The Conflict of Faith and Honesty in “Good People” by Wallace

The morality of Christian tradition and its application to real-life problems has always been the platform for debate. People look for the solution in God but often get entangled with the common practical reasons for it. The characters of David Foster Wallace’s short story Good People also deal with such...

Allegory in “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Faith is Goodman Brown’s young wife; they have been married for three months. She is believed to symbolize his spiritual faith, and her pink ribbons are mentioned by the author as a symbol of her innocence. At the end of the story, when Goodman comes back to the village, he...

George Elliott Clarke’s Creativity in Poetry

George Elliott Clarke is a multitalented author, offering a unique perspective as a Black Canadian in his works. Poetry is just one of Clarke’s facets, but it allows him to express his identity in a concise and vivid way. However, even a small sample of the works reveals a great...

Analysis of “Letter Beginning With Two Lines by Czeslaw Milosz” by Matthew Olzmann

The formal analysis of a literary work allows the reader to better understand the author’s message. The connection between form and content produces a desirable effect and generates meaning. In the poem, “Letter Beginning with Two Lines by Czeslaw Milosz,” Mathew Olzmann raises the issue of killing children and expresses...

Hell and Heaven in Milton’s “Paradise Lost” Poem

Throughout the decades, various intellectuals had their own view of the universe and understood the concepts of Heaven and Hell differently. The distinction in perceptions depended on various factors, such as the historical period, societal rules, personal experiences, and philosophies. For instance, an English poet and philosopher John Milton viewed...

“Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan

Introduction Amy Tan is an English writer who grew up in a Chinese family that migrated to America. She is an author of several novels and one of her most popular ones is “The Joy Luck Club.” Mostly, her works focus on the mother-daughter relationship because Tan was brought up...

Setting in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, which was first published in 1985, is one of the most controversial dystopian novels. The key themes that are discussed by the author in her work include social inequality between men and women, power, oppression, gender roles, freedoms, and rights among others. The complex discussion...

“Loathe at First Sight” by Ellen Conford

“You ARE dripping on my toes.” The girl seemed to be really angry with the boy, as her deep blue eyes shone almost black. “I’m sorry. I was admiring you from afar, and I wanted to admire you from a-near. From afar you looked terrific.” The boy flushed, pecking at...

“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini – Book Review

The book by Khaled Hosseini The Kite Runner is the heart-piercing story about the childhood of Afghan boys. This story represents rather realistic features of Afghanistan and is based on direct relation to time prospects in this country some 30 years ago. In this respect the author provides a scope...

“Paradise Lost” by John Milton

Paradise Lost is an epic poem written by John Milton which discloses the well-known biblical story of Adam and Eve. This book was originally written in 1667 in 10 books. There were a lot of authors who created their works based on this masterpiece and they reflected their vision of...

Is Mr. Lockwood a Reliable Narrator in Wuthering Heights?

Reading classic literature provides plenty of benefits to the reader such as a better understanding of other people’s feelings and thoughts and the consequences of their actions. Often, the perception of those benefits directly depends on the narrator of a book. Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights narrated by two characters,...

“Remembrance” Poem by Emily Bronte

Emily Bronte is a Victorian female writer perhaps best known for her novel Wuthering Heights. However, she also published several poems, many of which are recognized today for their powerful emotion and distinct voice so unlike the poetic voice of the other female poets of her day. Her poetry was...

Troy and Cory Conflict in “Fences” Play by Wilson

Fences is a play in two acts written by August Wilson in 1985 and set in the 1950s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The plot follows the life of Troy Maxon, a former African American baseball player who is presently a garbage collector struggling to support his family and manage his relationships...

Samuel Johnson’s “Rambler #5” and “Idler #31”

“Idler #31” Samuel Johnson revealed his ideas on idle people and the nature of idleness in his essay “Idler #31”. The author contemplates the essence of idleness. First, Johnson depicts an idler who buries him/herself in the complete darkness. One could understand Johnson’s words literally, but the author does not...

Stephen King’s ‘The Green Mile’: Prison Life & Ethical Reflections

Summary At the heart of the novel “The green mile” by King is the narration of the interaction between the key characters playing the role of either the jail guards or death row inmates, in a state penitentiary located at Cold Mountain. Although the story was recounted from a single...

“Top Girls” a Play by Caryl Churchill

Women have already made a long way towards the establishment of equality. Caryl Churchill in her play Top Girls highlights the issue regarding the success of the women’s movement of the 1970s and 80s, making us doubt that the female accomplishments in the sphere of career are enough for the...

Fahrenheit 451 Book Review – Essay & Analysis + Topics

Fahrenheit 451 is considered Ray Bradbury’s masterpiece. The society that he depicted in the novel is so far removed from the one we live in today. At the same time, they are so similar. This is just one of the Fahrenheit 451 essay examples. You can use it as an...

Why Joyce Oates’ Dedicated Her Story to Bob Dylan?

The story, Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been, was written by Joyce Carol Oates in the mid-60s and was dedicated to the famous musician Bob Dylan. She once explained that the idea of writing this story came to her mind when she read a story about a man...

