Literature Study Guides. Page 6

Themes about Money and Wealth in Literature: Overview with Quotes

Themes about Money and Wealth in Literature: Overview with Quotes

Themes about money are very prominent in American and world literature. Countless writers have explored whether money is the root of all evil, often coming to contradictory conclusions. In literary works, themes of money and greed frequently coexist alongside corruption. Yet, despite the negative connotations, money remains profoundly connected to...

Symbols in Literature: Definition and Examples

Symbols in Literature: Definition and Examples

Symbolism in literature conveys both literal and figurative meanings, helping readers better understand the text. It can be a word, object, setting, or a subtle feature like color that draws readers’ attention to a central message. Literary symbolism can be straightforward or require interpretation based on context and culture. For...

Themes in Literature: Definition & Examples of Central Ideas

Themes in Literature: Definition & Examples of Central Ideas

Have you ever asked yourself why some books are so compelling that you keep thinking about them even after you have finished reading? Well, of course, it can be because of a unique plotline or complex characters. However, most of the time, it is the theme that compels you. A...

Theme of the American Dream in Literature: Guide & Topics

Theme of the American Dream in Literature: Guide & Topics

The American Dream theme encompasses crucial values, such as freedom, democracy, equal rights, and personal happiness. Even though the concept doesn’t have a fixed definition, it can be grasped through the works of American authors. In American Literature and the Dream, Frederic Carpenter argues that American literature is so distinct...

The Canterbury Tales: Essay Topics & Samples

The Canterbury Tales: Essay Topics & Samples

The Canterbury Tales essay can focus on many things: Geoffrey Chaucer’s use of satire, his portrayal of medieval society, major themes, or individual characters. Written in the late 14th century, it was one of the first big works in English and helped make the language popular. With the right The...

Symbols in The Canterbury Tales: Clothes & Language

Symbols in The Canterbury Tales: Clothes & Language

Do you know what helps to investigate the piece of literature deeper? What reveals the hidden context and highlights the author’s key ideas? These are the symbols! And The Canterbury Tales include a lot of them. Explore our article and find everything about them. Clothing The readers get to know...

The Canterbury Tales’ Themes: Estates Satire & Deceit

The Canterbury Tales’ Themes: Estates Satire & Deceit

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is an outstanding piece of English literature. It impresses readers with a wide range of themes that play a crucial role in understanding the book’s entire concept. Are you looking for the analysis of The Canterbury Tales themes? Explore the following article and dive...

The Canterbury Tales Characters: Chaucer’s Pilgrims Analyzed

The Canterbury Tales Characters: Chaucer’s Pilgrims Analyzed

The diversity of characters in The Canterbury Tales plays a crucial role in the book’s entire concept. According to the Prologue, there are 29 pilgrims from all walks of life, plus a narrator, who start a storytelling contest on their way to a shrine in Canterbury. Although Chaucer’s work remains...

The Canterbury Tales Summary & Analysis — Essential Stories

The Canterbury Tales Summary & Analysis — Essential Stories

The Canterbury Tales is a unique piece of literature written in Middle English by the famous writer Geoffrey Chaucer. It is a collection of 24 separate stories united in a single book. Below, you’ll see Canterbury Tales’ summary and analysis. The Canterbury Tales Summary In April, when nature is awakening...

Barn Burning Essay Topics & Samples

Barn Burning Essay Topics & Samples

If you are looking for fresh “Barn Burning” topics, prompts, and essay examples, then you are in the right place. Here you will find plenty of excellent writing ideas and a list of samples that will help you get started on the right note. Keep reading to get inspired to write...

Barn Burning Symbolism

Barn Burning Symbolism

In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning”, symbolism helps the reader to understand deeper emotions and relationships in the story. In this article, we will focus on two of the most prominent symbols: fire and blood. Main Symbols in Barn Burning In William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning,” symbolism helps the reader understand the characters’ emotions...

Barn Burning: Themes

Barn Burning: Themes

“Barn Burning” is considered one of William Faulkner’s best works. In this short story, he traces traumatic events experienced by a young boy, Sartoris. “Barn Burning” centers around his family and father Abner, a poverty-stricken tenant farmer in the South. Because of Abner’s anger and resentment, Sarty is trapped between...

