topics for research in english literature

English Literature Research Paper Topics

This guide, centered on English literature research paper topics , serves as a comprehensive resource for students seeking to delve deep into the diverse epochs, authors, and themes that have shaped English literary tradition. Navigating the intricate tapestry of English literature offers scholars a multitude of avenues for exploration. From the mystique of medieval tales to the introspective narratives of modernism, this guide not only provides a plethora of English literature research paper topics but also offers insights on choosing the ideal topic, structuring the research paper, and harnessing the unmatched writing services of iResearchNet. Dive in to unravel the rich heritage of English literature and discover the myriad opportunities it presents for academic exploration.

100 English Literature Research Paper Topics

Diving into English literature is like embarking on a journey through time and culture. From ancient ballads to modernist narratives, it offers a vast panorama of themes, styles, and societal reflections. Below is a comprehensive list of English literature research paper topics spanning across different eras and genres:

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Medieval Literature

• The significance of chivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight .
• The Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf .
• Courtly love in The Knight’s Tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales .
• Dream visions in Pearl and Piers Plowman .
• The role of fate and providence in The Consolation of Philosophy .
• The art of storytelling in The Decameron vs. The Canterbury Tales .
• The Seven Deadly Sins in Everyman .
• The evolution of the English language: Old English vs. Middle English.
• Religious allegory in The Second Shepherd’s Play .
• Women and femininity in the Lais of Marie de France .

Renaissance and Elizabethan Age

• Shakespeare’s portrayal of power in Macbeth .
• Love and beauty in Sonnet 18 .
• The idea of the “New World” in The Tempest .
• The virtues in Spenser’s The Faerie Queene .
• Magic and science in Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.
• The pastoral settings of As You Like It .
• The politics of gender in Twelfth Night .
• Revenge and madness in Hamlet .
• John Donne’s metaphysical poetry and its innovation.
• The darker side of the Renaissance: The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster.

The Restoration and the 18th Century

• The satirical world of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels .
• Class struggles in Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders .
• Alexander Pope’s critique of society in The Rape of the Lock .
• Aphra Behn and the emergence of the woman writer.
• The wit and wisdom of Samuel Johnson’s essays.
• The rise of the novel: Richardson vs. Fielding.
• Sentimentality and society in Sterne’s Tristram Shandy .
• Politics and plays: John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera .
• Women, education, and literature: Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas.
• The mock-heroic in English literature.

Romantic Period

• Nature and transcendence in Wordsworth’s Tintern Abbey .
• The Byronic hero in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage .
• Shelley’s Ozymandias and the ephemeral nature of power.
• The Gothic romance of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights .
• George Gordon Lord Byron and the Romantic antihero.
• The visionary world of William Blake’s poems.
• The exotic and the familiar in Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
• Keats’s exploration of beauty and mortality.
• The industrial revolution’s reflection in literature.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the dangers of ambition.

Victorian Era

• Charles Dickens and his critique of Victorian society.
• The challenges of morality in Thomas Hardy’s novels.
• The bildungsroman in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre .
• The plight of women in George Eliot’s Middlemarch .
• Oscar Wilde’s wit and irony in The Importance of Being Earnest .
• The debate on science and religion in In Memoriam A.H.H by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
• The mystery and suspense of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories.
• The “Woman Question” in Victorian literature.
• The realism of Anthony Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire.
• Gothic elements in Dracula by Bram Stoker.
• The fragmented narrative of Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse .
• T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and the disillusionment of the post-war era.
• The struggles of the working class in D.H. Lawrence’s novels.
• The impact of World War I on English poetry.
• James Joyce’s revolutionary narrative techniques in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man .
• E.M. Forster’s exploration of social and racial themes.
• The critique of colonialism in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness .
• W.B. Yeats and the Irish literary revival.
• The emergence of the stream-of-consciousness technique.
• The Jazz Age and decadence in the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Gothic Tradition

• Origins of Gothic fiction: Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto .
• The supernatural and macabre in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
• Ann Radcliffe’s influence on the Gothic novel.
• The role of the Byronic hero in The Vampyre by John Polidori.
• Duality of human nature in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .
• The haunting atmospheres in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
• Gender and sexuality in Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu.
• Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on English Gothic literature.
• Dracula by Bram Stoker: Themes of sexuality and fear of the unknown.
• The Gothic novel as a reflection of societal fears and anxieties.

The Angry Young Men Era

• Social criticism in John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger .
• Exploring masculinity in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning by Alan Sillitoe.
• The disillusionment of post-war Britain in The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner .
• The class struggle in Kingsley Amis’s Lucky Jim .
• Existential themes in John Wain’s Hurry on Down .
• Feminine perspectives in the era: Shelagh Delaney’s A Taste of Honey .
• The critique of academia in The History Man by Malcolm Bradbury.
• The Angry Young Men and their influence on modern theater.
• The transformation of British literature in the 1950s and 1960s.
• The lasting legacy of the Angry Young Men movement in contemporary literature.

Postmodern British Literature

• Metafiction in Julian Barnes’s Flaubert’s Parrot .
• The playfulness of language in Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses .
• Intertextuality in Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit .
• The fragmented narrative in Graham Swift’s Waterland .
• Reality and fiction in Ian McEwan’s Atonement .
• Gender and postcolonial themes in Angela Carter’s The Passion of New Eve .
• The exploration of identity in Zadie Smith’s White Teeth .
• The deconstruction of traditional narrative in Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.
• Postmodern gothic in The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.
• Magical realism in The Porcelain Doll by Julian Barnes.

Contemporary English Literature

• The multicultural London in Brick Lane by Monica Ali.
• Exploring family dynamics in On Beauty by Zadie Smith.
• The concept of time in Ian McEwan’s Amsterdam .
• The role of history in Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall .
• The exploration of love and loss in Julian Barnes’s The Sense of an Ending .
• Postcolonial Britain in Andrea Levy’s Small Island .
• The challenges of modern life in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity .
• The evolution of the English detective novel: Kate Atkinson’s Case Histories .
• The legacy of the British Empire in The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai.
• The digital age and its influence on literature: The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon.

English literature boasts a rich and varied tapestry of themes, periods, and genres. This comprehensive list is a testament to the dynamism and depth of the field, offering a myriad of research avenues for students. As they venture into each topic, they can appreciate the nuances and complexities that have shaped the literary tradition, making it an invaluable component of global culture and heritage.

English Literature and the Range of Topics It Offers

English literature, encompassing the vast historical, cultural, and artistic legacy of writings in the English language, boasts a rich tapestry of narratives, characters, and stylistic innovations. From the earliest Old English epic poems to the reflective and multifaceted postmodern novels, English literature offers an expansive array of topics for analysis, discussion, and research. The depth and breadth of this literary tradition are mirrored by the diverse range of English literature research paper topics it can inspire.

The Medieval Foundation

Diving into the early origins of English literature, we encounter works like Beowulf , an Old English epic poem of heroism, fate, and the struggle against malevolent forces. Medieval English literature, characterized by religious texts, chivalric romances, and philosophical treatises, sets the stage for the evolution of narrative styles and thematic explorations. The rich allegorical narratives, like Piers Plowman or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , present intricate societal and spiritual commentaries that still resonate with readers today. These works invite inquiries into the socio-religious dynamics of medieval England, the evolution of the English language, and the literary techniques employed.

Renaissance and Enlightenment: A Burst of Creativity

The Renaissance and Elizabethan Age saw the emergence of revered playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, whose dramas, whether tragedies, comedies, or histories, plumbed the depths of human emotion, politics, and existence. The genius of Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Othello , juxtaposed against Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus , provides a fertile ground for investigating themes of ambition, betrayal, love, and existential angst. Moreover, with poets like Edmund Spenser and his epic The Faerie Queene , English literature expanded its horizons, both thematically and stylistically.

The subsequent Restoration and the 18th century ushered in a period of social and literary change. With authors like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, satire became a powerful tool to critique society and politics. Furthermore, the emergence of the novel, as exemplified by Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela , offered researchers a chance to explore the evolving societal values, gender norms, and narrative techniques.

Romanticism, Victorian Era to Modernism: A Spectrum of Emotion and Thought

The Romantic period, marked by poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, celebrated nature, emotion, and individualism. In contrast, the Victorian era, with novelists like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters, addressed societal change, morality, and industrialization. Both periods are a goldmine for English literature research paper topics around the individual vs. society, the role of nature, and the exploration of the self.

Modernism in English literature, with heavyweights like Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and T.S. Eliot, revolutionized narrative structure and thematic depth. Works from this era, such as To the Lighthouse or The Waste Land , demand analysis on fragmented narrative, stream of consciousness, and the introspective exploration of the human psyche.

Contemporary Reflections

Contemporary English literature, shaped by postcolonial, feminist, and postmodern influences, gives voice to a plethora of perspectives. Authors like Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith, and Julian Barnes tackle issues of identity, multiculturalism, history, and reality versus fiction. Such works present a plethora of avenues for research, from analyzing the postcolonial identity in Rushdie’s narratives to the intricate tapestries of familial and societal dynamics in Smith’s novels.

Concluding Thoughts

In essence, English literature is an evolving entity, reflecting and shaping societal, cultural, and individual values and challenges over the centuries. For students and researchers, the wealth of English literature research paper topics it offers ranges from historical and linguistic analyses to deep dives into thematic cores and stylistic innovations. Whether one wishes to explore the chivalric codes of medieval romances, the biting satires of the 18th century, the emotional landscapes of Romanticism, or the fragmented realities of postmodern narratives, English literature provides an inexhaustible reservoir of research opportunities.