Holocaust Trauma, Anthropomorphism, and Visual Storytelling in Art Spiegelman’s Maus

Introduction Art Spiegelman’s Maus: A Survivor’s Tale provides a graphic depiction of the Holocaust. Spiegelman’s work on Maus describes an interview with his father, Vladek Spiegelman, who survived the onslaught. At one point, Vladek states, “To die is easy […] But you have to struggle for life!” (Spiegelman 21). There...

Psychoanalytic Insights Into Hamlet’s Oedipus Complex

Introduction Hamlet, from Shakespeare’s play, is the prince of Denmark. The character development in the tragedy is closely connected with Hamlet’s revenge on his uncle, Claudius. According to the plot, Claudius killed his brother, Hamlet’s father, to become the king and married Hamlet’s mother (Shakespeare, 2023). These actions make Hamlet...

Time and Immortality in Shakespeare’s Sonnets: An Analysis of Sonnets 60, 64, and 65

Introduction Time plays a significant role in the literary works of William Shakespeare. On the one hand, it is a notion that impacts the characters within the plays, while on the other hand, it affects the world through much deeper processes. The Shakespearean sonnets are particularly important when examining the...

The Poem “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost

Robert Frost’s character in “Mending Wall” is similar to a modern real-life well-known person, Elon Musk, in terms of their shared penchant for pushing boundaries. However, they differ in their approaches to collaboration, with Frost’s character advocating for the traditional practice of mending a wall while Musk actively encourages the...

Guilt & Personality in “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink

Introduction Guilt is a feeling that consumes a person and leads to consequences: personal destruction, alienation, and suffering. The problem of guilt rarely gets attention because it is one of the most challenging emotions. Bernhard Schlink reveals guilt issues in his novel The Reader, including such themes as Nazism, relationships...

Irony at the End of The Story of an Hour

Introduction One of the primary elements of The Story of an Hour, written by Kate Chopin, that has not only made the short story popular but also has highlighted an important metaphor is the ending. Namely, after the joy Mrs. Mallard feels when finding out about her husband’s death, she...

Theme of Deceit in Shakespeare’s Othello

Deceit and lies can be one of the most distracting factors in human life despite one’s accomplishments. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough, to be honest,” the play Othello by Shakespeare accurately depicts his words. Othello is a storyline...

George Hadley in “The Veldt” Story by Ray Bradbury

Introduction The Veldt is a short story by American writer Ray Bradbury, which takes a reader to the distant future, where people model reality at their discretion. The African Veldt in this work is an innovative room bought by the Hadley couple for their children. At some point, the adults...

The Restlessness of Humankind in George Herbert’s “The Pulley”

The twenty-line poem “The Pulley” by George Herbert serves as a spiritual parable that describes how man was created by combining the Book of Genesis with the story of “Pandora’s Box” with the composition of the pulley. The underlying theme might be summed up by saying that humankind’s restlessness draws...

Prospero’s Rulership in “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a strange, non-historical drama that focuses mainly on an act of injustice. By the unjust conduct, one analyzes Prospero’s brother’s takeover of the crown. Prospero’s efforts to restore justice via the rejuvenation of his power illustrate a dual predicament. In The Tempest, Prospero’s use of mystical...

Responsibility in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

The novel Frankenstein is Mary Shelley’s most famous novel. It is a story about a young scientist Victor Frankenstein who wants to learn how to animate lifeless matter and, as a result, an ugly monster. The novel touches on many fundamental themes and ideas of a philosophical nature, one of...

Development of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Poetic Career

Chaucer is considered the father of the English language and the founder of realism. His work marked in the history of English literature the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and the establishment of new principles for depicting life and the disclosure of human character. There are three...

Review of “A Letter to My Nephew” by James Baldwin

Background James Baldwin is one of the renowned writers in the US whose piece of work covers issues of racial discrimination faced by black people in the country. The author is African American who lived in Harlem, New York City, in the 1930s. Majorly, the themes of Baldwin’s writing are...

The Mirror Scene of Shakespeare’s Richard II Play

Introduction Shakespeare’s Henriad is not only a brilliant example of English literature but also a valuable source on the social, political, and even legal reality of the time when it was written. Among other things, it covers the perception of monarchic power and its nature, which was a particularly acute...

“A Letter to Her Husband…” by Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet’s “A Letter to Her Husband, Absent upon Public Employment” presents the reader with a vivid picture of a woman yearning for her beloved spouse to return to her and her children. Given the fact that the author lived in 17th century Puritan Massachusetts, one could expect that the...

Eveline Short Story by James Joyce

Eveline is a short story written by James Joyce about a 19-year-old woman making a hard choice regarding the direction of her entire life. Eveline lives in Dublin with her old abusive father; she works hard and looks after the house. Her mother and one of her brothers – Ernest...

Love in Shakespeare’s “116th Sonnet”

In his poem, “Sonnet 116” Shakespeare presents the nature of ideal love. According to Gale Cengage Learning, the write-up was done during the Renaissance era, when there was a significant influence by the Catholic church (14). Additionally, the artists wished to create new standards of what could be regarded as...

“Never Marry a Mexican” by Sandra Cisneros

“Never Marry a Mexican” by Sandra Cisneros is a short story describing the life of Clemencia, a Latina woman born in the United States. In her piece, Cisneros touches upon Clemencia’s life circumstances as well as her love life, both largely influenced by her status as a Mexican-American. The reader...

