Introduction Heteronormativity is a social construct that assumes heterosexuality as the default and normal sexual orientation, marginalizing and stigmatizing other forms of sexual identity. This essay aims to explore the presence of heteronormativity in John Cleland's novel, "Fanny Hill." By delving into the plot, characters,...
Ever find yourself standing on a beach? You know, with waves crashing around and that salty smell everywhere? That’s kinda the vibe Matthew Arnold sets up in his poem, “Dover Beach.” He throws in a bunch of alliteration to make you feel like you’re right...
In Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story “This Blessed House,” the theme of conflict is explored through the lens of a newly married couple, Sanjeev and Twinkle, as they navigate their differences in religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds. This essay will analyze the various conflicts that arise...
In May Lee Chai’s short story “Saving Sourdi,” the complex relationships between sisters, the theme of sacrifice, and the power dynamics within a family are explored. This essay aims to analyze the various aspects of the story and their implications, highlighting the compelling narrative and...
The Central Mystery: Who Killed Sam Westing? In the fascinating mystery novel “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, the big question that keeps everyone hooked is: who actually killed Sam Westing? With a bunch of quirky characters and a plot that’s full of twists, this...
Exploring Themes in Edwin Arlington Robinson’s “Richard Cory” In the world of American poetry, Edwin Arlington Robinson’s poem “Richard Cory” really stands out. It digs into how we see people and the tricky mask of wealth and happiness. Let’s talk about two big themes here:...
In the short story “Barbie-Q” by Sandra Cisneros, the theme of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to them is explored through the lens of childhood innocence. The story follows two young girls who play with second-hand Barbie dolls and create imaginative narratives to...
In the short story “Slower Than the Rest,” Cynthia Rylant explores the theme of individual differences and the impact they have on one’s self-esteem. The story follows Leo, a boy who is slower than his classmates in both physical and academic abilities. Through Leo’s experiences,...
Junot Diaz’s novel Wildwood explores themes of identity, immigration, and the search for home through the story of Oscar, a Dominican-American teenager growing up in New Jersey. Through Diaz’s masterful storytelling and his use of vivid imagery, the novel offers a unique perspective on the...
Life is made up of all sorts of moments, some happy and some not so much. In the short story “Sadie Maude,” by this author who stayed anonymous, there’s this cool theme about what they call livingest moments. So let’s dig into that a bit....
Life is filled with constant change and uncertainty. The concept of mutability, or the idea that everything is subject to change, is a central theme in Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “Mutability.” Through his exploration of this theme, Shelley suggests that finding hope in the face...
Introduction “My Favorite Chaperone” is a really touching story by Jean Davies Okimoto. It’s set in Seattle and is about a young Japanese-American girl named Katie Nakamura. She takes her quirky grandpa, Ojiichan, as her chaperone for a school trip to the Seattle Art Museum....
Natasha Trethewey’s “Myth,” a collection of poems, digs deep into how storytelling shapes who we are. It’s like she takes myths and personal stories and mixes them up, making us wonder what’s real and what’s not. So, in this essay, let’s chat about those themes...
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a young girl named Cinderella. Her story, known as “Cinderella: The Legend” as depicted by Kolbenschlag, has captivated audiences for generations. This timeless tale of love, perseverance, and transformation has become a beloved...
Saturday’s Child is a thought-provoking poem written by Countee Cullen, a prominent African-American poet of the Harlem Renaissance. This essay aims to analyze the meaning behind the poem, its structure, and its literary devices. By exploring the themes of identity and self-discovery, Cullen highlights the...
The Rise of Science Fiction Film Studies Since its inception, science fiction films have captivated audiences with their imaginative narratives and futuristic worlds. The genre’s influence on popular culture cannot be underestimated, and consequently, the academic study of science fiction films has gained significant traction...
Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people using them as a form of self-expression. In his poem “Tattoo,” Ted Kooser explores the deeper meaning behind a tattoo and its implications on an individual’s identity. Through his vivid imagery and...
The Look by Larry Lehna is a thought-provoking and captivating short story that delves into the complexities of human emotion and connection. This essay aims to analyze the various aspects of the story, exploring the themes of perception, identity, and societal expectations. Through a close...
Throughout the short story “My Name” by Sandra Cisneros, the author explores the importance and significance of one’s name in shaping their identity and sense of self. The story follows the experiences of a young Mexican-American girl who struggles with her name, which both connects...