How to Choose an English Literature Topic

Choosing a research paper topic, especially within the expansive field of English literature, can be a challenging endeavor. The centuries-spanning literature offers a treasure trove of stories, themes, characters, and socio-political contexts that beckon exhaustive exploration. As such, students often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering where to begin and how to narrow down their choices to find that one compelling topic. Here’s a detailed guide to streamline this process:

• Align with Your Interests: Dive into periods, genres, or authors that genuinely intrigue you. If Victorian novels captivate your imagination or if Shakespearean dramas resonate with you, use that as your starting point. Genuine interest ensures sustained motivation throughout your research journey.
• Evaluate Academic Relevance: While personal interest is vital, ensure your chosen topic aligns with academic goals and curriculum requirements. Some English literature research paper topics, while intriguing, might not offer substantial academic value for a particular course or level of study.
• Seek Familiar Ground (But Not Too Familiar): Leverage your previous readings and coursework. Familiarity offers a foundation, but challenge yourself to explore uncharted territories within that domain. If you enjoyed Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , maybe delve into its feminist interpretations or comparative studies with other contemporaneous works.
• Embrace Complexity: Opt for English literature research paper topics that lend themselves to multifaceted exploration. Simple topics might not provide enough depth for comprehensive research papers. Instead of a general overview of Romantic poetry, explore the portrayal of nature in Wordsworth’s works versus Shelley’s.
• Historical and Cultural Context: Literature isn’t created in a vacuum. Understand the historical and societal backdrop of a literary work. This context can offer a fresh perspective and can be an excellent lens for your research.
• Contemporary Relevance: How does a particular work or literary period converse with today’s world? Exploring the modern implications or relevance of classic works can be both enlightening and academically rewarding.
• Diverse Interpretations: Embrace English literature research paper topics open to various interpretations. Works like George Orwell’s 1984 or Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot can be analyzed from political, psychological, existential, or linguistic viewpoints.
• Consult with Peers and Professors: Engage in discussions with classmates and seek advice from professors. Their feedback can provide new perspectives or refine your existing topic ideas.
• Read Critiques and Literary Journals: Academic journals, critiques, and literary analyses offer insights into popular research areas and can help you identify gaps or lesser-explored aspects of a work or period.
• Flexibility is Key: As you delve deeper into your research, be open to tweaking or even changing your topic. New findings or challenges might necessitate slight shifts in your research focus.

Choosing the right research topic in English literature requires a blend of personal passion, academic relevance, and the potential for in-depth exploration. By aligning your interests with academic goals, and being open to exploration and adaptation, you pave the way for a fulfilling and academically enriching research experience. Remember, the journey of researching and understanding literature can be as enlightening as the end result. Embrace the process, and let the vast ocean of English literature inspire and challenge you.

How to Write an English Literature Research Paper

Penning an English literature research paper is a task that demands meticulous planning, a deep understanding of the subject, and the ability to weave thoughts coherently. English literature, with its vast and rich tapestry, offers endless avenues for exploration, making it both an exciting and daunting endeavor. Below are step-by-step guidelines to craft a compelling research paper in this domain:

• Understanding the Assignment: Before diving into the research phase, ensure you fully understand the assignment’s requirements. Is there a specific format? Are certain sources mandatory? What’s the word count? This foundational clarity sets the stage for efficient research and writing.
• Preliminary Research: Start with a broad exploration of your topic. Read general articles, introductory chapters, or review papers. This will give you a general overview and can help narrow down your focus.
• Thesis Statement Formulation: Your thesis is the backbone of your research paper. It should be clear, precise, and arguable. For instance, instead of writing “Shakespeare’s plays are influential,” you might specify, “ Macbeth illustrates the dire consequences of unchecked ambition.”
• Diving Deeper – Detailed Research: With your thesis in hand, dive deeper into primary (original texts) and secondary sources (critiques, essays). Libraries, academic databases, and literary journals are treasure troves of valuable information.
• Organize Your Findings: Use digital tools, index cards, or notebooks to categorize and annotate your findings. Grouping similar ideas together will make the writing process smoother.
• Drafting an Outline: An organized structure is essential for clarity. Create an outline with clear headings and subheadings, ensuring a logical flow of ideas. This will serve as a roadmap as you write.
• Introduction Crafting: Your introduction should be engaging, offering a glimpse of your thesis and the significance of your study. Remember, first impressions count!
• Literary Analysis: Delve into the text’s intricacies – symbols, themes, character development, stylistic devices, and historical context.
• Critiques and Counter-arguments: Discuss various interpretations of the text, and don’t shy away from addressing dissenting views. This lends credibility and depth to your paper.
• Comparative Analysis (if applicable): Compare the chosen work with others, drawing parallels or highlighting contrasts.
• Maintaining Coherence and Transition: Each paragraph should have a clear main idea and transition smoothly to the next, maintaining the paper’s flow and ensuring the reader’s engagement.
• Conclusion Crafting: Reiterate your thesis and summarize your main findings. Discuss the broader implications of your study, potentially suggesting areas for further exploration.
• Citing Your Sources: Always attribute ideas and quotations to their original authors. Depending on the assigned format (MLA, APA, etc.), ensure that in-text citations and the bibliography are correctly formatted.
• Revision and Proofreading: Once your draft is complete, take a break before revisiting it. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasings. Check for grammatical errors, consistency in argumentation, and clarity in presenting ideas. Consider seeking peer reviews or utilizing editing tools.
• Seek Feedback: Before final submission, consider sharing your paper with a mentor, professor, or knowledgeable peer. Their insights can be invaluable in refining your research paper.

Writing an English literature research paper is as much an art as it is a science. While meticulous research and structured writing are crucial, allowing your passion for literature to shine through will elevate your paper. Remember, literature is about exploring the human experience, and as you dissect these masterpieces, you’re not just analyzing texts but delving into profound insights about life, society, and humanity. Embrace the journey, and let every step, from research to writing, be a process of discovery.

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100 Best Literature Research Paper Topics For Students

Literary research paper topics are among the most interesting to write about. Books are the best teachers for most learners. And, students love reading interesting literature books. But, when asked to write research papers, most students have difficulties choosing their topics. That’s because many issues can be investigated and written about.

For instance, literary topics can be about characters’ personalities in certain works. They can also be about particular characteristics of specific literary genres. Learners can also choose literary analysis topics that focus on the life story of famous writers or poets. But, regardless of what a learner opts to write about, they should choose interesting topics.

What are Interesting Literary Research Paper Topics?

Several factors make a topic interesting to write about. A topic for a research paper or a graduate thesis should generally be definite, specific, and innovative. Also, it should be interesting to research and write about. Here’s how to select interesting literature topics:

Think about something. Explore the idea to select a topic for which you can find sufficient research data from credible sources. Narrow down your subject if you find it too broad.

English literature topics can be classified into different categories. Here some of these categories and topics can be considered in each category.

Great World Literature Research Topics

Perhaps, you’ve been asked to write a literature research paper with a global perspective. Here are some of the literary analysis research paper topics that you can consider.

• Explain how the supernatural and spirituality help in furthering the development of the plot in the Latin American literature of the early 20th century.
• What themes are common in the Japanese poems of the early 20th century? How do they differ from those of the early 19th century?
• Compare the early Chinese literary works and European literary works of the middle ages. How different or alike are they?
• How were European literary works in the early 20th century shaped by the revolutionary works of Engels and Marx? What examples can demonstrate this influence?
• Explain how the Muslim philosophers’ work of the 15th century led to new ideas and inventions across the globe.
• Compare and contrast different anti-British works that originated in India in the 19th century with pro-colonialist works that came from England at the same time.
• How did the nightmarish utopian future ideas of Aldous Huxley influence modern-day science fiction writers across the world?
• Explain how the Antigone play by Sophocles deals with the conflict between the central characters while relating to the state laws and individual conscience.
• How are the sentiments of the authors reflected in Animal Farm by George Orwell and concerns about the October Revolution?
• Explain some of the examples of literary fiction pieces that have shaped cultures in the world. Have historic, societal, and cultural factors played some roles in shaping these literature pieces?
• Being a prolific writer in the early and mid-19th century, Charles Dickens’s works were published in serialized forms. How and why has this approach become less fashionable?
• Compare and contrast the early Japanese literature works and the early Chinese literature works. How do they differ in terms of values and culture?
• Explain how comedy differs in literature across cultures. What comedy appeared in the early theatrical performances and it’s still present in modern literature?
• Analyze chivalry and honor critically in the Green Knight and Sir Gawain. What are the qualities of these works from a similar period?
• Compare and contrast the Odyssey and Iliad by Homer the Ancient Greek. Explain how cultures across the world have adapted the themes presented in the poem.

Top Literary topics for Research Paper

Some topics for literary analysis stand out among students. These are topics that educators recommend for students across the study levels.

• How is literature an aspect of modern culture?
• Explain how feminism has influenced modern literature
• How is psychology utilized in literature?
• Explain the major social issues that have been exposed by literary works
• Explain the philosophical tradition of Daoism in the Chinese literature
• Explain the roles played by death and honor in Japanese literature in the 20th century
• Explain how the European culture influences the Mid-West literature
• How has European culture affected modern literature?
• Analyze the personality of Don Quixote
• Explain how literature differs between countries.
• Discuss poetry in the innovative ear of the 21st century
• Examine racism in the novels of the 1960s and 1970s
• Explain the exile’s perception in literature
• Literature and culture? Which one affects the other?
• How has literature addressed homosexuality?

These can also be great literary debate topics. That’s because learners can have varying opinions about them.

British Literature Research Paper Topics

Students have many topics to choose from when it comes to British literature essay topics. Here are some of the best literature topics from the works of British authors.

• Discuss Victorian England’s picture with the works of Charles Dickens in mind
• Discuss the theme of Orphans with the Oliver Twist character in mind
• Explain how British Literature has influenced different cultures
• Explain how British literature has addressed gender issues
• Explain how King Lear highlights the differences between anti-heroes and villains
• Explain William Shakespeare’s personality- Highlight facts and myths
• Choose two famous British novels and then compare the characters in them
• Explain the viewpoint of different writers about the Utopian civilization idea
• With Harry Potter books in mind, explain why some literature books are considered classics
• Explain how love and romantic love are presented in Charlotte Bronte’s works
• Explain how modern literary works have been affected by the Victorian period works
• Discuss the adultery theme in Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Who are the main characters in Lake Poets’ works?
• Explain how violent imagery was used in World War I poetry
• Explain talent as a theme in Milton’s on His Blindness
• Explain innocence loss in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies
• Explain the theme of individualism versus collectivism in Oliver Twist
• Explain why the popularity of detective novels increased in the XIX century
• What role did the supernatural play in Macbeth: a case study of three witches
• Class demarcation in XVII century- The vengeance theme

American Literature Topics

Some teachers ask students to choose American literature research topics for certain reasons. If asked to write on such topics, here are some of the American literature research paper topics to consider.