“The Love of My Life” by T. C. Boyle Critical Analysis

“The Love of My Life” is a fictional story by T. C. Boyle, an American short story writer, and novelist. The narrative presents the dramatic events in the lives of the two young characters, China and Jeremy, whose irresponsible behavior forced them to make a cruel life-changing decision and question...

“The Boarder” Short Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer

The exposition begins when the characters and the setting are introduced to the reader. The dialogues between the characters filled with their constant disagreement serve as the rising action. The story reaches its climax when Moris Melnik decides to let the spoon of salt define the state of things in...

Themes in Charles Dickens’ Novel “Great Expectations”

‘Great Expectations’ is considered as one of the most sophisticated novels of Charles Dickens, the great Victorian writer. Critics rightly comment that this is a semi-autobiographical work by Dickens decorated with harsh life realities, a tremendous experiment in theme and treatment. The novelist has presented the theme of the novels...

“Sing the Song of My Condo” by Evelyn Lau: Logical Fallacies

Introduction In “Sing the Song of My Condo”, Evelyn Lau in an ironic tone tells a story of a would-be-homeowner, desperately searching for an appropriate flat for about 12 months. Although it needs to be admitted that the writing belongs to the category of fiction rather than argumentative articles, it...

Emilia’s Role in the Play Othello by Shakespeare

Outline This paper is an attempt to analyze the character of Emilia in William Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello. It begins with a thesis statement and the body discusses various questions like what is the role of Emilia. Is Emilia responsible for Desdemona’s death? What is her role in the handkerchief...

Corruption in The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Introduction Moral corruption is a serious threat that poses in the doors of humanity. This eventually become widespread threat for social corruption if major percentage in society will be afflicted. Literary experts say that the moon shadow of the humanities’ moral and social practices can be easily discern in some...

Lord Pococurante in Candide: Character Analysis

Voltaires philosophical and literary works are now believed to be prominent examples of French literature of Enlightenment. The author subjected to heavy criticism shortcomings of the then Western-European society as, religious fanaticism, despotism, military aggressiveness, feuds that engulfed Europe, etc (Rolland, 155). However, it is hardly possible to say that...

Slavery in “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

Introduction Although slavery is considered to be the issue of the past, in the novel Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler imagines that this social phenomenon may acquire a new form soon. The extension of powers of big conglomerates may lead to the aggravation of poverty and enslavement of employees....

Shakespearean Double Plot in “King Lear”

Introduction Shakespeare’s use of two plots in a single play is an important literal structure that appears in several of his works. However, his play ‘King Lear’ is the most important work that provides evidence of this literal structure. Arguably, despite criticisms that Shakespeare confused his audience with more than...

Gabriel García Márquez’s Stories Analysis

Dialogue with the mirror With a slow but firm sense of style, this work little as it is exposes an awakening of a man in front of a mirror. As he shaves, a recollection of a shop he frequently passes that house a range of commodities. He bears a frenzied...

Heidi: by Johanna Spyri

Heidi: by Johanna Spyri Essay Introduction “Heidi” is a children’s book by the Swiss author Johanna Spyri and it was first published in the late nineteenth century. The book’s intended audience is children and it has managed to remain relevant a century after it was published. It is not usual...

David Lurie Character in Coetzee’s Novel “Disgrace”

Introduction J. M. Coetzee’s Booker Prize-winning novel is a metaphor for the twenty-century world and events happening in it. While the book events revolve around David Lurie and his personal and intrapersonal complicated issues, the author manages to present a picture of the present-day difficulties in South Africa and describes...

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth

The poem by William Wordsworth titled “I wandered lonely as a cloud” or “Daffodils” is a beautiful and inspirational work in which the author attempted to portray the wonderfulness of nature and communicate his admiration for it. In addition to its light and cheerful mood and diversity of descriptions, the...

The Lottery Essay: Literary Analysis Example

Check out this essay sample to get more ideas for your The Lottery analysis essay. Here, you’ll find the story’s summary, main theme analysis, and the aftermath explanation. Learn more about the story with our The Lottery essay example’s help! Shirley Jackson wrote several short stories, but she is broadly...

Gender Roles in Medea – Stereotypes & Resistance

Euripides Euripides lived and worked in the 5th century BC; he was a tragedian whose plays won prizes at that time and appeal to the readers of nowadays. The tragedian challenged the gender ideology accepted in his society, which attracts many scholars even in the 21st century AD. The author...

Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

This essay sample explores the symbolism in The Great Gatsby. Some of the symbolism examples are the eyes, color, and the valley of ashes. Find out what they represent with the help of our The Great Gatsby symbolism essay sample! Most of the imposing novels have symbols that represent the...

The Yellow Wallpaper by Gilman: Isolation in a Closed Setting Causing Mental Decline

Introduction “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a classic example of American literature that tells the story of a woman struggling with depression. This story is unique in its kind, as it is written in the first person, which allows the reader to feel the atmosphere of the...

Themes, Style, and Symbolism in Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore

Introduction Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese novelist, short-story writer, and essayist known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and existentialism. He was born in Kyoto, Japan, and grew up in Kobe, where his parents owned a library (Ali 442). This environment exposed him to various literature, including...

Emotional Instability and Fate: A Reassessment of Hamlet’s Character Development

Introduction With his father gone, Hamlet is struck by grief, turning him into a character controlled by anger and bitterness and burdened by the task of revenge when he meets his father’s ghost, who reveals to Hamlet the injustice of his death a couple of months later. At this point,...

