“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Allan Edgar Poe
This provides us with the clue, as to the discursive significance of the old man's eye, as one of the story's foremost motifs.
American Literature Essay Examples and Topics
The process of writing an essay on American literature should begin with the creation of an outline. The structure lists the essential points you want to cover in the paper and provides you with a framework you will use to write it.
The finished result should adhere to the initial list. However, you can modify it if you find new matters you want to discuss.
Without a clear outline, your American literature essay may appear weak and disconnected. A work that has one will appear more interesting and convincing, even if it contains the same ideas.
When writing an outline for an essay, you should first list all of the ideas that come to your mind when thinking of the topic.
They do not necessarily have to be contained solely within the work. For example, you can research the author’s life and identify a connection between his ideas and romanticism.
Then, you will reduce the number of ideas by folding some of them into other, related ones as lesser mentions. Lastly, organize the order in which you will cover the topics so that it follows a logical progression.
Here are some tips for your outline creation:
- Always include an introduction and conclusion into your outline. They are critical elements for a literature essay.
- When writing critical essays on American literature, try to associate each major point with an external piece of evidence.
- Try to choose your themes so that they are connected. This will make it easier to maintain a progression between different topics.
- Choose your titles and subtitles so that they are clear and concise.
To find American literature research paper ideas and American literature topics as well as samples that illustrate the process of outline creation, visit IvyPanda.
“Babylon Revisited” by Scott Fitzgerald
The crash of the stock market that results in economic depression is a result of the sinful extravagance of the wealthy and can be related to this prophecy.
“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” a Story by Ernest Hemingway
After all the emotional suffering he had taken her through, Harry is touched by the fact that she manages to remain loving and friendly.
“A Darkling Plain” a Book by Kristen Monroe
For example, Frank the Soldier jokes about the experiences of his life during the war in a bid to cover up the horrible experiences of the war. Other people retain their humanity by repressing and [...]
“Harrison Bergeron” a Short Story by Kurt Vonnegut
He argues that egalitarianism calls for the suppression of the bright and hardworking in order for them to be equal with the rest; that it assigns much importance to peaceful living at the expense of [...]
“The Chrysanthemums” a Short Story by John Steinbeck
The description of the Salinas Valley; closed off "from the sky and the rest of the world" by "the grey-flannel winter fog," which "sat on the mountains like a lid" such that it made the [...]
Childhood Fantasies in “Monsters” by Anna Quindlen
After high school, I decided to pursue theology in college, which, in my opinion, explains the mysteries that surround the origin of the universe, life's purpose, and mankind's destiny.
“World War Z” a Book by Max Brooks
This could not hold because the League of Nations failed to prevent the most tragic war in the world that is, the Second World War.
“Maus: A Survivor’s Tale” a Novel by Art Spiegelman
Intertwined throughout the story is the turbulent and pragmatic relationship between Art and his elderly father. This was the root of the overwrought relationship that existed between Vladek and his son because he held his [...]
“Winter Dreams” Story by F. Scott Fitzgerald
His emotions and dreams get the best of him as he even refuses to be treated as inferior by Miss Judy Jones, a lady who presents to him the picture of being an American elite.
Edgar Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” and “Ligeia”
His method of murder signifies what he knows of stone masonry, of which he is a member, instead of the Masons, which is a secret organization that Fortunato is a member of.
Tayo in “Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko
In the book Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, the author brings into light Tayo, the main protagonist in the story, his relations with other characters in the book and brings out the effects of these [...]
“What Should I Do with My Life?” by Po Bronson
On the other hand, there is a moment in Ali's story, which reminds me exactly of what I was feeling every day before I decided to move out of my stepmother's house.
“Them Dodgers Is My Gallant Knights” by Harley Henry
From the title of the article to the use of graphic representation, such as the picture of the injured Feller's mother lying in the hospital bed, Henry strives, and quite sufficiently so, to show the [...]