Barn Burning Characters

Barn Burning Characters

William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” features Abner Snopes and Sartoris Snopes as central figures in a story of moral conflict and familial loyalty. In this “Barn Burning” character analysis, you will explore how the tensions between Abner and Sartoris shape the narrative and how they represent the clash of authority and...

Barn Burning Summary & Analysis

Barn Burning Summary & Analysis

Welcome to our William Faulkner “Barn Burning” summary that highlights all the major turning points of the story: Abner Snopes is accused of burning his neighbor’s barn but escapes punishment. After moving to a new farm, he ruins Major de Spain’s rug and is fined. Seeking revenge, Abner plans to...

Pride and Prejudice Essay Topics, Questions, & Samples

Pride and Prejudice Essay Topics, Questions, & Samples

The acuteness of conflicts raised in a literary work defines its value. Pride and Prejudice discussion questions extend from feminist criticism of women’s position in the XIX century to the analysis of the writing devices that Jane Austen employs. Every protagonist is symbolic here. They highlight such or another trait...

Pride and Prejudice Themes, Symbols, & Analysis

Pride and Prejudice Themes, Symbols, & Analysis

Love and marriage, social class, and reputation are the key Pride and Prejudice themes. These topics are explored not only through the novel’s plot but also with the help of symbols, which are directly tied to the realities of the Regency Era. Things like reading, dancing, outdoor settings, and manors...

Pride and Prejudice: Characters

Pride and Prejudice: Characters

The main Pride and Prejudice characters are Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet, Charles Bingley, Mr. Bennet, and Mrs. Bennet. Using them and numerous other minor personages, Jane Austen paints a dynamic and satirical portrait of early 19th-century English society. Through the relationships and behavior of characters in Pride and...

Pride and Prejudice Summary, Synopsis, & Plot Diagram

Pride and Prejudice Summary, Synopsis, & Plot Diagram

Looking for a summary of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? This Custom-Writing.org article contains everything you might need! In the first sections, you’ll find the novel’s synopsis and a plot infographic. Pride & Prejudice chapter summaries will follow. ❗ Pride and Prejudice Synopsis Pride and Prejudice is a classic...

Night Essay Prompts, Topics, & Questions

Night Essay Prompts, Topics, & Questions

When it comes to writing a Night essay, prompts can be extremely helpful in providing ideas and steering you in the right direction. They can be related to the novel’s themes, characters, symbolism, or other aspects. Elie Wiesel received a Nobel Peace Prize for his message to mankind, which he...

Symbolism in Night by Elie Wiesel

Symbolism in Night by Elie Wiesel

Symbolism in Night by Elie Wiesel is a key device used to express the memoir’s themes. The book, first published in English in 1960, is based on Wiesel’s experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald and highlights the horrors of the Holocaust. The most potent symbols in Night are fire and night...

Themes in Night by Elie Wiesel

Themes in Night by Elie Wiesel

Themes in Night by Elie Wiesel reflect many critical issues that occurred during World War II, with the most prominent focus on faith and dehumanization. In Night, these themes help convey the book’s main idea of the horrors of the Holocaust and the things that made people survive even in...

Characters in Night by Elie Wiesel

Characters in Night by Elie Wiesel

Characters in Night by Elie Wiesel impress the readers with their multifaceted natures and dramatic fates. Throughout the storyline in Night, the characters live through the horrifying events and sufferings the Jewish people faced during the Holocaust. In this article, our custom-writing experts will discuss all characters in Night by...

Night by Elie Wiesel Summary & Analysis

Night by Elie Wiesel Summary & Analysis

Night is a semi-fictional memoir by the Romanian-born American writer Elie Wiesel. The book tells the horrifying story of a Jewish teenager who goes through the dreadful torture of the Holocaust. Below, you will find a summary of Night, analysis of the novel’s themes, and a plot infographic. Short Summary...