Hamlet’s Contrast of King Hamlet and Claudius in Act I Scene II

Introduction In his famous speech in Act I, Scene II, Prince Hamlet remarks that his father and uncle were vastly different individuals. He describes King Hamlet as a “hyperion to a satyr,” emphasizing the stark contrast between his uncle, King Claudius, and his father. Prince Hamlet provides most of his...

Human Nature and Faith in “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Introduction: Identifying Universal Themes in the Story In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” the universal themes of human nature and faith present themselves throughout the narrative. Analyzing the Presence of Two Key Themes The theme of human nature is evident in how the villagers treat...

“Suicide in the Trenches” by Siegfried Sassoon: Combat Gnosticism

Siegfried Sassoon’s Poetry Through his poems, Siegfried Sassoon demonstrates a sharp distinction in the reaction to war. In this way, his poetry is separated into two parts: before and after the war. Under the significant effect of his own military experiences, Sassoon’s perspective on the war underwent a profound shift...

Medea by Euripides: Marginalization and Mistreatment

Medea is an ancient Greek tragedy written by Euripides that focuses on the myth of Jason and Medea, initially published back in 431 BC. Though in a patriarchal environment, Medea portrays a powerful ability that is not only confusing but also inspiring. She holds a controversial character in Euripides that...

The Necklace Setting Analysis

Introduction In “The Necklace,” Guy de Maupassant depicts Mathilde’s character transformation through her interactions with various settings. Discussion The protagonist begins the story as an unhappy woman dissatisfied with her life and longs for wealth and luxury. However, as the story progresses and Mathilde experiences the consequences of her actions,...

The Break Book by Katherena Vermette

Katherena Vermette’s narrative details the circumstances under which a family in North Winnipeg is forced to deal with a violent sexual assault that occurs in the full view of a young Metis woman. Stella must contend with the fact that the young girl she witnessed being molested was her niece,...

“Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams: Analysis

The attachment to illusion and their inability to embrace reality is reiterated in every character in “Glass Menagerie.” Among the three leading ones, the propensity toward wishful thinking and the inability to meet reality is particularly distinctively emphasized in Amanda. Remarkably, her version of an illusion is substantially different form...

Kafka’s Metamorphosis: Biographical Criticism

Introduction Metamorphosis is a work in which an exciting storyline develops from the beginning. The protagonist, Gregor, wakes up in the morning and finds that he has turned into an insect with insect legs, scales, and a shell-like back. Moreover, Gregor has to come to terms with this situation and...

Alcott’s Little Women as a Bildungsroman Novel

Introduction Among well-known coming-of-age novels in the world’s history, Little Women has just been recognized by academics as one of the most powerful Bildungsroman novels for its ability to depict the growth and maturity of the characters. The work by Louisa May Alcott, written in the 19th century, is a...

The Short Story “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner

A heart seeking love and burdened by traditions can open a doorway into madness. The given review and critique will be focused on a short story, “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner, written in 1930. The plot revolves around a town in the state of Mississippi with central characters...

The Aspects of Play “Oedipus Rex”

Introduction The exposition opens with the current events in Thebes, which is one of the core elements of the narrative that is given to the audience. The city of Thebes is troubled by a plague that results in the death of many plants, which are used to feed the population...

Mrs. Mallard in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Introduction The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin features Mrs. Mallard as the main protagonist. It revolves around her inner character, which tends towards preservation. She is portrayed as a woman suffering intensely due to her internal thoughts. Her true personality is one of independence and intelligence. Her independence...

Betrayal and Deceit as Depicted in the Play “Julius Caesar” by Shakespeare

In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the tale is built on a foundation of betrayal and deceit. There are several instances throughout the play in which significant characters are either directly involved or are the victims of enormous betrayals. The most atrocious acts of treachery and dishonesty are...

Literary Analysis of the Iroquois and Cherokee Creation Stories

Introduction One of the essential and eternal questions that have been worrying people since ancient times is the history of the creation of this world, nature, and humanity as a whole. Some persons are content with the existence of several different assumptions and simply prefer to concentrate on their daily...

The Image of Zeus: Virtuous and Despicable Human Traits

Mythology has influenced the world up to the present time and remains meaningful for modern society as it is one of the most significant elements of culture. Contemporary arts, literature, and science continue using ancient myths, and people can find references to them in almost all the spheres of life....

King’s “Colour of Walls” and Heker’s “The Stolen Party”

Introduction The present critical analysis will explore and analyze “Colour of Walls” by Thomas King and “The Stolen Party” by L. Heker. The “Colour of Walls” and “The Stolen Party” give the readers insightful messages about the characters’ experiences and highlight common and robust themes. These stories highlight interesting racism,...

“And of Clay, We Are Created” by Isabel Allende

“And of clay, we are created” by Isabel Allende is a short story that tells the events of a volcanic eruption that led to a mudslide that killed twenty thousand people in Colombia. Isabel Allende is the narrator of the story who watches the incidences unfold from afar. The story...

Jean-Paul Sartre’s Nausea: An Analysis

Introduction Jean-Paul Sartre’s Nausea is a philosophical novel examining human existence and experience through the protagonist’s deteriorating psychological and emotional condition. The hero of the novel, Antoine Roquentin, is a historian who begins to suffer from a constant nauseating feeling that inhibits every aspect of his life. Roquentin’s crisis prompts...