• Analyze key aspects of American ideology, particularly in the literature written before the 20th century.
• Determine thematic concerns and literary styles of the major historical period of American literature between the colonial period and post-modernism.
• Show the American identity uniqueness of texts
• Propose connections between the American literature concerns and themes in the larger historical development and social issues that face the present world
• Examine major concerns and themes that reappear across the American literature
• Highlight the major themes in Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner
• Explain the African American Experience with female authors like Alice Walker, Zora Neal Hurston, and Toni Morrison
• Explain the predominant theme in The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
• Explain how Jonathan Edwards epitomizes Puritan definitions in his sermons
• Explain the use of historical personalities and events by Washington Irving as the background for his works
• The Crucible demonstrates how a community can be torn apart by hysteria. Explain
• Explain how Sylvia Plath demonstrates the social pressure faced by women in the 1960s in the Bell Jar.
• Explain how John Knowles demonstrates the impact of war on everyone
• Explain the strong belief in the education power by Maya Angelou as depicted in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
• Explain how Thornton Wilder conveys life as a gift in Our Town
• Discuss the themes of anger and pity in the Grapes of Wrath
• Explain how Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck portrays the Great Depression struggles
• Discuss the portrayal of the unconquerable spirit in Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
• Plays by Eugene O’Neil are tragically realistic. Explain
• God is humanized in The Creation poem by James Weldon Johnson. Explain

Some of the ideas here are great poetry topics. Nevertheless, they require careful research and analysis to write about.

High School Literary Essay Topics

Some topics in literature are ideal for high school essays. Here are examples of literary analysis paper topics for high school students.

• Compare and contrast the major characters in your preferred book
• Choose your favorite character in a book and explain your reasons for liking it
• Please explain why the quality of a literature book is not determined by its length
• Highlight the similarities of your favorite books
• Discuss the top 4 authors in horror books
• Explain why reading some books is more difficult than reading others
• Explain what it takes to write a high-quality poem
• Who is your favorite poet and why?
• Explain what makes your favorite book interesting
• Who is your favorite character in literary works and why?
• What makes some literature books difficult to read?
• Who are your favorite top 5 authors and why?
• Should the age of readers be restricted to some books?
• What is your favorite literary genre?
• Explain why the author determines the quality of a book more than the story
• Discuss the literary works of your favorite authors
• Why is it important to captivate readers with the introductory chapter of a book?
• Which book genre makes great movies?
• Why is the work of Harry Potter so popular?
• Explain why your favorite horror book is scary

Unique Research Topics in English Literature

Some literature research topics are unique and can be written about by learners at different study levels. Here are examples of such topics.

• Analyze the use of literary devices in novels
• Discuss the author’s autobiography
• Analyze literary genres and the role played by an artist in them
• Compare the works of a similar genre
• Highlight the gender roles of characters in literary works
• Social stratification and Harry Potter- Discuss
• With Charles Dickens’ work in mind, explain the peculiarity of the bildungsroman genre.
• Explain how The Lord of the Rings uses artificial language
• Explain how the Sherlock Holmes image influences the world of detective fiction
• Explain the war theme in the world literature

These are also great literary journalism topics. Nevertheless, they require extensive research to write about.

In a nutshell, students have many literary argument topics to consider. The most important thing is to choose an interesting topic that you can find sufficient data to write about. Also, don’t hesitate to check our history topics .

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Are you looking for an engaging literary research paper topic? Whether you're writing a college-level essay or a master's thesis, the right literature research paper topics can make all the difference. They range from exploring particular genres or authors to examining the use of language in literary works. By researching these topics, you will gain a greater understanding of the ideas, improve your critical thinking skills, and learn to appreciate the nuances. This article will explore such literature topics for research and open up endless possibilities for analysis and interpretation, ranging from classic to modern-day texts. Are you ready to choose a trending topic and write a paper that will win your professor’s heart? 

What Are Literary Research Paper Topics?

Literary research paper topics focus on a particular literary work, such as a book, poem, novel, play, or story. They provide a great starting point for researching the specific aspect you're planning to explore for a better perception of the idea and help to eliminate any artificial facet. Literary research topics may analyze a single text, compare different writings by the same author, or contrast different authors' styles.  Common literature topics for research papers comprise symbolism, characterization, themes, plot structure, historical context, point-of-view analysis, biographical contexts, and intertextual connections. These research paper topics may also focus on how an author has been interpreted or evaluated over time, analyzing the critical reception of their works and examining any changes within literary canonization. Additionally, these topics can explore how literary works intersect with other disciplines, such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, politics, or economics.

Characteristics of Good Literature Research Paper Topics

Literary research paper topics are usually considered good when they are:

• Relevant They should be engaging, thought-provoking, and appropriate to the academic work.
• Specific Similarly, good literature research topics must have a narrow focus and not be overly broad.
• Interesting They should pique your interest and encourage you to explore and aspire to know more about the literary work.
• Challenging Deep analysis, thoughtful reflection, and creative thinking are also vital.
• Unique They should be memorable and offer new insights into academic work.

With these important characteristics of literary topics for research papers in mind, you're ready to start writing!

How to Choose a Literature Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a literature research paper topic can be daunting, but with careful thought and planning, you're sure to find the perfect one. In order to do this, you need to complete the following:

• Brainstorm: First, start by brainstorming topics that interest you. Think about the works you've been studying, authors and genres you enjoy reading, and themes that have resonated with you.
• Narrow it down: Once you've identified a few research topics that intrigue you, narrow them down to one that is most relevant and specific.
• Research: Explore if it is relevant. This will guarantee that you have enough material to work with.
• Refine: Once you have researched, refine your topic to ensure it is specific and engaging. Consider the most interesting aspects and how they can be explored further.
• Choose: Finally, choose the title that best reflects your interests and passions for an enjoyable research experience!

With these tips, you can find the perfect literary research paper topic! Don’t have time for reading piles of books? Get professional help with research paper writing from StudyCrumb and have your study completed by a real pro.

List of Literature Research Paper Topics

A list of literature topics for research offers a wide range of literary-related issues that can be explored and studied for your project. It includes ideas that could spark your creativity and help you choose the best title. Whether you're interested in exploring the works of Shakespeare or examining modern literature, this list of literary research paper topics has something for everyone!

• Use of symbolism in romantic poetry.
• Importance of technology within cyberpunk genres.
• Impact of fantasy on contemporary culture.
• Representation of male or female authors as represented by classic literary works.
• Postmodernist views of time and space in literature.
• Representation of race and ethnicity within contemporary fiction.
• Representation of LGBTQ characters in literary works.
• The role of mythology during the era of ancient works.
• Social media impact on modern texts.
• Classic and contemporary literary criticism.

Interesting Literary Research Paper Topics

If you are interested in classic books or modern trends, these ideas can be a fascinating starting point for your project. They include theories, criticism, comparison, and specific authors or genres. Besides providing an analysis of the work, a literary research paper topic could also comprise examining different themes. Explore the following interesting literature topics for your project:

• Literary influences of Jane Austen's works.
• Symbolism as represented by gothic texts.
• Relevance of classic mythology within contemporary fiction.
• The role of magic or fantasy in children's literature.
• The role of women in Victorian literature.
• Representation of race and ethnicity in early 20th-century literature.
• Themes of love and loss in romantic poetry.
• The use of horror genres in contemporary fiction.
• Postcolonialism's impact on literary works.
• Nature in 19th-century literature .
• Representation of LGBTQ characters as represented by contemporary fiction.
• Technology's impact on modern literary works.
• Classic and contemporary interpretations of gothic texts.
• The role of magic and fantasy in modern literary works.
• Representation of death and loss in 20th-century works.

Great Literature Research Paper Topics

A list of great literature research topics provides a variety of ideas related to literary works. These research topics in literature can offer an exciting starting point for your English paper:

• Rebellion themes in Shakespeare's tragedies.
• Class and economic status in Victorian texts.
• Symbolism in romantic poetry.
• Impact of British imperialism on literary fiction worldwide.
• Gender and sexuality representation in early 20th-century writings.
• Postcolonialism in 19th-century fiction.
• The literary influence of WWII on modern writings.
• Vampires' role in gothic literary texts.
• Use of fantasy in childhood writings.
• Technology's impact on contemporary literary works.
• Race and ethnicity as represented by postmodern fiction.
• Religion in romantic poetry.
• Themes of love and loss in 20th-century texts.
• Horror genres in literary fiction.
• Postmodernism's impact on contemporary literary works.

Unique Literature Research Paper Topics

Unique literature topics for research papers can help students explore new concepts and gain a deeper understanding of their subject. Below are rare literature paper topics for you to review:

• The role of jealousy in 17th-century literary works.
• Gender identity as represented by reformist fiction.
• Mythological figures as portrayed by Greek and Roman poetry.
• The relationship between gender and power in Shakespeare's plays.
• Themes of isolation in 20th-century British poetry.
• Metaphors in the works of Gabriel García Márquez .
• Themes of rebellion and revolution in African American literary texts.
• The role of women in medieval romance literature.
• Poverty representation in Victorian novels.
• Themes of oppression and freedom in colonial Latin American texts.
• Use of metaphor and allegory in Dante's divine comedy.
• Influence of industrialization on 19th-century fiction.
• Dystopian settings within modern literature.
• Religion in contemporary fiction.

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Controversial Literary Research Paper Topics

Controversial literary research topics can provide students with an opportunity to explore complex and sometimes contentious issues related to literary texts. Find below a controversial literary research paper topic for your dream English project!

• Racial stereotypes during 19th-century English literature.
• Themes of sexuality and desire in ancient Greek poetry.
• The relationship between political power and language in Shakespeare's plays.
• Conflict representation during 20th-century English fiction.
• English role in colonial Indian literature.
• Gender and racial representations within African American autobiographies.
• Themes of justice and control in Victorian English novels.
• Themes of oppression and resistance in feminist texts.
• The role of English in modern Japanese fiction.
• Themes of identity and belonging in postcolonial Indian literature.
• Censorship, free speech, and social responsibility in 19th-century English novels.
• Politics and power representations in Latin American poetry.
• Gender, race, and class representations in English renaissance drama.
• English as a tool for political ideology within the works of George Orwell.
• Language used to defy authority during modern fiction writing.

Fresh Literature Research Paper Ideas

Coming up with fresh ideas for literature research topics can be daunting. Students may want to look at the works they have studied or venture outside the traditional reading list and explore different authors and genres. Some literature research paper ideas comprise studying how certain authors influenced the literary movement, analyzing how language has been used throughout history, or examining gender, race, and class representations from a literary text. Here is a perfect list of fresh ideas!

• Aesthetics as presented by postmodern fiction.
• The theme of loss as portrayed by African authors .
• Use of language throughout history.
• Identity and belonging representation in contemporary young adult fiction.
• The intersection between art and literature in modern poetry.
• Themes of authority, rebellion, and revolution in medieval epic poetry.
• Role of fantasy in horror fiction.
• Gender, race, and class representations within British romanticism.
• American literary realism and naturalism.
• Influence of symbolism on French modernist poetry.
• Construction of memory within African American autobiographies.
• Representation of narrative time in Latin American fiction.
• Social injustice theme during early 20th-century American drama.
• The relationship between social identity and language during postcolonial fiction.
• Values and beliefs representations as presented by ancient Greek mythology.