Hollywood in “Recount” by Carey McWilliams
What is more threatening is that all people involved in the movie industry find it hard to distinguish between the real world and the one that is dictated by Hollywood.
Hospitality History in “Hotel” by Arthur Hailey
The author fulfilled the purpose of the book and the needs of the audience, as he described realistic events, created a down-to-earth hero and made the plot thrilling.
“About Men” a Book by Gretel Ehrlich
She starts by introducing herself and where she comes from and thus informing the reader that she has experience of whatever she is about to discuss. The theme is developed throughout the essay by a [...]
“The Grapes of Wrath” the Book by John Steinbeck
In company with other 'Okies,' they tried to find land, dignity, employment, and future for their children.'The Grapes of Wrath' begins with a representation of the Dust Bowl, the incident that brings about all that [...]
Cultural Conflicts in Fadiman’s “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”
The case described by the author is a clear reflection of the situation where the two sides were not ready to compromise, which led to the tragedy.
“A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor
After all, as the author shows in this particular story, it is named on the account of self-righteous/pious but perceptually arrogant individuals that the saying "road to hell is made out of good intentions" continues [...]
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Gilman uses horror and suspense in the cautionary tale to demonstrate the effect of the supposed arest cures' on the mental state of a patient.
African American Literature Digest Continued
The principal theses of the article are easy to enumerate; these are the origin of the African American literature, the stages of its development, its most famous writers and their impact on the literature and [...]
“Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls
The entire story is a documentation of the happiness that the dogs brought to Bill, and its conclusion is practically an illustration of how fond memories always stay with the individuals left behind after the [...]
“Recitatif” a Book by Toni Morrison
The author leads the reader through the intricacy of the events occurring to Twyla and Roberta and does not provide the reader with exact information about the girls' race.
“The Short Bus” by Jonathan Mooney
Although most of his meetings are beautiful and inspiring stories, some of the encounters represent the communicational issues that are inevitable in interaction with the people, who have been isolated from the society due to [...]
“Smell Detectives” by Melanie Kiechle: Book Review
One of the most important themes that come out clearly in this book is the sense of smell and its significance in promoting hygiene in the major cities of the United States before the Civil [...]
Globalization, Food and Ethnic Identity in Literature
Along with the analysis of globalization and ethnic identity in literature, understanding food culture through the works of Asian American authors is outlined.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
Although I have never been in a situation similar to Henrietta Lacks, I still had to deal with some aspects of the issue related to the patient's control over their body.
A Semi-Autobiographical Story “Drown” by Junot Diaz
The book engages with its readers, inviting them to a journey of personal growth and the struggles that the lead character experiences in the process.
Octavia’s “Kindred”: Crossing Genre Boundaries
Therefore, "Kindred" remains one of the few novels that allow understanding the emotional core of the relationships between African Americans and White Americans and specify the effects that the choice between slavery and freedom has [...]
“Intoxicated by My Illness” by Anatole Broyard
It is instead time to think about the essence of a happy and full life and gather as many pleasant and unforgettable moments as possible.
The Short Story “Borders” by Thomas King
Being a person of Cherokee origin, the author is concerned with discussing the problems of the First Nations, paying focused attention to cultural heritage, and the disadvantages of total assimilation.
Ethnic Identity in Asian American Literature
Therefore, the search for the possibilities of natural assimilation and the acceptance of different nationalities living in the same territory is an essential and responsible task.
“Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving
At the same time, the story draws a parallel to the uprising itself, with the tyranny of Rip's wife leading him to try and escape, only for this woman to disappear before his return.
“Wonder” Children’s Novel by Raquel J. Palacio
However, the little girl defends the pig and states that it is unfair to kill it "just because it's smaller than the others".
“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman
One of the fascinating fragments of this book is the ninth chapter."A Little Medicine and a Little Neeb" - this is the title of the chapter, which I will be reflecting on below.
“The Walking Dead” Graphic Novel by Kirkman
The combination of its setting in a ravenous world and details adding to the suspense that soars in the novel due to the careful use of shadows and line work keeps readers on their toes, [...]