“The Double Image” by Anne Sexton: Poem Analysis

“The Double Image” is a rather significant and famous confessional poem written by Anne Sexton. This is an increasingly severe and profound literary work that can have various meanings and interpretations. The poet tells about her most intimate parts of life and her way through post-traumatic stress disorder. It is...

Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”: Significance of Letters

Introduction Pride and Prejudice is a passionate epistolary novel written by Jane Austen in 1813. Letters are an important part of this novel as they are used to tell the story, develop the characters and build the exposition of themes. Correspondence was a common way of communication during that era....

The Turn of the Screw through Psychoanalytical Lens

In his chef-d’oeuvre novel, The Turn of the Screw, Henry James underlines the psychoanalytical premise that the unconscious mind significantly controls and directs the conscious mind of humans. An unnamed governess, the narrative’s protagonist, qualifies Sigmund Freud’s notion that the normal human mind, in most cases, cannot rationalize its thoughts,...

The Importance of Literature in Society

The emergence of books once revolutionized the teaching process, allowing people to transfer knowledge indirectly, making it more accessible. People can develop new skills independently of others or learn more about the world by merely reading the material on a topic. Written history invites a reader to imagine life before...

The Back of the Bus’ by Mary Mebane and ‘The Sanctuary School’ by Lynda Barry

It is believed that childhood is one of the happiest moments in the life of any person. They are protected by their parents and do not have fears or worries. Unfortunately, there are many cases when the situation contradicts the given stereotypes, and children might suffer from various issues. Thus,...

Marxism and Socialism in “Mending Walls” Poem by Robert Frost

Introduction The poem “Mending Walls” by Robert Frost, written and published in 1914, narrates a story originating from rural New England and talks about a fence between two industrious farmers’ estates that separates their properties. It is worth noting that the wall is rebuilt every spring, and one of the...

“Midterm Break” by Seamus Heaney: Aging, Death and Dying

Introduction Death is notably one of the universal fears that translates to almost every culture, time, and age. All people eventually face death in their lifetime: either their own or their loved ones. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that dying is a widely researched topic in many literary works....

“The Globalization of Eating Disorders” by Susan Bordo

Introduction The success of any article and scientific work also depends on the written skills of the author. If the text is captivating from the first paragraph, the audience continues to read. The most challenging thing is to encourage the readers to finish the article to the end. The persuasiveness...

“Lineage” by Margaret Walker

Margaret Walker was an African American poet and writer who wrote on a level comparable to such well-known names as yesterday’s Langston Hughes or today’s Gwendolyn Brooks, but her name is often not recognized outside of academic circles. Coming out of the oppressed South into the North for her university...

Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby” by Scott Fitzgerald

In contrast to other characters in The Great Gatsby, Nick goes through a number of changes from the beginning to the end of the novel. The entire novel depicts flashbacks made by Nick in revealing a detailed account of the mysteries surrounding Gatsby. Nick is the character who puts together...

“The Overcoat” the Story by N. Gogol

Introduction In the short story “The Overcoat” N. Gogol portrays a small man influenced by social conditions and urban city. The main character of the story is Akakii Akakievich, who works as a clerk copying documents. His single intense desire is not for a rifle, but for an overcoat to...

“Rose for Emily” and “Barn Burning” Comparison

Introduction William Faulkner is one of the great authors of American History. “Barn Burning” and “A Rose for Emily” are counted as his best pieces in American literature. Both stories reflect the values pertaining to a typical Old Southern American society. Faulkner, through these two stories, has very intellectually illustrated...

A&P John Updike Analysis – Essay on the Short Story [New Sample]

This A&P short story analysis will provide you with a plot summary, reveal where the story takes place, and analyze the characters. If you need to write an A&P by John Updike theme essay or any other paper, this sample will inspire you. Introduction A&P by John Updike is a...

Race, Class, and Identity in Toni Morrison’s “Recitatif”

Introduction “Recitatif” is a short story by Toni Morrison that explores themes of race, class, and identity by connecting the two stories of heroines Twyla and Roberta. The book is about the subjective experiences of growing up as children left in an orphanage and how they met each other’s lives....

The Power of Memory and Truth in The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Introduction Times of war have always been a topic for many works, illustrating the lives of civilians and soldiers on both sides. Tim O’Brien’s compilation of short stories titled The Things They Carried delves into the perspectives of American soldiers serving in the Vietnam War. The author delves into the...

Metaphors of Power and Hubris in Sophocles’ Antigone

Introduction The fundamental work of Sophocles, Antigone, boasts a wide variety of literary techniques. Allusions, symbolism, and various themes are used by Sophocles to reinforce the message he wanted to convey through his work. Metaphors play one of the biggest roles in this regard, being used to provide a better...

Themes of Racism and Identity in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye

Introduction Literature conveys various aspects of human life with unwavering precision, allowing us to delve into the world of characters and their personal experiences. One such work is Tony Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye, which explores the complex theme of racism, belonging, and self-esteem among African Americans in 20th-century American...