Literature Research Paper Topics for Students

For students looking for research topics in literature for study, there is a wide variety of options available. Depending on the level and course, they might focus on analyzing particular authors, literary movements, or genres, exploring the use of language throughout history, or examining representations of gender, race, and class in books. You also need to study literary devices and their effects on readers when exploring literary topics for a research paper . Below are examples of literature topics for different students:

Literature Research Paper Topics for High School

These are literature topics to research, specifically tailored to high school students. They involve exploring the influence of literary work on culture, analyzing a single author's literary movement or genre, or investigating language use throughout history. This list of research topics in literature for high school provides an original starting point for your literary project!

• Racism as presented during early 20th-century works.
• Social criticism within contemporary dystopian young adult fiction.
• Folklore's impact on contemporary poetry.
• Representation of nature in modern literature.
• Spirituality as portrayed by reformist literature.
• Social class representation within postmodern novels.
• The theme of environment in romantic works.
• Colonialism representation during postcolonial works.
• Effects of pop culture on modern fiction.
• Mental illness representation during 19th-century poetry.
• The role of music and art in early 20th-century literary texts.
• Literature's influence on identity building in minority cultures.
• Family dynamics in postmodern poetry.
• Family and community representations during gothic fiction.
• Literature as a tool for social change.

Literature Research Paper Topics for College Students

These titles entail more serious and in-depth scrutiny than a high school literary paper. A college-level literary research paper topic provides students with a broader range of analysis. It encompasses looking at literature as a form of political commentary to get its relationship with other art forms. Below are literature research paper topics for college students:

• Identity construction during postmodern poetry.
• Alienation themes within modern fiction.
• Gender role representations in Shakespearean tragedies.
• The relationship between narrative and memory within Holocaust literature.
• Nature's role in contemporary American fiction.
• Authority and subversion themes during the early 20th-century drama.
• Race, class, and gender representation within African American autobiographies.
• Social media influence the literary language.
• The relationship between social identity and language in postcolonial fiction.
• Values as presented by ancient Greek mythology .
• Psychological distress during 20th-century war narratives.
• Attitudes towards mental illness as portrayed by gothic texts.
• The relationship between science and literary imagination.
• Social hierarchy within Victorian novels.
• Religion's role in southern American literature.

Literary Research Paper Topics by Categories

Research paper topics for literature by category offer an exclusive and stimulating perspective on literary analysis worldwide. They can be grouped into literary movements, authors, and genres, as well as topics related to language and history. If you are interested in European, American, and English literature topics, these ideas will help you find the perfect literary research paper topic for your project.

World Literature Research Paper Topics

Research paper topics for world literature allow students to explore literary works from any part of the world, including texts written in English, Spanish, and other languages. Below is a list that provides original world literature research topics for any project:

• Impact of colonialism on native literary traditions.
• Gender representation within French literature.
• Religion's role within literary works from Latin America.
• Symbolism in English poetry from the 19th century.
• Themes of nationalism within modern Russian fiction.
• Power and politics in Spanish plays.
• Conflict as portrayed by African literature.
• The role of folklore within Chinese fiction.
• Themes of cultural identity in Japanese drama.
• Family ties in Italian poetry.
• Symbolism in Arabic literature.
• Social class representation in Indian novels.
• Impact of globalization on middle eastern fiction.
• Human rights themes by contemporary Australian poets.
• Western representations of other cultures in modern literature.

American Literature Research Paper Topics

In research paper topics for American literature, you examine the works of early American writers and poets, as well as those from later periods. Here is a list of American literature topics for your paper!

• Attitudes towards race in early American novels.
• Colonialism during 19th-century poetry.
• Freedom and rebellion themes within revolutionary literature.
• The emergence of gothic horror in American fiction.
• Impact of transcendentalism on American writing.
• Gender representation during pre-civil war literature .
• Themes of morality in post-World War II American fiction.
• Role of religion during 19th-century American novels.
• Slavery and its abolition by American poets.
• Social class representation during early American drama.
• Themes of identity in postmodern American fiction.
• Industrialization of 20th-century literature.
• War and conflict representation by contemporary American playwrights.
• Racism in 20th-century American novels.
• Assimilation and immigration themes in post-World War II American literature.

British Literature Research Paper Topics

In British literature research topics, you explore works from early British writers to contemporary authors. Ideally, research topics for British literature should encompass works written by authors from all eras, including Medieval, Renaissance, and modern. Here is a list of English literature research paper topics for your perfect essay!

• Gender representation during medieval English literature.
• Colonialism's effects on British literary works during the 18th century.
• Influence of British writers on modern literature.
• The role of nature in 18th-century British novels.
• Interpretations of classic British literary works.
• Social class representations during 19th-century British fiction.
• Themes of love and romance within Victorian literature.
• Industrialization's impact on 20th-century British novels.
• Patriotism and nationalism during post-World War II literary work.
• Multiculturalism representations in postmodern British fiction.
• Effects of censorship on British authors during the 20th century.
• Mental health representation in modern British poetry.
• Representation of historical events in British works throughout time.
• Technological representations in 21st-century British Novels.
• Intersectionality by contemporary British playwrights.

Did you know that you can generate a bunch of title ideas using our Research Paper Topic Generator ?

European Literary Research Paper Topics

European literature research paper topics offer an excellent opportunity to explore the works of European authors. They allow you to study and analyze the academic traditions and cultures of some of Europe's most influential writers. You can find such literary research paper topic ideas in the list below:

• Representations of the European monarchy in classic novels.
• Censorship effects on European authors during the 20th century.
• Impact of World War II on European authors.
• Gender representations within Victorian poetry.
• Literary works from different countries and cultures in Europe.
• Use of language, symbolism, and imagery to explore themes in European texts.
• Themes of nature and environment within German short stories.
• Technology representations in late Victorian poetry.
• Popular culture's influence on European literary movements from the 20th century to modern times.
• Impact of European literary works on people's perceptions of other cultures.
• Use of supernatural elements within European gothic writings from the 18th to 19th centuries.
• Identity representations in French social realism texts.
• Technology's impact on contemporary European literary works.
• Family and community representations during post-war theater.
• Themes of justice and injustice within European dystopian texts.

Literature Research Paper Ideas by Periods

You may aspire to find literature topics for research papers from different historical periods. This involves studying literature from various cultures or eras, such as ancient, medieval, or modern ones. These ideas also cover the examination of themes and symbols used in writings and scrutinizing characters and their development through various works. Other topics include the exploration of texts from a political perspective in relation to their historical contexts. These ideas contain some literary research topics from various periods:

Ancient Literary Research Paper Topics

There are many exciting options to consider if you're looking for ancient literature research paper topics. They can be studied with regard to history, culture, art, and philosophy. To gain more insight, you could explore the works of Homer, Henry James, Virgil, and the Mahabharata, or old Egyptian writings, such as The Iliad and Odyssey . Below is a list of ancient literature topics for research you can choose from.

• Gender representations in epic poetry.
• Role of mythology and religion in ancient texts.
• Influence of philosophy on ancient literature.
• Power representations in Greek tragedy.
• Heroism by early epic authors.
• Love and marriage in ancient texts.
• Ancient narratives of war and conflict.
• Slavery representations in Roman poetry.
• The role of music and art in classical literature.
• Nature representations in ancient texts.
• Politics' influence on Greek comedy.
• Family and community representations in roman narratives.
• Characters' representation in epic poetry.
• The role of technology in early literary works.
• Representations of the divine in ancient texts.

Read more: History Research Topics for Students 

Medieval Literature Research Paper Topics

The medieval literary study provides a unique opportunity to explore literature research topics of the Middle Ages. From Beowulf to The Canterbury Tales , these works offer insights into this era's cultural beliefs and values. Here are such literary topics for research papers to focus on:

• Representations of medieval chivalry in literary works.
• Religion's influence on medieval works.
• Gender representation in medieval texts.
• The role of magic in medieval narratives.
• The impact of feudalism on medieval texts.
• Honor and loyalty representations by chivalric texts.
• The role of courtly love in medieval works.
• Knights and warriors' representations in literary works.
• Warfare representations in medieval texts.
• The role of education and learning in medieval literature.

Renaissance Literary Research Paper Topics

The Renaissance literature research paper ideas explore works of literature during the Renaissance era, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. They focus on the themes, authors, and literature of this period to provide a better understanding of how literary works have evolved within this timeframe and their impact on our current literature. Some of the most influential figures who contributed immensely to writings during this era were William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. If you are interested in researching this period, you can consider a literature research paper topic from the list below:

• Love and romance representations in Renaissance texts.
• Science and technology in 16th-century literature.
• Class and social status representations in Renaissance literary works.
• Classical mythology in Renaissance poetry.
• Representations of family and community in Renaissance narratives.
• Effects of humanism on Renaissance literature in Europe.
• Imagery role by William Shakespeare .
• Representations of art, music, and theater in Renaissance texts.
• Politics' role in 16th-century literary texts.
• Nature representation by John Milton or Torquato Tasso.
• Exploration influence on Renaissance narratives.
• Influence of Renaissance literature on modern writing.
• Women's representation in literary texts by Anne Bradstreet or Aphra Behn.
• Magic and supernatural representations in literary works of Renaissance.
• Humanism and individualism themes within Renaissance literature.

Romantic Literature Research Paper Ideas

Romantic literature emerged during the late 18th century and flourished throughout the early 19th century in Europe. It is characterized by its focus on emotion and depictions of nature. This movement had a lasting impact on literary works and has been highly influential. Research topics in literature can explore the writings of authors such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and William Wordsworth. Here are some ideas related to romanticism:

• Nature representations in Romantic texts.
• The role of emotion as depicted in 19th-century literature.
• Influence of Romantic authors on modern literature and culture.
• Women's representation in Romantic narratives.
• Industrialization impact on 19th-century texts.
• Influence of religion and superstition in early Romantic texts.
• Use of technology to discuss themes in Romantic texts from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• The role of education as portrayed by Romantic narratives.
• Character analysis and plot structure in gothic fiction.
• Nationalism and patriotism as represented by post-Napoleonic war poems.