American Stories for Secondary Education Classes
The short story describes the adventures of a Dutch settler who lives idly in a small village in the times preceding the turmoil of the American Civil War and enjoys the simple pleasures of strolling [...]
Paul Bunyan’s Contribution to American Folklore
The history of Paul Bunyan is therefore attributable to the oral traditions of many loggers in Pennsylvania. The character of Bunyan was eventually popularized by William Laughead towards the end of the 19th century.
“The Shame of the Nation” a Book by Jonathan Kozol
In his book, Kozol presented the stories and events that were a part of his personal experiences and motivated him to focus on the research of the problems of institutional racism and the normalization of [...]
“Rachel and Her Children” a Book by Jonathan Kozol
In particular, the author provided some statistical data about the rates of homelessness in the country, the number of people living in the streets, and their demographics.
“The Fight in the Fields” a Book by Susan Ferriss
The focus of the reading is on the identity of Chavez and the evolution of the United Farm Workers, which is also the major event in the book.
“Inherent Vice” by Thomas Pynchon
In this way, Shasta's image can be regarded as a metaphor of time, and the hero's search for her can be seen as resistance against the course of time.
“The Train from Hate” a Book by John Hope Franklin
In the reading "The Train from Hate", John Hope Franklin gives a critical description of the problem of racial segregation in the American society.
“Death of a Salesman” a Book by Arthur Miller
Loman believes that Biff has wasted time and money, and is throwing his life away. To defend himself, Biff lies to his father that he has a potential business meeting the very next day.
“Everyday Use” Story by Alice Walker
As a result, she can be considered a reliable narrator as she describes both of her daughters honestly and without skipping over any of the unpleasant bit of their backgrounds such as the fire that [...]
“The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane
The central characters, the correspondent, the captain, the oiler, and the cook, are all survivors of a shipwreck which left them stranded in the water in a small and flimsy dinghy.
Harriet Jacobs’ Book “The Incidents of a Slave Girl”
It is hypothesized that there are several symbols such as the attic, the topic of slavery, and the theme of womanhood that may define this book as one of the best representations of slavery and [...]
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce
The short novel tells a story of Peyton Farquhar, who was sentenced to death by hanging by the members of the Union after he confused one of the Union soldiers for the member of the [...]
“First Person Plural” by Cameron West
The reader, who gets deeply engaged in the narrative, feels a kind of false hope that Cameron is going to get better when he leaves for California with his family and starts to undergo treatment [...]
“Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
Ruth did not abandon her affection for her father even as an adolescent, their goodnight kiss ritual, motivated by her seeing her mother as a rival due to the latter's lack of maternal care, was [...]
“Tortilla Flat” by John Steinbeck
One of the most notable aspects of a contemporary living in the West is that, as time goes on, more and more people tend to adopt a highly individualistic approach to addressing life-challenges while assuming [...]
“The Man in the High Castle” by Philip Kindred Dick
There is the West - the Great Nazi Reich, the East - the Pacific States, and the Center - the Neutral Zone (the States of the Rocky Mountains and most of the Midwest that was [...]
Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour”: Feminist Statement
Thus, specific feminist ideas in "The Story of an Hour" can be discussed from the point of the woman's inequality in marriage and the point of the woman's freedom.Mrs.
“The Wind” a Novel by Dorothy Scarborough
The author focuses on the thoughts of the protagonist, Letty Mason, and shows the world through her eyes. Letty is a young woman that is not prepared to live in the harsh environment of her [...]
The Green Mile: Interview with Stephen King
I cannot help but agree with this fact because this powerful combination of the novel and the movie helps to understand each character better, develop a personal attitude to the author of the novel, and [...]
Jody Sparks in Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Joe's entry into Janie's life is at an appropriate moment, since Janie is on the verge of breaking up with her former husband due to mistreatment, and Joe creates the opportunity that Janie has been [...]