Exploring Trauma in “They Called Us Enemy” and “Maus” Through Visuals

Introduction “They Called Us Enemy,” co-written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott and drawn by Harmony Becker, is a crucial tribute to the dread and federal bigotry within America’s borders eight decades ago. Meanwhile, Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” depicts the horrors of the Holocaust as well as the challenges...

Discussion of Evidence for Hamlet’s Madness

Whether Hamlet actually is insane or not, remains among the most debatable questions in studying Shakespeare’s masterpiece. In one respect, the plot includes his decision to imitate mental illness, to which many appeal as to the main argument that it was not real. On the contrary, the essential specialty of...

“I, Too” by Langston Hughes: Historical Context

The poem I, Too was written in the year 1925, leading to a discussion of the historical background. Primarily, one of the most impactful and devastating events that took place around the time of these works was racial segregation, which started approximately around the 19th century and ended in 1964...

Sophocles’ Oedipus the King Analysis

Introduction Greek poets set the groundwork for dramatic literature. Scholars and critics alike believe Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus the King to be the pinnacle of his achievements as a writer in ancient Greece. A crucial and divisive issue in Sophocles’ day is explored in the play: The Gods’ will versus man’s...

Religious Fanaticism in “The Prophet’s Hair” by Salman Rushdie

Introduction The story written by Salman Rushdie focuses on the theft of Prophet Muhammad’s Hair, a powerful relic that could offer its possessor a blessing or a curse. Most of the story illustrates the horrible consequences that Huma’s family faced when the head of the family and Huma’s father, Hashim,...

Stylistic and Literary Devices of “Hamlet”

The play Hamlet is one of the most dubious and intriguing works of William Shakespeare. The author shows Hamlet, an educated man, always in the search process, with a deep sense of empathy for everything that surrounds him. However, life forces him to face true evil in various manifestations. With...

Racism and Injustice in “Monster” Novel by Myers

As a rule, observing people in a courtroom in reality is beyond boring. Once the realm of the place where justice is supposed to serve is deprived of its mystery veil, it is rendered nearly mundane. However, “Monster” takes several steps further to examine the courtroom events, people, and even...

Reasons for Downfall of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King

Oedipus the King is a well-known tragedy about ancient Greeks and the king of Thebes written by Sophocles. The content attracts the reader’s attention for many reasons, and one of them is the development of the events that result in the main character’s killing his father and marrying his mother....

The “Nineteen Thirty-Seven” Novel by Edwidge Danticat

Nineteen Thirty-Seven is a short novel written by Edwidge Danticat. The life of Josephine is a significant element in the book, as she uses flashbacks to dwell on her predicaments, which show her pain and suffering. The plot of the novel sheds light on tragic events, namely, the murder of...

Naturalism in “To Build a Fire” Story by Jack London

In the short story To Build a Fire by Jack London, a man undergoes a lonely journey under the severe environment of the Yukon, attempting to avoid dangerous complications related to freezing temperatures. However, the traveler commits several crucial errors, which ultimately result in his demise. The first mistake made...

Transcendental Ideas in Frederick Douglass’ Memoirs

One of the seminal literary works revealing the theme of historical legacy is The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, written as the memoirs of a dark-skinned American slave. The book proper consists of eleven chapters describing, in chronological order, childhood, the stages of learning to write, the periods...

Ambiguity of Goodness in O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”

In the chef-d’oeuvre story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find”, O’Connor presents an ambiguous definition of goodness. The characters in the story including the Grandmother and the Misfit live by different moral codes, with each insisting that he or she is good. The Misfit murders and entire family, but...

“The Red Dress” by Alice Munroe

Introduction “The Red Dress” is a short story by Alice Munroe, published in 1946. The tale is told from the point of view of a young girl who goes to high school and lives with her mother, who sews outfits for her daughter. The purpose of this paper is to...

“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: A More Positive Ending

“The Lottery” is a famous short story by Shirley Jackson that embodies a great number of themes and encourages readers all over the world to take a critical look at traditions and related problems and think about the sanctity of life in different societies. Having read the ending, one suddenly...

The Fight between Good and Evil in Harry Potter Series

Introduction The peculiarity of Rowling’s books is that, as in life’s reality, good and evil tend to penetrate each other, replace one another and intertwine so closely that it is challenging for the hero to distinguish one from the other. Consequently, the choice of his path is complicated enough as...

Dagoberto Gilb’s Story “Love in L.A”

Theme and Character Analysis Dagoberto Gilb’s story Love in L.A is an indication of how love in the modern society is considered. The story presents an ironic scenario of love in the modern society. Traditionally, two strangers would meet and after a short time of interaction, the strangers would fall...

The Short Story “A Wall of Fire Rising” by Edwidge Danticat

Edwidge Danticat utilizes her short story, “A Wall of Fire Rising,” to paint a picture of life in Haiti for the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. In particular, the elemental story, as well as a haunting tale, revolves around a father’s shame and feeling of guilt and a child’s innocence, in...

“The Book of Questions” by Pablo Neruda

The Book of Questions by Pablo Neruda is a complicated and stimulating poem that encourages readers to delve deeper into the fundamental questions of life and reality. From the very beginning, the speaker asks a set of four questions that are seemingly unrelated to one another at first glance. The...

How Money and Wealth Depicted in the Fitzgerald’s “Great Gatsby”

Introduction Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby documents a classical manifestation of the implications of social status and wealth. Fitzgerald uses numerous examples to illustrate material and wealth as though very influential and make people powerful; it cannot imply or buy happiness for an individual. In essence, wealth is portrayed as...