Modernist Literary Research Paper Topics

Modern literature emerged during the early 20th century until the end of World War II. It is characterized by a rejection of traditional conventions and focused on experimentation with form. This movement had an unprecedented impact on literature research topics and is highly influential today. If you are looking for literary topics for research papers that focus on modernism, consider exploring the following:

• Nature representations by modern texts.
• Social inequality in 21st-century novels.
• Modernism's influence on current literature and culture.
• Climate change within contemporary fiction.
• Impact of social injustice on 20th-century literary works.
• Urbanization representations by modern literary texts.
• Education's influence on modernist narratives.
• Wealth and power in early modernist texts.
• Themes of urban life by Ezra Pound or Wallace Stevens.
• Modernism's impact on classical literature.
• Globalization themes within postmodern poetry.
• Multiculturalism themes in contemporary literary works.
• Mental health representations in modern British novels.
• Global conflict representation in modern fiction.
• The influence of psychoanalysis on modernist literature.

Current Literature Research Paper Ideas

Current literature paper topics can look at the latest trends. They include exploring contemporary works such as Harry Potter by J.K Rowling and Stardust by Neil Gaiman. These topics may also involve analyzing social media's effects on literary writings. If you are looking for current literary topics for a research paper, consider the following:

• Technological impact on literary works in the 21st century.
• Art, music, and theater in modern texts.
• Impact of conflict on recent literary works.
• Social injustice in 21st-century narratives.
• Racism, ethnicity, and slavery in contemporary texts.
• Wealth and power in recent literary works.
• Globalization themes in postmodern poetry.
• Urbanization in modern writings.
• Immigration within postmodern British novels.

In case you need more paper topics, feel free to browse our blog. We have a wide arsenal of ideas starting from philosophy research paper topics to education research paper topics .  

Bottom Line on Literature Research Paper Topics

Literature topics for research can explore a wide range of themes and works. Whether you are looking for visionary ideas about poetry, fiction, or books from different eras, there is no shortage of literature paper topics to choose from. To narrow down your focus and find the best idea for your project, consider researching literary movements, reading widely, and thinking about the areas that interest you most.  Literature topics for research papers should be chosen based on students' interests and areas of expertise. By conducting in-depth research, you will gain a greater appreciation for literary work and its impact on society. With this article as a guide, you can take the time to find a topic that speaks to you and create an engaging research paper.

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Literature Topics and Research

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This handout provides examples and description about writing papers in literature. It discusses research topics, how to begin to research, how to use information, and formatting.

What kinds of topics are good ones?

The best topics are ones that originate out of your own reading of a work of literature, but here are some common approaches to consider:

• A discussion of a work's characters: are they realistic, symbolic, historically-based?
• A comparison/contrast of the choices different authors or characters make in a work
• A reading of a work based on an outside philosophical perspective (Ex. how would a Freudian read Hamlet ?)
• A study of the sources or historical events that occasioned a particular work (Ex. comparing G.B. Shaw's Pygmalion with the original Greek myth of Pygmalion)
• An analysis of a specific image occurring in several works (Ex. the use of moon imagery in certain plays, poems, novels)
• A "deconstruction" of a particular work (Ex. unfolding an underlying racist worldview in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness )
• A reading from a political perspective (Ex. how would a Marxist read William Blake's "London"?)
• A study of the social, political, or economic context in which a work was written — how does the context influence the work?

How do I start research?

Once you have decided on an interesting topic and work (or works), the best place to start is probably the Internet. Here you can usually find basic biographical data on authors, brief summaries of works, possibly some rudimentary analyses, and even bibliographies of sources related to your topic.

The Internet, however, rarely offers serious direct scholarship; you will have to use sources found in the library, sources like journal articles and scholarly books, to get information that you can use to build your own scholarship-your literary paper. Consult the library's on-line catalog and the MLA Periodical Index. Avoid citing dictionary or encyclopedic sources in your final paper.

How do I use the information I find?

The secondary sources you find are only to be used as an aid. Your thoughts should make up most of the essay. As you develop your thesis, you will bring in the ideas of the scholars to back up what you have already said.

For example, say you are arguing that Huck Finn is a Christ figure ; that's your basic thesis. You give evidence from the novel that allows this reading, and then, at the right place, you might say the following, a paraphrase:

According to Susan Thomas, Huck sacrifices himself because he wants to set Jim free (129).

If the scholar states an important idea in a memorable way, use a direct quote.

"Huck's altruism and feelings of compassion for Jim force him to surrender to the danger" (Thomas 129).

Either way, you will then link that idea to your thesis.

100 Best Literary Research Topics – Fresh Perspectives on Literature Pieces

Selecting the right literature topics for a research paper work can be challenging due to the wealth of literary works and themes available. To find the perfect topic, focus on your personal character interests, the scope of your assignment, and the availability of resources or requirements of American universities. Reflect on the literary periods, authors, or themes that captivate you, and investigate potential questions or ideas related to them. Seeking guidance from your instructor or peers can also be beneficial, as can browsing academic journals, literary critiques, or scholarly databases to discover trending literature research paper topics or ongoing debates in the literary and cultural field.

How to Understand If a Topic Is Good?

Choose literary topics for research paper works that genuinely interest you ensure there is a sufficient amount of primary and secondary sources, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge. You need to determine if literary research topics in history are suitable for your literary research paper, consider the factors: interest and engagement with the literary research topic, the scope and maintenance of the subject.

Test it with an Outline

You need to create a preliminary outline for your paper, organizing your ideas and potential arguments logically. Together with our research paper writing service , you gain the success results. In another way, you can concentrate on the text`s main points and reveal the literary research topics intricacy, pertinence, and scope.

Write a Thesis Statement

Craft a premise statement that encapsulates your central argument and offers a fresh perspective on your chosen literature research paper ideas to ensure it is neither overly broad. An effective premise statement should be clear, concise, and debatable, sparking further discussion and analysis, and if you feel troubled with managing this task our website writes for you any essay .

List of Literature Research Topics

When choosing literary research topics, consider exploring various spheres of interest that offer diverse subjects for examination. For instance, focus on the works of specific authors, the characteristics of a particular literary period, or the themes and poetry that recur across different eras. Delve into the representation of historical and social issues in literary research topics, such as gender roles, race, or mental health, and investigate how to make the list of the best research paper topics . By examining American literature research topics, you can find literature topics for research that resonates with your interests and contributes to the existing body of literary knowledge. Additionally, you may explore genres like science fiction or magical poetry, examining their impact on society and culture. Investigating the relationship between literature and other disciplines, such as philosophy, psychology, or history, can also yield fascinating American or British lit research paper topics.

British Literature Research Paper Topics

You can investigate captivating elements of literary research paper topics through an array of research work topics. By scrutinizing distinct themes, genres, and historical eras, you can profoundly comprehend the multifaceted and diverse landscape of English literary research subjects and their impact on American authors. This exploration allows you to broaden your knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a genuine appreciation for the creative and intellectual contributions within the field of English literature research topics.

• Gender Roles in Shakespeare’s Plays.
• Power Representation in Jane Austen’s Novels.
• Love and Marriage in John Donne’s Poetry.
• Gothic literature’s influence on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
• Imperialism in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.
• Symbolism in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.
• Nature’s Role in William Wordsworth’s Poetry.
• Social Class in George Eliot’s Middlemarch.
• Supernatural Elements in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
• World War I’s Impact on Early 20th-Century Literature.

American Literature Topics

From iconic novels to influential authors, these literary research topics encompass the essence of American identity, history, and culture. Unravel the complexities of this vast literary landscape as you delve into themes of race, ethnicity, the American Dream, and more, uncovering the unique perspectives and voices that have shaped and defined American literature throughout the centuries.

• The American Identity in Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
• The American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
• The American Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.
• Race and ethnicity in James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain.
• The American Slavery in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
• Road Trip in Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
• Magical Realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude.
• The American Civil Rights Movement’s Impact on 1960s American Literature.
• The American Religion in Flannery O’Connor’s works.
• The American West in Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian.

Science Fiction Literary Research Essay Topics

With these topics, you can delve into a myriad of literary research topics that explore the depths of futuristic societies, alternate realities, and advanced technology. Unearth the themes, symbolism, and socio-political commentary embedded within these stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power and allure of sci-fi literary research topics.

• Artificial Intelligence in Asimov’s “I, Robot” and Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
• Dystopia in Orwell’s “1984” and Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
• Alienation in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle.”
• Time Travel in Wells’ “The Time Machine” and L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time.”
• Genetic Engineering in Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake.”
• Environmentalism in Herbert’s “Dune” and Butler’s “Parable of the Sower.”
• Virtual Reality in Gibson’s “Neuromancer” and Stephenson’s “Snow Crash.”
• Post-apocalyptic settings in McCarthy’s “The Road” and Mandel’s “Station Eleven.”
• Identity in Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness” and Delany’s “Dhalgren.”
• Extraterrestrial Life in Clarke’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” and Lem’s “Solaris.”

High School Literary Research Essay Topics

These subjects should be carefully selected for their relevance and appeal, they provide the perfect foundation for developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a love for literature. Discover thought-provoking issues relevant to high school readers with these high school literary research topics. By delving into contemporary literary research topics that resonate with teenage audiences, you can foster a greater appreciation for literature and its impact on young minds.

• Mental Illness in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Plath’s “The Bell Jar.”
• Symbolism in Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” and its relevance today.
• Identity and Self-Discovery in Baldwin’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and Walker’s “The Color Purple.”
• Racism and inequality in Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.”
• Nature and Symbolism in Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” and Frost’s works.
• Isolation and Loneliness in Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” and Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
• Gender Roles in Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” and Chopin’s “The Awakening.”
• Magical Realism in Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and Allende’s “The House of the Spirits.”
• War and its effects in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” and Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five.”
• The American Dream in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.”

Modernist Literature Research Paper Topics

Discover interesting literature topics of self-discovery, rebellion, and experimental styles that resonate with teenagers, while gaining an understanding of the cultural and historical influences that fuelled this revolutionary movement. Fell the groundbreaking literary movements in these modernist research topics in literature and chose the best one for you.

• Fragmentation in Modernist Literature: Joyce’s Ulysses and Eliot’s The Waste Land.
• Modernist Literature and Trauma: Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.
• World War I’s Influence on Modernist Literature: Owen’s Works and Ford’s Parade’s End.
• Time in Modernist Literature: Proust’s In Search of Lost Time and Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury.
• Women’s Role in Modernist Literature: Barnes’ Nightwood and Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea.
• Identity in Modernist Literature: Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain and Ellison’s Invisible Man.
• Stream of Consciousness in Modernist Literature: Mansfield’s “Bliss” and Woolf’s To the Lighthouse.
• Modernist Literature and the City: Pound’s “In a Station of the Metro” and Eliot’s “Preludes.”
• Modernist Literature and the Movement: Pound’s The Cantos and H.D.’s Trilogy.
• The “Lost Generation” in Modernist Literature: Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

Renaissance Literature Research Paper Topics

The era, characterized by a remarkable resurgence in culture, art, and intellectual pursuits, has impacted the trajectory of human civilization. Uncover the rich tapestry of the revival literary research topics for your literary research paper.

