American Literature

Though William Faulkners works were well respected enough to earn him a place of its own in the world of early twentieth century literature, he is also tied close to the Southern Renaissance movement, which encapsulated literature in the region just after World War I and helped to change the perception of the South abroad. Faulkers own struggle with identity is an interesting item to behold, especially considering the fact that the author wrote on many items that related to the theme of identity...

Marijuana has long been used by different cultures around the world. Today, many sectors are pushing for its legalization. Marijuana use does not induce crime, it is a potential medicine, and its sale will stimulate the economy. Studies show that marijuana use decreases aggression (Tinklenberg, 1981). And while possession related arrests are considerable, alcohol-related crimes are higher. By decriminalizing marijuana use, government agencies can focus more time and resources against other illegal...

The humble beginnings of Festus Claudius Claude McKay emanated in Jamaica, West Indies where his parents Hannah Ann Elizabeth Edwards and Thomas Francis McKay were considered well-to-do farmers. They had enough properties in order to be qualified for voting. His first school was at the age of four in a church where he attended. He lived with his older brother at seven. His brother owned a library of huge number of books encompassing science, poetry and novels. This was considered his best opportunity...

John Kennedy Tooles novel, A Confederacy of Dunces, is well regarded throughout literary circles and stands as Tooles defining work. The author was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction after the books publishing, but was not around to celebrate his triumph. The novel was not published until 1980, which came a full eleven years after the authors suicide in New Orleans. As an only child growing up in a privileged world in New Orleans, Toole received many advantages that he used to his own benefit....

I. Part one Topic a) Dickey as iconoclastic writer who critiqued civilisation from the standpoint of an outsider b) Critical controversy around confessionalism obscures artistic and existential greatness (Oates) c) Existential discomfort in reader leads to openness to critique d) Thesis Dickeys poetry derives its power from human tendency to descend and ascend, or die and be reborn e) Escape from mechanized and alienating existence in natural world, place of spiritual becoming Dickeys goal is to...

In short stories and novels, journeys usually serve as tests on which characters embark and through which they realize their destiny as well as limits. Neddy Merrills journey back home through swimming is a form of holy pilgrimage for him, which would allow him to move through life with no bag or baggage, no attachment or connection with the world he thought he knew so well. Neddys descent into the public pool is as much significant in his journey as that in the private pools, as it signifies an...

Mrs. Ramsays character has been defined as the epicentre of the novel To the Lighthouse because it holds everything and everyone elses character together. She is the third stroke of the light house long and deep enduring but not invasive, guiding and benevolent. There is an immediacy and intensity about her. There are unique spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions to her character, which give her a memorable, well-rounded and fascinating quality. Through the use of the stream of consciousness...