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora N. Hurston
When Janie decides to move in with Tea Cake, she secretly conceals two hundred dollars in her shirt pocket, and fears to reveal the secret to Tea Cake. Tea Cake's role in the novel is [...]
“The Man in the High Castle” by Philip Dick
Robert Childan is considered to be one of the key characters of The Man in the High Castle as he makes a significant contribution into the unraveling of the plot.
“A Rose for Emily” a Book by William Faulkner
However, in the course of the third part of the story, Faulkner quickly shifts from Miss Emily and Homer conjuring up some form of a relationship to discussing her purchasing the poison.
“To Build a Fire” a Story by Jack London
Another of the details that support the postulation that the main idea of the story is that assumptions can kill is the inability of the main character to recognize his limitations.
Racial Injustice in “The New Jim Crow” by M. Alexander
The author believes that it can be one of the new systems used to control society and affect African Americans negatively even though it seems to make the USA safer for the representatives of the [...]
“The Color Purple” a Novel by Alice Walker
Thus, the recognition of an individual in the society, the respect of the individual rights and freedoms are fundamental in the determination of a person as a part of that society.
“The Poisonwood Bible” a Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
The dramatic story with dense and dynamic plot narrated on behalf of five women the priest's wife and daughters, unfolds the large-scale picture of the country which failed to withstand the pressure of colonialism and [...]
“Travels With Charley” a Book by John Steinbeck
Although his participation is sometimes attributed to the author's fascination with dogs, Charley actually serves two functions in the novel: he is an important character that helps to highlight the author's point and a plot-forming [...]
Puritans in “Young Goodman Brown” by N. Hawthorne
It is essential to realize that the concepts of the good and the evil are perceived from the perspective of one's moral development.
“Be Safe I Love You” a Book by Cara Hoffman
As a rule, this is accomplished by the mean of the author encouraging readers to recognize the societal implications of the abstractly sounding terms and notions, which have a great effect on the unraveling of [...]
White Supremacy in “White Like Me” by Tim Wise
The central theme of White Like Me is the erroneous notion that today's society is totally devoid of racial problems and is, according to the popular concept, "post-racial".
John Hale’s Image in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
The book is concerned with the topic of witch trials taking place in the city of Salem, the Province of Massachusetts Bay, 1692-1693; it features a number of characters, some of whom depict the real [...]
“To Any Would-Be Terrorists” by Naomi Shihab Nye
While trying to address the extremist audience, the writer resorted to the strong methods of personification to be able to talk straight to each reading the letter. Despite the character of the text, the writer [...]
“Paul’s Case” a Short Story by Willa Cather
In this sense, the author manages to inform the audience that Paul is drowning in his thoughts and barely shows his concern for others, thus, showing the depth of his unhappiness.
Jennifer Egan’s “A Visit from the Goon Squad”
The issue of time and its preciousness is the key aspect of Jennifer Egan's book A Visit from the Goon Squad.
“The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains” by Wister
The narrator is a protagonist who observes the main hero from a distance and gives the reader the opportunity to assess the originality and character of the cowboy independently.
“Into Thin Air” a Book by Jon Krakauer
By this point, the decision to climb Everest can be ascribed to its romantic nature, and the sense of adventure that is embedded in it.
“Vietnamerica: A Family’s Journey” by G.B. Tran
Clearly, the way the author tells the story of his family is remarkable as it can be applied to almost every family of a Vietnamese immigrant in the USA.
“Life After Death” a Book by Damien Echols
Thanks to the newly-attained DNA evidence that pointed at the unknown suspect present at the crime scene, in 2011 the West Memphis Three were able to sign the Alford plea that allowed them to maintain [...]
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
For example, The Catcher in the Rye is a book that appeals to the majority of adults while the representatives of the younger generation often turn out to be not able to come to the [...]
“To Build a Fire” Short Story by Jack London
Out of a variety of the elements depicted in the story, the greatest impression is made by the conflict between the man and his wolf dog.
