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...

Aristotle’s Perspective on the Greek Tragedy

Brief Summary Sophocles wrote the tragic drama, Oedipus Rex, around 429 B.C. when it was first presented. It depicts the story of Oedipus, king of Thebes, who is said to have slain his father and married his mother by accident due to a prophecy made to Laius, the previous ruler...

Def Poetry: The Last Poets- “Take Your Time”

The poem’s main message is to show that people lose their identity and more individuals are becoming faded behind mink coats and alligator shoes. Human progress brings many positive aspects, but it also ruins the traditions that people have been building over time. When bad luck happens, we remember that...

The Novel “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien

Who is Cameron Sullivan? Cameron Sullivan was one of the many returnees from the Vietnam conflict. Like many other former soldiers, Sullivan returned with what he and some other soldiers derisively referred to as spoils of war. In his case, they were a piece of a wooden trap removed from...

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...

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates

It was the beginning of the 1960s when D.K. Oates’s writing style and socio-political views were formed. It is comprehended that this was a time of social activity growth and the emergence of several social movements. It is significant to highlight feminism, the ideology, canons, and ideas which influenced Americans...

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...

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....

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...

“A Good Man Is Hard to Find” Story by O’Connor

Introduction “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by O’Connor is a magnificent piece of writing in the genre of Gothic short stories. The work’s narrative concerns a family of Southerners planning to travel to Florida, where a murderous convict has been recently seen. As a result, the family is...

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 Graveyard by Gaiman: A Book Review

Introduction The Graveyard Book is a children’s fantasy book written by the English author Neil Gaiman. The book was published in America and Britain in 2008. The setting is mostly in the graveyard since it is the location where Nobody Owens was adopted and raised by the residents after his...

Phyllis Wheatley and Philip Freneau: Poems Comparison

In the poems “On being Brought from Africa to America” by Phyllis Wheatley and “On the Emigration to America and Peopling the Western country” by Philip Freneau, a few similitudes and differentiations are portrayed. First, taking a gander at the similarities, the two writers discuss a place known for trust,...

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 Baron in the Trees” by Italo Calvino

Annotated Bibliography Abbot, H. P. The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative. NY: Cambridge University Press, 2008. The book explores the features of the narrative, its perception by the reader, the authenticity and reliability of the narrative, and the interpretative nature of the narrative as a whole phenomenon. This work is important for...

“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...

A Setting as a Narrative Tool in Literature

Setting is a structural element of a work of art that determines the spatial localization of the events described. It can function differently to shape the literary piece in which it is used. It becomes one of the most important categories for the epic genre, where it turns not only...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

“With the Old Breed” Lessons for Modern Marine Corps

Introduction The memoir book With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, written by Marine Eugene Sledge, reveals some details of the Pacific Theater during World War II. As part of the Marine Corps, the author survived heavy battles, suffered the loss of comrades, and made his conclusions about the...

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 Gods in the Epic of Gilgamesh

The gods and their relation and hierarchy with humans present one of the main themes in The Epic of Gilgamesh. This essay will focus on the gods in the story and explore their nature and motives. In the story, gods are described with a close resemblance to humans, and their...

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...

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...

“The Hero With a Thousand Face”: Quote Explanation

Quote “For those who have not refused the call, the first encounter of the hero-journey is with a protective figure (often a little old crone or old man) who provides the adventurer with amulets against the dragon forces he is about to pass” (Campbell, 2004, p. 63). Context & Explanation...

Discussion of “Atonement” by McEwan

“Atonement” by McEwan is an amazing in its sincerity chronicle of lost time, which is led by a teenage girl, in her bizarre and childishly cruel way, overestimating and rethinking the events of adult life. Having witnessed the rape, she interprets it in her own way – and sets in...

“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...

Tim O’Brien’s Memoir “If I Die in a Combat Zone”

Tim O’Brien’s memoir If I Die In a Combat Zone narrates his journey months before his deployment into the Vietnam war, combat experience, and journey back to America. He started when he graduated from college in 1968 and received a summer draft notice, but he was reluctant to go due...

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....

Queer Trauma and Queer Textuality: Research Analysis

Annotated Bibliography Michael, Olga. “Queer Trauma, Paternal Loss, and Graphic Healing in Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic.” Arts of Healing: Cultural Narratives of Trauma, 2020, pp. 187-195. The article discusses how through the loss of her father, the main character of “Fun Home” manages to accept her personality...

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’...

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...

Grendel and Medea Literary Characters’ Comparison

Grendel and Medea are different characters who appeared from the pen of different authors in different periods. However, they are united by one crucial detail — the monster’s nature. From this detail, a whole complex of similarities grows, such as hermit, rejection by others, savagery, and inability to accept oneself....