Housewife’s Role in “Woman’s Work” by Julia Alvarez

Women are often required to be good wives, mothers, nurses, teachers, breadwinners, and housekeepers at the same time. All of them deserve gratitude and praise, but women’s work is often invisible. In her poem “Woman’s Work,” Julia Alvarez discusses the domestic role of women and their input in the family....

Personification in the Works of Robert Frost, William Blake, and Thomas Wolfe

In Robert Frost’s poem “Out, Out”, personification plays a significant role. The poet deliberately gives the saw human qualities to impress the reader, for example, it “leaped out at the boy’s hand” (Frost 30, line 16). This effect is used to show the strong intention of the saw to hurt...

Comparison and Contrast of the Poems Written by British Romantic Poets

Introduction Romanticism is an artistic movement that united various creators from different epochs and determined the characteristic peculiarities of creative thought of the time. Originated at the end of the eighteenth century in Europe, Romanticism influenced the development of art in its many forms throughout the nineteenth century and beyond....

“Life of Pi”: Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Survival

One cannot say that the book “Life of Pi” is devoted to animals, like, for instance, the books by Seton Thomson or Gerald Durrell, who express their love of wildlife in books. In contrast to them, Martel presents a philosophic and religiously oriented account of the life of a human...

Critical Analysis of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Play

Introduction In his well-known play called Midsummer Night’s Dream William Shakespeare describes a case of interaction between the world of humans and the world of supernatural creatures. The drama that revolves around several couples ends up in a massive confusion caused by the meddling of elves and fairies. Initially, the...

Gender Roles: “What’s That Smell in the Kitchen” by Piercy

Introduction “What’s That Smell in the Kitchen” by Marge Piercy is a poem that relates to my childhood experience. Since I was young, I have been taught by my parents and grandparents that my role as a woman was to perform domestic chores like cooking, cleaning, etc. On the contrary,...

Conflicts in Harper Lee’s Novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Write about the conflicts portrayed in the book as the trial unfolds and intensifies. Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird reveals the central conflict of society and humanity that is represented through Boo’s disagreements with the entire town Maycomb, the conflict between the black accused and the white justice...

Related Topics

Comparison: “Strong Men” by Sterling Brown and “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay

The works which are written and performed by different African-American authors have many similarities about motives and themes discussed in them. To analyze the presentation of the problem of racism in the country, it is necessary to refer to the poems “Strong Men” written by Sterling A. Brown and “If...

Shakespeare Authorship Debate: Historical, Literary, and Linguistic Perspectives

Introduction William Shakespeare is primarily recognized as one of the most renowned personalities in English literature, with his plays and sonnets widely regarded as among the finest works of literature ever written in the English language. However, scholars and fans have long debated who wrote Shakespeare’s plays. The authorship controversy...

Father-Son Dynamics in Fences: Troy Maxson’s Legacy and Generational Conflict

Introduction August Wilson’s “Fences” is a poignant exploration of the complexities within father-son relationships, set against the backdrop of 1950s Pittsburgh. The play not only delves into the personal struggles of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector, but also provides a profound examination of how...

Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams

Introduction In William Carlos Williams brief tale “The Use of Force,” the narrator, a physician, is summoned to examine a sick child, Mathilda Olson. The child resists the doctors attempts to identify her illness, refusing to open her mouth to be examined (Williams). What ensues is a tense and violent...

Exploring Self-Discovery in Pablo Neruda’s ‘We Are Many’ Poem

Introduction In the translated poem “We Are Many” by Pablo Neruda, the speaker delves into identity and the challenge of self-discovery amid life’s intricacies. Through vivid imagery and a sense of self-deprecation, Neruda conveys the idea that societal expectations and personal insecurities often overshadow one’s true self. The poem reflects...

“If Beale Street Could Talk” Symbols of Love and Injustice in Baldwin’s Novel

Introduction “If Beale Street Could Talk” by James Baldwin is a moving examination of love, family, and racial injustice in 1970s Harlem. Baldwin uses various signs and symbols throughout the narrative to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of human experience, particularly within the African-American community. This analysis delves into how Baldwin...

Exploring Life’s Complexity Through “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom

Introduction This introduction begins with an in-depth examination of the various stages of the human experience through the entertaining “Tuesdays with Morrie” story. By immersing readers in the emotionally charged bond between Albom and Schwartz, the author’s work sheds light on the intricate nature of human existence. Through a concise...

Propaganda in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller

The Crucible by Arthur Miller examines the widespread fear and persecution experienced during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century. Throughout the play, various propaganda techniques are employed to sway public opinion and defend the witch hunts. It is most realistic to remark that black, grey and white...

Irony in “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl

The irony, a literary device that provides a clashing of the choice of word and its intended meaning, features prominently within Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter. The utilization of irony in its various forms is often a component of allowing a work to illuminate the complexities and contradictions of...

Analysis of the “Wit” Play by Margaret Edson

Introduction Wit by Margaret Edson is a dramatic work exploring incurable diseases, the power of language, and what makes life worth living. In her play, the author explores the inner life of an English professor suffering from an incurable disease. As the woman nears death, she asks tough questions about...