• Love in Shakespeare’s Sonnets
• Women in Twelfth Night and the Duchess of Malfi
• Humanism in Utopia and Petrarch’s Sonnets
• Fate in Romeo and Juliet and Doctor Faustus
• Courtly Love in the Faerie Queene and Astrophil and Stella
• Classical Themes in Julius Caesar and Dido, Queen of Carthage
• Reformation in Paradise Lost and the Temple
• Power in Macbeth and The Revenger’s Tragedy
• Revival Influence on Hamlet and the Spanish Tragedy
• Kingship between Richard II and Edward II

Controversial Literature Research Paper Topics

Debate and analyze character issues in literature with these controversial literature literary research topics. These subjects allow you to explore literary research topics, ethical dilemmas, and social commentaries within literary works, providing an opportunity for intellectual growth and open dialogue.

• Mental Illness Portrayal in Literature: Helpful or Harmful?
• Cultural Appropriation in Literature Ethics.
• Racial Slurs Use in Literature Controversy.
• Trigger Warnings in Literature and Free Speech Impact.
• Censorship Effects on Literature and Society.
• Authorial Intent Ethics in Literary Interpretation.
• Sexuality Representation in Literature Controversy.
• Violence against Women’s Portrayal in Literature and Society’s Impact.
• Cancel Culture’s Impact on Literature and Publishing.
• Literary Classics Value Debate in Modern Society.

World Literature Research Topics

Embark on a literary journey around the globe with these World literary research topics.

• War Depiction in Global Literature
• Novel Evolution in Different Cultures
• Immigration and Diaspora in Literature
• Love and Relationships in Global Literature
• Colonialism’s Impact on Global Literature
• Mythology in Global Literature
• Cultural Identity in International Literature
•  Political Oppression and Resistance Themes
• Eastern Philosophy’s Influence on Western Literature
• Spirituality and Religion in Global Literature

Literature Research Paper Topics for Students

These literary research topics are designed to challenge students’ critical thinking and analytical skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for literature.

• Technology’s Impact on Contemporary Literature.
• LGBTQ+ Community Portrayal in Literature.
• Mental Health Representation in Young Adult Literature.
• Feminism’s Role in Shaping Contemporary Literature.
• Globalization’s Impact on Literature and Culture.
• Social Justice and Activism Themes in Modern Literature.
• Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Literature.
• Postmodernism’s Influence on Contemporary Literature.
• Environment and Climate Change Representation in Literature.
• Science Fiction’s Role in Reflecting and Shaping Contemporary Society.

Modern Literature Research Paper Topics

Analyze the intricacies of modern literary research topics masterpieces for university students.

• Magic Realism in Garcia Marquez’s Works
• Morrison and Baldwin’s Literary Techniques
• Feminism in Alice Munro’s Short Stories
• Postmodernism in Don Delillo’s Novels
• Mental Illness in the Bell Jar and the Yellow Wallpaper
• Identity in Adichie and Lahiri’s Works
• Colonialism’s Impact on Achebe and Ngugi WA Thiong’O
• Stream of Consciousness in Mrs. Dalloway and Ulysses
• Masculinity in Hemingway’s Novels
• Memory Role in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Novels

Ancient Literature Research Topics

Delve into the origins of storytelling and literary research topics for your literary research paper. These literary research topics will allow you to investigate various themes, genres, and styles across different time periods, ultimately enhancing your appreciation for the transformative power of storytelling. 

• Women in Greek Tragedies
• Mythology in Homer & Virgil Epic
• Poetry: Greece vs Rome
• Prophecy in Greek Tragedies
• Fate in Oedipus Rex & Macbeth
• Dreams in Egyptian Literature
• Gods in Mesopotamian Literature
• Love Poetry: India & China
• Oral Tradition in African Literature
• Karma in Mahabharata 

In conclusion, selecting literary research topics is an essential step in the writing process, as it sets the foundation for your entire paper. Explore various subjects within English, American, or global literature, and consider literary research topics such as gender roles, power representation, or the impact of historical events on literature discuss. Remember to choose literary research topics that genuinely interest you, as this will make the literature discussion and writing process more enjoyable and engaging. Test your literary research topics with an outline and a premise statement to ensure it is focused, specific, and manageable.

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190 Research Topics in English Literature

Are you searching for the most suitable topic for your literary research paper or thinking about the best topic for your Literary research article? You're in the right spot. The toughest part of doing research is deciding on the right subject. When you've found an ideal topic, you're in good shape.

We have an abundance of highly-rated expert writers who are able to write professional and well-written papers. As college students, We understand the fact that paying for high-priced papers can be a hassle, which is why we offer low rates for top-quality writing. We can provide you with the top assistance in the form of research papers that will help you earn the highest grades. Explore this selection of subjects to discover the perfect match for your needs.

Literature Research Topics

Finding the perfect literature research paper topic could take up a lot of your time. In this section, you'll find some of the most popular Literature research topic ideas.

• Examine what you think of as the American dream in Literature.
• What is the relationship between Literature and religion? Are related?
• Examine the "stream of conscious" literary style.
• Study the use of artificial languages in literary works.
• How does mythology get its name in Literature?
• Does it make sense for the writing to be gendered?
• Examine the difference between dystopian and utopian Literature.
• Examine Shakespeare's work. Shakespeare.
• How do you evaluate feminist Literature? Does it have a foundation?
• Assess the impact of Shakespeare's work. Of Shakespeare.
• Can fan fiction be considered an autonomous part of Literature?
• How can cliches be used to enhance the world of Literature?
• What is the role of Byronic characters in the Literature described?
• Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of reading Literature.
• The work of Literature during WWI
• Examine the depiction of peace and war by George Orwell.

Interesting Literature Topics

Do you realise how many intriguing literary topics there are? They cover the evolution of Literature and its growth of it to the present day. Finding topics to write about in a literary research paper is difficult, So here are a few other options.

• How do you define humour and sarcasm in Literature?
• What can Literature be described as a tool for propaganda?
• Talk about the madness of Literature.
• The impact of literary characters who play pranks on readers.
• Examine travel writing in the 20th century.
• Examine the characteristics of poetry and storytelling after 1900.
• What has changed in the city's lifestyle since 1900?
• Examine the role of Literature in contemporary culture.
• What are the social issues that are discussed in literary works?
• The relationship between psychology and Literature.
• A significant influence from European culture on Midwest literature.
• The Literature of different countries is diverse of different nations.
• The influence of European culture on contemporary Literature.
• The influence of feminism on contemporary culture.
• Analyze Japanese Literature during the 20th century.

Literature Topics for a Research Paper

In this section, you'll find many literary topics that you could utilize to research. A well-written research essay will aid you in achieving top grades.

• What do you think of as the production of culture by Latina writers?
• Examine the depiction of Ethics in literary works.
• Examine your thoughts on the American dream in the Literature.
• Review the famous writings by Ernest Hemingway.
• Examine the literary languages that were invented.
• What makes "Harry Potter" so wildly popular?
• What is the representation of Death depicted in the form of a character in literary works?
• The effect of reading on children.
• Does there exist a gender-neutral representation in literary works?
• Examine the Victorian Literature of the Victorian period.
• Define the whole writings by William Shakespeare.
• Examine whether fanfiction is independent literary.
• What literary figures do you consider to be Byronic?
• Irony is a way to express emotion in Literature.
• What can Literature do as a tool for propaganda?

Literature Research Paper Topics

In this section of research paper topics, you can connect one event to another. They also draw inspiration from the most famous novels. When considering literary research topics, be aware of your understanding and your interest in the subject.

• The connection between Literature and psychology.
• What is the process of constructing the social identity of a person?
• What can you say about settlement nationhood and nature through North American poetry?
• Why is it that place is important to poets?
• Examine travel writing from the 20th and 21st centuries.
• The role of animals in the Literature for children.
• Examine the role of humour in children's books.
• Discuss the best children's fiction dating back to 1900.
• How does the young adult literature depict disabilities?
• How do you read to five-year-olds to help them develop friendships and their imagination?
• Review the contemporary novel and the psychology.
• Define the inter-disciplinary boundaries of archaeology and English Literature.
• Examine the novel of the 19th century and science.
• Examine the importance of History in interpreting modern Literature.
• How important is philosophy to Literature?

English Literature Research Paper Topics

When it comes to English Literature, the focus is on the way in which classics, novels or books are composed to describe a specific phenomenon. Here are some literary topics to begin with:

• Assess the methods of teaching English Literature.
• Explore the latest Indian literary works with English translations.
• Examine women's writing as well as the review of English Literature.
• Examine the influence of the Bible on English Literature. Bible upon English literature.
• Examine the influence of the Classics on Literature.
• Define the role of English Literature in educating people.
• Define the influence of Darwin on Literature.
• Explain medieval English Literature.
• Study Women Studies and Feminism in India.
• Review the brief background of Norton Anthology of the English language.
• Review your understanding of the English Renaissance study.
• Investigate medieval feminism in middle English Studies.
• Examine women's roles within Indian English Literature.
• Examine feminism and contemporary Indian Literature.
• Examine the development of English in North America.

Topics in Literature

Literature requires complete concentration in order to get to the core of a specific phenomenon.

• Discussion of the play by Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, which is based on Male Melodrama.
• How has black lives matter influenced Literature written by black writers?
• Examine the current refuge literature.
• Examine postcolonialism along with climate change in the Literature.
• Explore modernity and tradition by using the lens of Tagore Gora.
• Examine the relationship between post-independence as well as pre-independence Indian writing.
• The importance of the role of African Literature in responding to racism.
• The research on homosexuality.
• The importance of Literature in the present day.
• The growth of feminists in the 20th century.
• The impact of fairy tales on perceptions in the contemporary era.
• Correlation between post-independence and pre-independence Indian Literature.
• Talk about the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird in 1960".
• The importance of Shakespeare in the realm of Literature.
• How did the art of writing novels begin?
• Analyzing the character from Emy as well as Rebecca from Vanity Fair.
• The depiction of Vampires in 19th and 21st-century Literature.

Research Topics in English Literature

Within this category, you will find the subjects of comparison to research. They are based on well-known novels and also books written in English.