“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...

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...

“Life on Mississippi” by Mark Twain

Devouring works written by renowned authors; people tend to forget that the actual lives of the writers might have been even more exciting than the fiction that they have created. The personal journey of Samuel Clemens, globally known under the pen name of Mark Twain, is in every way just...

Modern Fantasy in the Book Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature: A Brief Guide

Modern Fantasy is a chapter from the book Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature: A Brief Guide written by Barbara Kiefer and Cynthia Tyson (McGraw-Hill Education, 2018). This chapter of the book focuses on the theme of the modern fantasy genre of literature, the types of fantasy literature for children, and whether...

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...

The Same Theme and Different Connotations in Stevens and Herrick’s Poems

Introduction The theme of the “seize of the day”, or Carpe Diem, is a widespread theme in English and American poetry. Various poets encourage readers to celebrate life while they are young as it is too short to wait for the right moment. Wallace Stevens and Robert Herrick are two...

Tobias Wolff’s Memoir “This Boy’s Life”

This Boy’s Life is a story of a young guy growing up struggling with his problems and fears, misunderstanding, and condemnation of others. Notably, Tobias Wolff stays focused on his desire to reinvent himself, to have a different kind of life compared to the one he is living, and to...

Message to Men and Women in Glaspell’s “Trifles”

Trifles is a play written in 1916 by Susan Glaspell. It is categorized as feminist literature for highlighting how women are positioned in society as unimportant. The play carries a message for both males and females because it contrasts the women and men characters. It revolves around the murder of...

“Emperor of China” by Jonathan D.

Introduction The trumped-up story, Emperor of China: Self-Portrait Of Kang-Hsi, was authored by Jonathan D. Spence In 1974. The narrative is a biography of Kang-Hsi that Spence composed through essays, poems, proclamations, and letters written by the emperor. The book vividly describes what a Manchu emperor was from the inside,...

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,...

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....

Hawaiian Mythology and Genealogy of Gods

Genealogy is considerably more than that for native Hawaiians; it is how they communicate with one another. According to traditional views, Native Hawaiians are particularly bonded to the land, or ‘o ka pae ‘aina Hawai’i, as the ancestral lands and the older cousin of Hawaiians. Native Hawaiians have traditionally educated...

Shakespeare Revolution in the English Literature

English Literature, as people know it now, was shaped by Shakespeare. His famous works include “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and many others, and most modern people know Shakespeare’s plays. However, apart from literary contribution, Shakespeare revolutionized literature by setting a standard for other works. Shakespeare’s works created a revolution...

Novels Remain a Valuable Form of Entertainment and Art in Our Current Society

Written stories have been the source of public entertainment for as long as the very concept of written language has existed. However, as the pace of global community development increases, the fascination with novels and other long-form storytelling types seems to have been subsiding. Due to the increased time pressure,...

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...

The Character of Yvain in “The Night of the Lion” by Chretien de Troyes

Introduction Chrétien de Troyes’ The Knight of Lion is an Arthurian tale about the heroic exploits of a gallant knight named Yvain. In several Arthurian stories, chivalry plays an important role in propelling the plot forward and providing context for the knights’ and the court’s organizational structures. Yvain’s actions and...

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...

The Glass Menagerie Play by Tennessee Williams

Notably, The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is a tragic and largely autobiographical play that raises crucial questions of love, loneliness, and personal freedom. The story tells of a family where the oppressive but very charming mother, Amanda Wingfield, tirelessly terrorizes her mature children, Tom and Laura. It is essential...

Class and Racial Ideologies in “Bastard Out of Carolina” by Allison

Introduction In Bastard Out of Carolina, the author renders and challenges major stereotypes on identity through the harrowing account of the narrator, Bone. She builds a portrait of a brave, traumatized girl considered illegitimate by the State and who endures repeated abuse without recourse. Mythological positions about poverty, sexuality, and...

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 “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Poem Review

An original English chivalric verse, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, was written at the end of the XIV century by an anonymous author and kept in a single manuscript. In verse, the poet generates conflict between Christianity and paganism for the purpose of challenging and examining the very principles...

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...

Native American Myths and American Literature

The most attractive works for my attention in the canon of American literature were those that seemed to illuminate the entire diverse and contradictory characteristics of American culture. The myth of the Great Hare Michabou seems worthy of note as one of the most ancient and mysterious stories read during...

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 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...

The “Arranged Marriage” by Divakaruni

Your Last Name Sumita mentions the incident in a lake when she nearly drowns and how desperately she moves her arms and legs in the water to breathe the searing air again. This memory is a defining moment when she decides to stay in the U.S. She feels that she...