Gulliver’s Travels by Swift: A Literary Analysis

Swift was a figure of the Enlightenment Era, covering almost the entire first half of the eighteenth century. That time has entered the history of humanity as a time of progress and reform, the time of the dawn of human self-consciousness. Many Enlightenment thinkers defended the ideas of freedom and...

Tones of “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction The given analysis will primarily focus on the tone of the story and characters as an element of fiction. The tone in the story by Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephant” is dichotomous, which means that two opposite perspectives and demonstrations are presented in order to provide two lenses...

Emotional and Physical Difficulties in The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

The book, “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien represents war’s emotional and physical burdens. The author captures his story and his colleagues, other soldiers who endure moral, emotional, and physical difficulties. The physical commitment includes military gear and other objects from those they left behind. They had guns and...

Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter” Story and Hitchcock’s Film

Introduction It is quite common for initial literary works and their further film adaptations to have a number of differences in plots and characters’ behaviors. Such a situation refers to the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl and the short film Lamb to the Slaughter by Alfred...

Of Man and The Stream of Time by R. Carson

Introduction In a 1962 speech at Scripps College, Rachel Carson helped kickstart mainstream environmental and conservationist movements. She focuses on how humanity has interacted with nature in historical and modern times. Carson uses her understanding of the man-nature relationship to establish the concept of the former against the latter. Carson...

Analysis of Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin

Summary The short story “Desiree’s Baby,” written by Kate Chopin, touches upon various cultural, psychological, and philosophical topics. Within this story, Chopin discusses the issues of unconditional love, acceptance, self-identification, and race (Hassan and Tayib 139). The last problem has always been the severe obstacle to establishing understanding within different...

“A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns

As a person and as a poet, R. Burns was influenced by two national cultures, Scottish and English. The lyrics of R. Burns were close to folk not only in sound, but in content. He was imbued with a mood of sincere sympathy for working people and mocking contempt for...

Why Antigone Cannot Be the Tragic Hero

A great tragedian, Sophocles, gave Greek tragedies their conventional form. Specifically, he started the tradition of including a tragic hero with four distinctive characteristics: the presence of a rank, a tragic flaw, a downfall, and a recognition of mistakes. In Sophocle’s “Antigone,” the eponymous character initially seems like the story’s...

New Historicism: “Big Black Good Man” by Wright

Introduction “Big Black Good Man” is a story by Richard Wright published in 1958. This narration helps the reader to grasp not only the author’s ideas about kindness and prejudice but also reflects the attitudes and racial prejudice that existed in the 1950s. The reader can use the events described...

The Revenge Theme in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a play driven by revenge, with many of the main characters falling victim to it. There is no denying that revenge is a powerful feeling that can completely dominate and destroy a human’s life. One of the most common justifications for revenge is the pursuit of justice...

“Woman’s Work” Poem by Julia Alvarez

Alvarez addresses the domesticated lives of women and the conflict over their duties in a household. Traditionally, women were expected to stay at home and perform homemaking roles such as house cleaning and taking care of their families. From the poem, Alvarez refuses to accept this norm because women should...

“The Man Who Planted Trees” by Jean Giono

The story “The Man Who Planted Trees” was written by the French writer Jean Giono in 1953. It tells the story of an old man who spent thirty years of his life planting trees in a valley in France, transforming the once barren land into a blooming garden. The story...

Book Report “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll

Introduction “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll is one of the most significant provocative works in world literature. It is an unusual fairy tale that does not leave either adults or children indifferent. On the beautiful summer day on July 4, 1862, the English writer traveled on the River Thames...

Fortunato in “The Cask of Amontillado” by Poe

In a story as concise and rightly packed as Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” every little detail serves to highlight and stress the piece’s main conflict. This certainly applies to the story’s secondary character – the protagonist’s perceived arch-nemesis Fortunato. There are two symbols clearly related to Fortunato...

“Why Don’t You Dance?” Book by Raymond Carver

In “Why Don’t You Dance?”, Raymond Carver tells a story about a man who puts most of his belongings for sale. As he takes the furniture out of the house, cars pass by until one of them stops. A boy and a girl exit the vehicle and start examining the...

“A Raisin in the Sun” Play by Lorraine Hansberry

In the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” several important themes are explored. George Murchison strives towards assimilationism as a way of addressing consistent racial discrimination, while Beneatha sees assimilation as a manifestation of George’s fear of his heritage. Moreover, George sees heritage as “raggedy-assed spirituals and some grass huts!”...

Social Issues in August Wilson’s “Fences”

August Wilson’s “Fences” delves into the lives of African Americans. More specifically, Wilson uses the life of the protagonist Troy Maxson to explore common social conflicts and themes such as love, gender roles, and responsibility. Troy’s conflict with the Whites, as well as Tory’s relationship with Rose, are two dominant...

“Love, I’m Done with You” by Ross Gay: A Poem Analysis

Love, I’m Done with You by Ross Gay shows the poet’s feelings after escaping from his partner. He realizes how wretched their relationship was and everything he liked about his beloved was an illusion. Gay sees all the flaws of his partner, which he did not pay attention to before....

“Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

In 19th century American literature, Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849) took his rightful place as a writer and poet, whose works became the first examples of American national literature. Edgar’s endeavor played a significant role in world literature: he stands at the origins of the poetry of symbolism, detective,...