• Study the range of Chaucer's literary genres that are featured in his stories of Canterbury.
• The authenticity of historical books when it comes to documenting historical events.
• What is the significance of women changed in the twentieth century of the world of Literature?
• What impact did Milton's dream disappearance influence the writing that was published in 17th-century England?
• What inspired James Joyce and William Burroughs to create their works?
• What are our thoughts about our current perspective on 19th-century novels and the general population and similar views the first time they appeared?
• Examine the work of less well-known writers.
• Discover why adults find Lord of the Rings appealing.
• What does the work of Maya Angelou play a role in the African responses to the issue of racism in the world of Literature?
• Consciousness is frequently referred to as "unconsciousness" in modern literature.
• Examine the representations found in the literary works that are based on Hindu as well as Buddhist beliefs in Modern Literature.
• Abortion is depicted in a variety of ways as a subject in British Literature.
• Poetry that is based on the faith of style and fashion in Hopkins.
• Explore the development of Literature in the 20th century.
• Define the nature of writing in the chemical landscape.

Literature Topics for Research Papers

They can be among the top sought-after subjects for literature research. They don't require much effort to write a well-written research paper.

• The role of gender in the contemporary literary world.
• Important to incorporate animals in children's books.
• Examining the conflict that began in the first world war.
• The accuracy and precision of History as written in novels dealing with historical incidents?
• The differences in the Literature that comes from America in comparison to Great Britain. The US in the United States and Great Britain.
• Explore the poetic imagination of the 19th century.
• Explore the imaginative images of the 19th century, which were inspired by the scientific study of Astronomy.
• What are the possible applications of quantum physics in Literature?
• What is your most memorable piece of work written by William Shakespeare?
• The masculine female in more recent English Literature.
• The difference between modernism and realists.
• Analyzing the key elements in First World War poetry.
• The study of the significance of fairy tales in literary works.
• The impact of Literature in the Renaissance period.
• An investigation of the historical roots of the Literature of children's books.

Literary Topics for a Research Paper

Literary topics can be diverse. This makes it challenging to select the most appropriate subject for your research paper.

• Discuss the most important work written by Shakespeare.
• Determine the gender-based representation in the genre.
• Impact of the language on social media on children.
• The hardships of an African woman.
• Language activities are utilized to teach and learn processes of the English Language.
• Study the role played by women in nation-building and the impact their work has in the field of Literature.
• Folklore is a crucial aspect in the classroom of Literature.
• Drama as well as poetry within the realm of Literature.
• Factors that influence the selection of an appropriate language in an internationalized world.
• Study of morphological shifts in English.
• The study of Achebe, "Things are falling apart".
• Proverbs make up a large portion of the literary world.
• The impact of political influence on the creation of textual texts in Literature.
• Study of the literary language.
• The study of threats is a topic in Literature.

Research Topics in Literature

The subjects of the research have their roots in a range of elements that impact society and the entire world. They also study people's emotions and behaviour in various situations.

• English Nativization within African literary texts
• An examination of the Asian theatre and its influence on modern Literature.
• Leadership studies are part of the Literature.
• Literature's importance in the world.
• Why is it necessary to read books?
• Examine the development of Literature, starting from the beginning until the present.
• Learn about the methods used to develop styles in the Literature.
• Which feminist critiques have you seen of particular Feminist works?
• The importance of the genre fiction in the literature field.
• The importance of narration as well as emotion in the creation novel in the realm of Literature.
• Examine how conflict is portrayed in literary fiction.
• What are the consequences of the impact of the different languages on the development of an entire nation?
• Learn about the importance of music and revolution.
• The impact of language on the growth of the nation.
• What is the mode of communication in writing?

Literature Paper Topics

Here are some of the most requested themes for your literature essays which you can use to do your own research. If you are able to narrow down your research topic to the correct topic and find the relevant details are easy.

• The difference between linguistics theorists and theories of grammar.
• Tenses and tenses pose problems in the Literature.
• The analysis of the word's development in the Literature.
• Poetry is an integral element of Literature.
• The development and growth of modern Literature.
• The happiness of individuals and societal standards are discussed in Victorian writing.
• The structure of the sentences of English Literature.
• Can the spoken language of an individual impact the person's decision to choose another language?
• A look at the challenges that arise from studying the language of a different.
• The evidence for non-standard usage of English among University Students.
• The significance of rituals, dances and music in the world of Literature.
• Poetic language and the impact of poetry on language.
• What could Literature possibly be presented as means to change the social order?
• The syntactic problems that arise from English usage.
• The influence of society's influence on the performance of students writing.

Literature Research Paper Topics for College Students

Do you have a child in college looking for the ideal research paper on Literature? Here are some ideas to think about!

• Discuss your understanding of the concept of censorship within American Literature.
• Study the African-American writer women and the American writers and study their impact on the world.
• Architectural imagery in the twentieth century. African American Literature.
• What is the fate of characters after they are stale in the literary world?
• The different ways of communicating through the written word.
• Dialogue is an aspect of American Sign Language in Literature.
• What is the manner in which dialects and Death are represented in Literature?
• What are the ways that Literature portrays American culture?
• What is the method by which self-verification might be found throughout African American Literature?
• Generational divisions and their impact on modern Literature.
• The creation of excellence is based on tradition.
• Explore the current literary world.
• What is masculinity? in the realm of Literature?
• The effect of the effects on American writing from World War I on American Literature.
• Important African American Literature addresses the black experience.

Literature Review Topics Examples

Do you have the ability to conduct an analysis of the Literature in various fields? Check out these subjects and test your knowledge of them subject.

• An overview of the studies on rationality and the rational.
• A study of the Literature on the development of dependence and dependence.
• A review of the Literature regarding the scarcity of resources in our current world.
• A brief review of the Literature that concerns pop culture.
• An overview of the Literature on Feminist global relationships.
• A review of the Literature on the complexity of organizations and their policies.
• A brief review of the Literature on censorship as well as television shows.
• An overview of the research on global climate change and its impact on humankind.
• A review of the Literature about the reasons behind why children's books are so well-known.
• An analysis of the Literature regarding how writers decide on how they write.
• Artificial language is utilized in Literature.
• How education affects Literature per era.
• The most formidable villains of Literature.
• What are the factors that make Shakespeare a major influencer on modern authors?
• The Literature and the propaganda of the present.

Frequently asked questions

What are some good english research topics , what are the research topics in literature .

• What roles are women and men depicted in throughout the book? Are they distinct?
• How do different genres tell their own story?
• Who is "the author," and what is their backstory?
• What are the issues in politics this novel attempts to address? Discrimination? Rights? Equality?
• What is the significance of this novel in terms of religion? What beliefs is it advocating or rebutting?

Which topic is best for PhD in English literature ?

• Examine what you think of as the American dream in the literature.
• How do literature and religion have a relationship?
• Examine your thoughts on the "stream of consciousness" style of literature.
• How does mythology get its name in literary works?

What are the best literature research topics in 2023 ?

• What can you say about the literary genres of sarcasm and irony?
• What can literature be described as a means of propagandizing?
• Examine the literary madness.
• The influence of characters who are tricksters in the world of literature.

What is research in English literature ?

Which is the hardest subject for phd , what is the best literature topic for students in research .

• What do you think of as the cultural output of Latina writers?
• Examine the depiction of Ethics in the literature.
• Review the famed writings by Ernest Hemingway.
• Explore the languages of literature that have been invented.

How do you choose a thesis for English literature ?

How do i find new research topics .

Methods for Identifying New Research Topics

• Seek out colleagues from a variety of disciplines.
• Take part in related workshops.
• Reading to learn about new topics and modern technologies.
• Determine a broad area of interest or ideas you already have.

What is a good literature research title ?

• Examine the teaching methods used to teach English literature.
• Examine contemporary Indian writing with English translation.
• Review women's writers and the study of English literature.
• Study the impact of the Bible on English literature. Bible upon English literature.
• Assess the influence of Classics on literature.

What is research problem in English literature ?

What is basic research in english , what are the types of research in english language .

Students can conduct research in language studies using four different research methodologies:

i) Experimental research,

ii) quasi or pre-experimental research,

iii) ethnography, and

iv) case study.

What is a good thesis for a literature review ?

What is research paper in literature .

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200 Compelling Literary Research Paper Topics to Explore

Literary research holds the key to unlocking the power of knowledge and education. But what makes a research paper truly impactful? It all starts with selecting a fascinating topic. This blog post presents 300 handpicked Literary research paper topics that will ignite your scholarly pursuits. From cutting-edge trends to unexplored territories, these topics promise to fuel your intellectual curiosity and make you write like a professional  writing services  provider. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Comprehensive Lists of Impressive Literary Research Paper Topics

Be it anything you want to research related to Literary, our comprehensive lists of topics have you covered. So, without further ado, let’s begin with our first list.

American Literature Topics for Research

Picking up a topic from this list will allow you to uncover hidden narratives, analyze iconic works, and more. Here you go with the list.

• A Study of Domestic Gothic and postwar architectural culture in Shirley Jackson’s House Trilogy
• Anti-racism Resistance in American Literature
• Political and ideological agendas are reflected in American Literature
• American Literature from a feminist point of View
• Leonard Cohen’s Psalms or the demons of Tradition: the Book of Mercy and the Psalms of Leonard Cohen
• An Overview of Spanish Literature Written in the United States
• Correlations and contrasts between postmodernism and American Literature: A study of their relationship
• Poetic Hybridity in American Poetry: existing and Resisting through Its Hybridity
• Bram Stoker’s Dracula depicts vampires in what can be considered a realistic fashion
• Comparison between Stephanie Meyer’s vampires vs. L.J. Smith’s vampires
• How Bram Stoker’s Dracula differs from William Polidori’s The Vampire
• Anne Rice vs. Stephanie Meyers: Different Approaches to writing supernatural Literature
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Evolution of the Character with Time in Literature and Movies
• Illustrations of Nosferatu, the first vampire character to appear on a screen in Literature
• The relation between intertextuality and social space
• Depiction of La Lorna and other supernatural elements in American Literature
• Contemporary literary figures of Orality: ruptures and Continuity
• What is the fascination with supernatural imagery in American Literature and popular culture?
• Writings in English about refugee camps in Contemporary Literature
• Taking a comparative look at contemporary theater stages
• Comparing The Crucible with the actual Salem witch trials

Literary Research Paper Topics Related to English Literature

Pick a topic from this list and brace yourself for an awe-inspiring journey, illuminating the profound impacts of English literature on our hearts. Here’s the list.