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...

“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...

Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred Book Analysis

Octavia E. Butler’s book Kindred illustrates how significant one’s surroundings can be in molding one’s beliefs and behaviors. One’s environment is made up of situations and connections, and the most important is speech. Dana’s civilization differs substantially from Rufus’s world, and so the approach these individuals use and perceive words...

Moral Catastrophe in “Les Misérables”

Introduction The moral concept of Les Miserables corresponds to Hugo’s view of life as a continuous alternation of light and darkness. Hugo raises the theme of crime as one of the terrible vices faced by the characters. Is it possible to justify a crime that is entirely in the throes...

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...

Aeneas and Gilgamesh in Mythology

Two old stories that played a significant role in fate are the Aeneid and Gilgamesh epics. In these literary works, the protagonists Aeneas and Gilgamesh are obsessed with uncertainty, so these epic stories accurately reflect the ancient culture and society. From the story of fate, we can see that the...

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...

Rebellion on the Animal Farm: Need to Rise Against Pigs

Rising against unjust oppression is a duty of any righteous resident of the farm. The current conditions in which the animals reside are unacceptable, as the animals in power openly ignore others’ needs and desires. The farm’s resources are occupied by the pigs alone, and they attempt to define truth...

“The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano”: Life as a Slave

In “The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano,” the author describes the events of his life as a slave. I think Equiano sets the beginning of his story in Africa instead of starting it with his American enslavement because he aims to share details about his native culture....

Analysis of “Under a Cruel Star”

Introduction The period that followed the second world was characterized by an ideological war between capitalism and communism. This essay is based on the book ‘Under a Cruel Star’, written by Heda Margolius Kovály. It details the author’s experiences during the Nazi detention and those of her husband Rudolf Margolius....

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...

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...

Men as Breadwinners in Maupassant’s “The Necklace”

Gender roles in families have often been regarded as the most important aspect in ensuring harmonious relationships. It is the foundation that holds a family together in the same manner, pillars are imperative in preventing the building from collapsing. In the Parisian society at the end of the nineteenth century,...

“The Lost Letters of Pergamum”: An Evaluation

The Lost Letters of Pergamum genre can be described as an epistolary novel loosely based on historical context. Longenecker claimed that his story explores “what might have happened during the final year in the life of a man named Antipas” and the “dynamics of friendship, goodness, virtue and honor” of...

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...

Picturebooks: Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature

The current paper constitutes a summary of the chapter titled “Picturebooks” Charlotte Huck’s Children’s Literature: A Brief Guide. The book was written by Barbara Kiefer and Cynthia Tyson in collaboration with Bettie Parsons Barger, Denise Davila, Lisa Patrick, and Erin Reilly-Sanders. The third edition of the book was published in...

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...

The Book “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For” by Henry David Thoreau

Most people believe they should organize their lives and make decisions. They continue choosing colleges, enhancing skills, and earning a living. In his “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” Henry David Thoreau breaks all rules and proves it may be enough to live a simple life and be...

Themes and Techniques in Literary Passages

Introduction Literary techniques are essential in advancing the meaning that an author intends to portray. The passage Book of Songs (B) is a poem whose main theme is grief and sorrow. The poet used comparison in several instances to reflect the theme of grief. Another passage titled The Works of...

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...

Responses to Essays of Baker, Schreiner, and Hughes

Response to “The Art of Eating Spaghetti” By Russell Baker “The Art of Eating Spaghetti” demonstrates the essential rule for creating any art, namely, a sincere desire to express oneself. The narrator shows that a simple and most conventional task of writing an essay as homework can produce an effect...

Causes of Violence as Depicted in Literature

Violence is the intentional use of physical power to threaten or cause harm to oneself or another. The essay features How to Read Literature like a Professor by Foster Thomas, The Things They Carried by O’Brien Tim, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, and Mallam Sile’s works to illustrate the theme...

Role of Women in Literature and Art

Introduction The role of women in literature and art is a topic explored by various critics, creators, authors, and people throughout the years. Due to the way society has developed, some types of people have found themselves to be at a significant disadvantage in the ways others are used to...

The Quran and the Thousand and One Nights

The diversity of the Islamic culture is vividly depicted in many literary works. An incomparable embedding into Islamic heritage is presented in the Thousand and One Nights tales, also known as Arabic Nights, which have stirred the imagination of generations around the world for centuries. The account comprises 250 short...

Human Life in “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane

“The Open Boat” is a story written by Stephen Crane about a crew on a boat that is sailing through a storm towards a lighthouse. The men courageously try to overcome the waves that at any moment can overturn their boat. Evidently, if that happens, all of them will die...

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...

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...

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...