The Novel “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
Speaking more precisely, the renovation of the soul and the renovation of nature go together in stressing the significance of the change. Mallard's life and the story in general.
“Because I Could Not Stop For Death” by Emily Dickinson
The poem's unique touch is the characterization of death and the consequent relationship between this character and the speaker. The interaction between death the metaphor and death the symbol is one of the factors that [...]
“Babylon Revisited” by Francis Scott Fitzgerald
The power of this short story is not only in the beauty of portraying human beings but also in the way it scrutinizes attitudes to and perceptions of life, the present and the past, love [...]
American South Literature
Some of the most common themes that can be found in Southern literature are dedicated to the dominant religion practiced in this region Christianity, the ethnic communities that inhabit it, class division of the Southern [...]
“It’s Your Ship” a Book by Michael Abrashoff
While a leader is a good example of a professional, his or her subordinates are more likely to execute orders to reach the level of this person.
“The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton
However, once the lover of the king's daughter is given the dreadful choice, the princess secretly interferes with the chance and gives the man a hint to open the door on the right.
National Identity in “Song of Solomon” by Morrison
In this novel, Morrison, from her feminist viewpoint, depicts the successful quest for the personal and national identity of the main character Milkman, who finds the solution in African national values and the act of [...]
Racism and Prejudice: “Gone with the Wind” and The Help
The current paper will discuss the issues of racism and prejudice in two brilliant pieces of art: Kathryn Stockett's novel "The Help" and the movie "Gone with the Wind" directed by Victor Fleming.
“Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed
Tiny Beautiful Things is also a memoir with a strong element of self-help built in it; the author is in the role of Sugar who answers questions sent to her by ordinary people for the [...]
“Beloved” a Novel by Toni Morrison
The plot of Beloved is rather complex due to the flashbacks that are revealed with the help of storytelling and provide the reader with the opportunity to go back in time for several decades.
Qualities in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by O’Connor
The confrontation between the Grandmother and Misfit has many direct allusions to Christianity such as that the criminal plays the role of the Devil's advocate.
“The Giver”: Novel by Lowry and Film by Noyce
Having the plot in common, the book and the film have some slight differences in the content, and the most significant of them can be acknowledged the theme of love which is touched upon only [...]
Postpartum Depression Analysis in “Yellow Wallpaper”
In reality, postpartum depression is the disease that has to be treated with the help of specific medications and therapies that are appropriate for a patient.
“Aurora” by Junot Diaz
Both the dominant role and the level of authority exercised by Yunior's father and his observations of the older boys' attitudes towards the girls share the same set of characteristics and thus can be linked [...]
Feminism in the “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
This piece of writing reveals the concept of gender in general and "the role of female protagonists in a largely patriarchal world" in particular. In Plath's novel, the bell jar is a metaphor used to [...]
Themes and Symbolism in “Fahrenheit 451”
The kerosene fire that the firemen use is associated with the chaotic nature of fire and the firemen's desire to destroy.
“Lusus Naturae” by Margaret Atwood
It turns out that a family is ready to kill their blood and flesh in order to show society that they are one of them and that they are not on the side of something [...]
“Bartleby, The Scrivener” by Herman Melville
Right from the start, the Lawyer admits that "Bartleby was one of those beings of whom nothing is ascertainable, except from the original sources", yet he is also the character who is central to the [...]
“The World According to Garp” a Book by John Irving
The paper is a critical analysis of one of the most famous books of John Irving that is called The World According to Garp.
“The Story of An Hour” by Kate Chopin
The key purpose of the story is to bring awareness to an issue that a human being is born to be free.
“Riders of the Purple Sage” Western by Zane Grey
The book "Riders of the Purple Sage" was one of the first in the genre western. Overall, storylines intertwine the fates of the main characters, which allows the audience to understand them better, and an [...]
The Damned Human Race by Mark Twain
This is a clear indication of the great distinction that exists between the higher animals and man. Despite the negative attributes of a man, he is also religious.