The Lottery Essay Questions & Writing Prompts

The Lottery Essay Questions & Writing Prompts

“The Lottery” essay questions can explore cultural, social, and even political issues, each open to countless interpretations. It’s not surprising: after all, the story is so controversial that the readers were sending hate mail to Shirley Jackson! To get a more precise direction for your essay, consider using “The Lottery”...

The Lottery Themes and Symbols

The Lottery Themes and Symbols

“The Lottery” themes and symbols revolve around the sinister ritual, its attributes, and the beliefs associated with it. For example, stones in “The Lottery” serve as a powerful symbol of the mob. Delacroix’s name is also symbolically charged, as it means “of the cross.” In this article, Custom-Writing.org experts will...

The Lottery Characters Analysis

The Lottery Characters Analysis

In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the characters represent conformism and dangerous groupthink. Helen E. Nebeker, in her article “The Lottery: Symbolic Tour de Force,” states that the story largely follows traditions of scapegoating, which displays “the innate savagery of man lurking beneath his civilized trappings.” The main characters, such...

Summary of The Lottery

Summary of The Lottery

A short summary of “The Lottery” comes down to a description of a pretty violent tradition of one community. Despite a quite optimistic and positive beginning, the reader will soon find out that something feels off about it. The community uses the lottery to pick one person for a sacrifice....

The Necklace Writing Prompts, Topics, and Samples

The Necklace Writing Prompts, Topics, and Samples

“The Necklace” writing prompts can cover any aspect of the short story, ranging from its historical context to how the famous plot twist works. They might also focus on the moral lesson in “The Necklace,” the irony, the quotes showing the use of various literary devices, and much more. On...

The Necklace: Symbolism

The Necklace: Symbolism

“The Necklace” symbolism aims to highlight the story’s main themes, such as wealth, vanity, and materialism. The most important symbol in “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is the necklace itself, which ruins the life of Mathilde Loisel, the story’s main character. After losing the borrowed piece of jewelry, she...

The Necklace Themes: Greed, Gender, & More

The Necklace Themes: Greed, Gender, & More

Written at the end of the 19th century — the period marked by limited social mobility and poor opportunities for women — “The Necklace” explores themes that are both timeless and deeply rooted in its era. The short story by Guy de Maupassant discusses social class struggles, gender roles, illusions,...

The Necklace Characters

The Necklace Characters

In “The Necklace” by Guy De Maupassant, characters are just as important as the storyline. They fascinate readers with their actions and motivations. Jason Pierce, Ph.D., accurately described the protagonist as being “defined by what she lacks and what she is not rather than by what she has and is.”...

The Necklace: Summary & Analysis

The Necklace: Summary & Analysis

The Necklace is an 1884 short story authored by Guy de Maupassant. In summary, it tells the tale of Mathilde Loisel, a woman born to a middle-class family who eagerly wishes to be wealthy. However, this desire to live beyond her means eventually leads her to tragic consequences. According to...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Samples

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Samples

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay topics can focus on the epic poem’s plot, characters, symbolism, and other intriguing elements. There are also plenty of in-depth aspects to explore, such as the poem’s historical context or its portrayal of chivalric ideals and their flaws. Thought-provoking essay topics for Sir...

Symbolism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Symbolism in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, symbolism plays an integral role. It underscores the poem’s themes of honor, morality, and human nature, mirroring Gawain’s demanding journey in many ways. There are numerous symbols in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but the most important and thoroughly studied are Sir...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Themes

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Themes

There is more than one Sir Gawain and The Green Knight theme for discussion. The anonymous author explores various concepts such as nature, love, and mortality. Still, the most eminent themes in Sir Gawain and The Green Knight are chivalry and honor. In this article written by our custom-writing experts,...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Characters

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Characters

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a story about a noble Gawain, a member of King Arthur’s round table. It was written by an anonymous Middle ages author. Throughout the poem, the main character meets with a number of other heroes. Some of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’s...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Summary & Analysis

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Summary & Analysis

The Sir Gawain and the Green Knight analysis on this page dives deep into a blend of adventure and moral questioning in medieval England. Here, our Custom-Writing experts will focus on the summary of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and provide line-by-line annotations to clarify the poem’s themes and...

