Authors often use metaphors and symbols as techniques to make statements about characters. Character often lives parallel lives in novels and short stories and it is with great pleasure that we learn from them. Writers employ several different techniques to engage readers. Two stories that illustr...

Nineteenth century American literature is pervaded by a late Romantic current promoted by a few very original writers. Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne are two of the most representative writers of the first half of the nineteenth century. The authors' names often appear together in cr...

Edgar Allen Poe was one of the most influential writers of modern day society. He has become known for his tales of the mysterious and macabre and his mastery of short stories. About 12 of his works are known for their flawless literary construction. Poe was a participant in a dysfunctional family t...

Romanticism can be best described as: an artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late eighteenth century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, and emphasis on the individuals' expression of emotion and imagination. Irving, Poe, Hawthorne, Melville, and Cooper...

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kindof fear is fear of the unknown."1 Therefore, it makes sense that if mortals cannot bear thedarkness, they [should not] not go there. If man dislikes "black night and yawning chasms,"2then should he not even consi...

The black and white word of American literature has had a potent affect on the American culture. Every aspect of it from, early Puritan literature to contemporary writing has influenced several portions relating to choices America has made in history. These portions include not only politics and t...