlers. With a...

Fate in Beowulf and Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Introduction An Old English poem Beowulf was written by an unknown author approximately at the end of the VII century. It is an epic with alliterative verses in the Germanic glorious story genre. Macbeth is a drama play written and composed by William Shakespeare, who was a prominent English author....

Shakespeare’s Hamlet vs. Sophocles’ Oedipus

Introduction Death yields severe pain in most people, and they get upset even though they do not anticipate it, influencing them to struggle in search of solutions. A similar case is present in plays such as Hamlet by William Shakespeare and Oedipus by Sophocles (Ayumba 1). Both are driven by...

Failure of American Dream: “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Review

Despite the seeming glamor and wealth, the character of Great Gatsby is deeply and inherently tragic. Striving to bury his deep discontent with his life in an attempt to recreate the past, he refuses to acknowledge that the people around him have changed. Furthermore, his pursuit of the material wealth...

The “Julius Caesar” Play by William Shakespeare

While segmentation between public and private identities helps preserve the character desired to be portrayed, the complexity of a divergent behavior trail renders it difficult to identify one’s intentions on the subject. This grim is attained through manipulating one’s character to match the qualities an observer anticipates. The dynamics of...

“Archetypes of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy” by Soccio

In Chapter 18, Soccio (2016) discusses how philosophy can be incorporated into life and used as a base for developing one’s worldview. First, the author speaks about the concept of philosophical advocacy – a specific way of proving one’s agenda with the help of philosophical ideas – explaining its argumentation...

Grace and the Devil in “Good Country People”

In Good country people, O’Connor raises two essential questions: the question of faith and knowledge. These two aspects are represented in different characters disproportionally, thus defining their choices and behavior. Faith in this context presents itself in the broader concept, including the Christian faith and faith in general – a...

Character Analysis of “Where Are You Going?” by Oates

Introduction “Where Are You Going? Where have you been?” is a modern classic by Joyce Carol Oates. The story is about a young girl on the verge of growing up. Like any teenager, she sneaks off, going to a car restaurant to meet boys, not a movie like she told...

“Fahrenheit 451” by Bradbury and Modern America

Introduction Fahrenheit 451 is a classic example of a dystopia in which the forces of good are trying to fight the brutal system of a totalitarian state. The book casts a glimpse into the future where books are burnt and become an insignificant part of people’s lives. The integration of...

Wilson’s “Fences”: Discussion of Rose Character

It is important to note that Rose in Fences is a vital character who represents maternal care and practical love. One needs to be aware that she is the only female figure in the story who brings balance between Cory and Troy. In addition, when it comes to her functional...

Cultural Roles of Women in Charles Brown’s Wieland

Introduction Charles Brown’s Wieland or transformation novel addressed the concepts of cultural values and norms of women in society. The themes within the gothic novel portray women using various elements; on the one hand, women are empowered, while on the other hand, they are victims of male dominance and supremacy....

The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck and Under the Feet of Jesus by Viramontes

Migration and immigration are considered the third globalization wave, secondary to capital and goods. The migration issue is extending in scope, impacts, and complexity. The refugees experience several challenges during their course of movement and other difficulties in the areas they settle in as varying factors drive them out of...

Black Women’s Life Experience in Alice Walker’s Stories

Introduction This essay compares Alice Walker’s two short stories with a recurring theme about black women’s experience in contemporary life. The first story is Everyday Use, and the other one is The Temple of My Familiar. The two stories are similar in that the author shows the exclusive women’s journey...

Legends and Mysteries of Venice

Venice Venice city is termed the haunted city because of the legends, mysteries, and stories about it. It is the most romantic location in the entire universe to some people. The place has a sparkling marketing spiel with cuddly pictures of canals and gondolas in which lovers profess their compassion...

Iago’s Villainous Nature and Manipulations

William Shakespeare’s Othello has touched on a number of various topics and issues. But the way treason and schemes are depicted is probably the most interesting part of the play. This problem is perfectly represented through Iago’s words and actions as he adapts to people’s weaknesses. In this post, I...

Reaction to Addams’ Twenty Years at Hull-House

The study of literary works is of particular importance for understanding the past years’ events. However, autobiographical works are even more valuable, as they directly reliably talk about the trends and worldviews that ruled during their writing. One of these works is a book by Jane Addams called “Twenty Years...

A. Munro’s and Z. Smith’s Short Stories Comparison

Introduction The depiction of life struggles in literature can be as varied as the authors’ approaches to details are. In the case of “Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage,” written by Alice Munro, and “Miss Adele Amidst the Corsets,” written by Zadie Smith, the difference is tremendous. The former story’s characters...

The World of George Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four” and the Current World

Introduction The novel 1984 by George Orwell describes a society where the authorities regularly check citizens. This essay compares the world of George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four to the present world. As Orwell quotes, “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past,” people should recognize...

The Play “Death of a Salesperson” by Arthur Miller

In the play, Death of a Salesperson, a middle-class salesman, known as Loman, is the focus of a tragic story. Loman, his wife Linda, and their other two kids, Happy and Biff, resided in an ancient house in the city. The story goes into depth of the protagonist’s demise and...

“Becoming a Man: Half a Life Story” by Paul Monette

The book that I read approaches the issue of growing up gay. The protagonist talks about engaging in his first gay experience with another young boy in the book. The protagonist engages in a journey of self-discovery in a world where being gay has not been embraced in society. The...

The Complex Character: Hamlet From “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare

Introduction The infamous The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or simply Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, is a powerful literary composition presenting the protagonist’s multidimensionality and complexity – Hamlet himself. The play traces Prince Hamlet and his contemplations on the topics like life, death, love, and revenge. The point...

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...

Afghan Women in Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns

Those who read The Kite Runner expected from the author another inspiring story about male friendship but received a heartbreaking novel about the women of Afghanistan. Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns was first published in 2007 and immediately received positive feedback (Dhakal 229). The story represents the period from...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

“Voices in the Park” Picture Book by Anthony Browne

Picture books use not only verbal but also visual means to build a story, including codes, structure, and narrative. William Moebius (1986) suggests looking at different codes in order to understand how text and pictures interact to create meaning. According to the researcher, positioning, perspective, framing, line, and colour can...

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...

Don Quixote and Christianity

The novel Don Quixote was written by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. The work recounts the incredible adventures of the character of the same name. Don Quixote is a wandering knight with sincere and honest intentions. However, on his way, the hero gets into ridiculous situations, from which...

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...

Rewriting Hamlet by Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is an eternal classic played in theaters worldwide and adapted in movies by multiple screenwriters and directors. One of these films that received an equivocal response from the critics and audience was the 2018 movie Ophelia, directed by Claire McCarthy (Schwanebeck, 2020). It was based on Shakespeare’s original...

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...

Shakespeare’s “Othello”: A Venetian Tragedy of Love

Introduction William Shakespeare is the master of tragic plays, among which Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear are central. In this case, a tragedy narrates a plot about a good person losing their true sense of self due to mistakes in judgment or a character defect in unusual circumstances. In contrast...

“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...