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Essay Topics & Samples

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Essay Topics & Samples

Flannery O’Connor’s short story has many more underlying ideas and symbols to discuss than you may think. If you decided to write an essay on “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” don’t forget to read through the sections of the guide made by Custom-Writing.org experts! This article contains a...

Symbolism & Irony in A Good Man Is Hard to Find

Symbolism & Irony in A Good Man Is Hard to Find

Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” is packed with symbols, metaphors, and various forms of irony, making it an exciting challenge to decipher them. The Grandmother’s hat, the Misfit’s car, and even the sky are not what they seem – if you know how to look at...

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Themes

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Themes

“A Good Man Is Hard to Find” themes include religion, good vs. evil, and death. Through them, Flannery O’Connor encourages her readers to contemplate grace, judgment, redemption, and the true nature of goodness. But what is the main theme of “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”? Keep reading our...

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Characters

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Characters

Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” characters—from the domineering Grandmother to the reluctant Bailey and the chilling Misfit—each play a pivotal role in developing the themes of redemption and morality. Through detailed characterization in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”, O’Connor portrays humanity’s struggles with faith...

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Summary

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Summary

This Custom-Writing.org article contains everything you might need to learn about the plot of “A Good Man Is Hard to Find”: short story summary, a plot infographic, and quotes. 📈 A Good Man Is Hard to Find: Plot Infographic Below is a plot infographic of “A Good Man Is Hard to Find “by Flannery...

Death of a Salesman Essay Questions & Topics

Death of a Salesman Essay Questions & Topics

Death of a Salesman essay questions and topics can revolve around any aspect of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, be it its themes, characters, or connection to the real-world events in the late 1940s America. Despite being written in the mid-20th century, Arthur Miller’s play is still strikingly relevant today. This...

Symbols in Death of a Salesman, Setting, & Literary Devices

Symbols in Death of a Salesman, Setting, & Literary Devices

Key symbols in Death of a Salesman include diamonds, seeds, and stockings. They help convey the play’s central themes, such as the decline of the American Dream. For example, the motif of diamonds serves as an unattainable object that, in the protagonist’s mind, can make him rich. However, his life...

Death of a Salesman Themes

Death of a Salesman Themes

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman themes include the American Dream, betrayal, and family conflicts. While describing the tension between aspiration and reality, Miller focuses on the struggles of Willy Loman. The author critiques the promises and pitfalls of success, at the same time, highlighting key themes of identity, family...

Death of a Salesman: Characters

Death of a Salesman: Characters

When analyzing Death of a Salesman characters, most attention should be given to Willy Loman, a struggling salesman whose idealistic aspirations and flawed self-perception lead to his tragic downfall. The character of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman symbolizes the disappointment of chasing success without self-awareness. On our Death...

Death of a Salesman Summary

Death of a Salesman Summary

The Death of a Salesman summary on this page covers Acts 1, 2, and Requiem. Arthur Miller’s play is famous for its exploration of changing values and a subversion of what constitutes a tragic hero. Although the plot of Death of a Salesman culminates in the protagonist’s suicide, not everyone...

The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics & Samples

The Great Gatsby: Essay Topics & Samples

No novel is written for the sake of writing. You can be immersed in the plot and feel sympathy toward the protagonists, but there is something more about every great book. A good The Great Gatsby essay should question the narrative to determine what the text’s broader purpose is. Are...

Symbols in The Great Gatsby

Symbols in The Great Gatsby

This article by Custom-Writing.org experts explains the symbols in The Great Gatsby. In the first section, you’ll find the information on the color symbolism of The Great Gatsby: the green light, as well as the meanings of yellow and white colors in the novel will be explained. Then follows the...

The Great Gatsby: Themes

The Great Gatsby: Themes

The Great Gatsby themes are the American dream, money, social class, love and marriage, morality, and time. They remain as compelling today as they did in 1925 when the novel first appeared. Studying the themes in The Great Gatsby offers a window into the anxieties and contradictions of post-World War...