• What is Shakespeare’s contribution to classic English Literature?
• Comparison and contrast of Shakespeare and Marlowe
• Shakespeare and Marlowe: busting myths
• Historical and Political Analysis of English Literature during the Middle Ages
• The Elizabethan Era and English Literature
• An Understanding of Victorian Literature from a political perspective
• Comparing Edwardian Literature with its predecessors, what makes it unique?
• English Literature at its Zenith
• Greek Influence on English Literature: the history of English Literature
• Comparing women’s Literature to classical English literature in terms of literary and social issues
• An Overview of British Fiction from the 19th Century
• Women in Classic English Literature: their portrayal and Characterization
• Arab civilizations influenced Literature in the early English period
• A collective analysis of English Poetry from the 19th to the 20th Century
• The Impact of Modernism on English Poetry
• The Social and political history of Victorian England as Portrayed through English Literature
• Literary explorations of British colonial slavery during the 18th and 19th centuries
• Adaptation to postcolonial cultures, neo-Victorian Culture, and Postcolonial Literature
• Literature of the postcolonial period versus Literature of the British period
• The history of books and publishing in the 20th-21st Century in British fiction
• Emotional expression and perception, semantics, lexical semantics
• A History of Ideas and Literature from the 18th Century
• An overview of the history of publishing and books
• Aspects of Race and Ethnicity, popular culture, and Politics
• Britain’s Revolutions and the Rise of Socialism: Literature that influenced them
• Actors of Shakespeare’s time, the role of the Elizabethan theater
• Literature’s contribution to understanding British politics and society today

Postcolonial Literary Research Paper Topics

Dig into stories that question the effects of colonialism and look into issues of identity, resistance, and decolonization. Get inspired by the captivating stories that are reshaping the history of colonialism with these topics.

• A Study of Heart of The Darkness from an analytical perspective
• Heart of the Darkness: Conrad’s Treatment of Africans in the Story
• Achebe’s stance against the design of Heart of Darkness
• Heart of Darkness vs. Things Fall Apart: Comparisons and Contrasts
• A Look at the Treatment of Africans in Things Fall Apart
• Concept of native society in Things Fall Apart
• A Study of the indigenous culture of Africa in Light of Things Fall Apart
• Postcolonial Literature Compared to British Literature
• Literature is written in the French language dealing with postcolonialism
• The Analysis of Postcolonial Literature Written in India after the End of Colonialism
• Ahmed Ali’s Works as Part of the postcolonial movement: a critical analysis
• An Analysis of Twilight in Delhi as a postcolonial novel through the Lens of critical theory
• Depiction of the colonized races in British Literature
• Conrad’s treatment of negros and the accusation of racism
• A Critique of Orientalism from the Perspective of Edward Said
• Elements of Postcolonialism Twilight in Delhi
• The elements belonging to the narrative framework of the postcolonial theory
• Understanding Postcolonialism with Edward Said’s Orientalism
• An Introduction to Postcolonial Theory: Concepts and Definitions
• The Evolution of the Woman within Postcolonial Literature
• An Overview of Algerian Postcolonial Literature
• British Literature, with its treatment of African nations
• Postcolonial and Feminine Resistance in Algerian and Sahrawi States
• Postcolonialism: An Effort to search its history
• Identity, alterity, and Hybridity in postcolonial states
• Introduction to postcolonial theory

Arabic Topics in Literature

Discover the fascinating world of Arabic Literature and explore its cultural heritage, poetic stories, and social dynamics. Here you go with the list.

• Literature of the Arab World and its Influence on French Literature
• The Influence of Arab Culture on Middle Ages Literature
• Hayy Bin Yaqzan is the first novel by modern criteria
• A collection of poetry by Shafi’i and historical, literary Analysis
• A Study of Religious Literature in Arabian Civilization
• Islamic Golden Ages were characterized by more significant progress in theological Literature
• Poetry from the Arab world is the foundation of modern global poetry
• Literature related to Mahdism in Islam
• Arab-Islamic culture is significant in the Literature written in Arabic
• The Evolution of Arabic Poetry and Literature
• The Poetry of the Arab Diaspora and Nature’s Aesthetics
• Ghazali’s literary works and acknowledgment of divine essence
• A study of the relationship between Arabic poetry and music and song
• Al-Gazzal’s two doors of knowledge through the heart
• Iberian expansion as a cause of Islamic culture’s influence on Western Literature
• Music and poetry from the pre-Islamic period in Arabic
• Arab Literature and social criticism in the modern era
• Aristotelian Philosophy and Greek Mythology in Modern Arab Literature
• The culture and civilization of the Ottoman Empire were influenced by Arabic poetry and music
• Arabic Literature’s Depiction of Morality and Politics
• A Study of Arab Literature by Christian Authors
• The philosophy of Islam is expressed and explained through Arabic culture
• An Introduction to the History and Literature of Islam

Existentialist Literary Research Topics

Dig into the deep thinking, self-examination, and emotions of uncertainty that come with exploring the works of important writers trying to figure out life, independence, and more. Here’s the list.

• The post-war emergence of existentialism
• War-torn human characters reflect existentialist Literature.
• What is the character of Godot in Waiting For Godot? How does Beckett explain what he is saying?
• Existentialist Drama into 21st-Century of Western Literature
• How does Beckett become an existential absurdist?
• Samuel Becket’s Life from a contemporary perspective
• The Reasons and inspirations behind Sartre’s Existentialism
• Waiting For Godot is interpreted in real time and real life.
• Considering Jean-Paul Sartre’s works from different perspectives.
• The Existentialist Literature: a critical analysis
• Horrors of War and Existentialist Literature After and About the Vietnam War
• A Comparison of Absurdism and Existentialism in Western Literature
• Theater of absurdity representation of existentialism
• A 21st-century Take on absurdist theater as a significant part of British Literature
• Existentialism: Is it Here to Stay? Getting rid of absurdity in a changing world
• Does the search for meaning transcend modern man?
• Existentialism in British Literature
• “There is infinite hope in the universe, not for us.” How do you see Kafka as an existentialist? How does he differ from the philosophers of his field?

Literary Research Topics Related to Poetry

Check out our great research paper topics and how powerful poems can be!

• Pioneers of European Literature in the realm of poetry
• Inspiration for John Keats’ poetry by Fanny Brawne
• The difference between Keats and his contemporaries
• Analyzing John Keats’ Works from a historical perspective
• The poetry of social protest in the early Renaissance
• What makes the poetry of the Renaissance the most outstanding?
• An early role played by Midland poets in the development of English poetry
• Literature of the Highlands and its Contribution to English cultural development
• The challenges of the development of English poetry
• Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry
• Poetry as a Pillar of Modern Literature
• The Importance of legal vocabulary in a poetic context
• Thinking about poetry as a critique from the Renaissance era
• The genre and meaning of Auden’s poem
• Poetry of Robert Frost: A study
• Research on the poetry of William Shakespeare
• Wordsworth as a pioneer of modern Literature
• Poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson: a historical analysis
• A general study of the Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• A Look and Study of the Aubreys of Innocence by William Blake
• Prose versus poetry in the early Renaissance
• Story of Love and Death, by Edgar Allan Poe.
• Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most famous poets
• Maya Angelo’s struggle for civil rights and using poetry as a vector of fight

Literary Research Topics Related to Novel

Go deep into the story, getting to know the characters and thinking about the themes to unlock the timeless charm of this popular type of writing. Here’s the list.

• A Study of the Gothic Novel in the British Isles
• Publishing Literature the modern novel: conditions and Sources of Innovation
• History and Fiction in African-American Women’s Literature
• Toni Morrison is one of the pioneers of the American novel
• Covenant: An American Novel of South African History
• James Michener’s works in novels and different aspects of modern American society
• Modern Literature in the Film and tv industry
• Novels of Thomas Hardy, a critical analysis
• What is the significance of Jane Austen as a pioneer of English literature? What are your thoughts on this?
• A Comparison and Contrast of American dystopian novels
• Supernatural novelists of English literature, between William Polidori and Bram Stoker
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the first supernatural novel in the history of English literature
• Children’s Literature written in British territories
• Postcolonial novels from a 21st-century perspective
• The Vampire Diaries, the pioneering novel for gen-z supernatural fascinations
• Anne Rice vs. Stephanie Meyers: what is different and what is similar
• Knowledge, Power, and Authority in Contemporary Fantasy
• Tensions and Expression in the Modern American Novel
• Political Depiction of Christianity in American Novels and Movies

Literary Research Topics Related to Drama

Check out these cool topics to write an amazing research paper your teacher is expecting of you. 

• Shakespearean Drama from historical practices
• Plagiarism allegations about Shakespeare
• William Shakespeare vs. Christopher Marlowe: Contrasts and Comparisons
• An overview of Shakespeare’s plays and how they formed modern theater and cinema
• Waiting For Godot by Beckett, from a directorial and cinematic perspective
• Elizabethan vs. Jacobean Drama: What makes them different?
• Oscar Wilde as a playwright, from a modern perspective
• Shakespeare as a pioneer of the European literature boom
• Role of Queen Elizabeth I in the Promotion of English Drama and Theater
• Stages of Transformation: at the Crossroads of Theater and abolitionist movements
• Role of Drama in European Literature
• The Drama of the 21st Century and how it differs from the Classics
• Greek tragedy compared to Shakespearean tragedy
• Greek Tragedy vs. Classical English Drama
• Modern vs. Classical tragedy, essential comparative elements
• Was European Literature initially focused on Drama? Why or why not?
• The Importance of Being Earnest is one of the most beloved plays. Why?
• Oscar Wild as a dramatist
• Literature formed Freudianism, a psychoanalytical analysis of the plays that inspired Sigmund Freud
• Mourning Becomes Electra and Oedipus Rex, how two tragedies formed the Basis of modern psychology
• Literary Analysis of the Supernatural in the Plays of Marlowe
• Classic vs. Modern Literature in the Area of Tragedy and Drama
• Edward Bond, a playwright of hope or despair?
• When does British Literature portray elements of World war
• Literary devices used in early British literary works and Renaissance literature
• Language diversity in historical novels in the Victorian literature era
• European culture depicted in early American Literature
• American literature contribution to Studies on Classical Literature
• Literary Argument on literary works of the Renaissance in Comparison with Indian Literature

Interesting Literature Topics

These literary research topics can spark your interest, challenge your views, and help you appreciate Literature even more.

• Travel writing for college students living the American dream
• Use of poetic language and literary devices in Japanese literary works
• Social identity in dystopian Literature that World War II inspired
• Male and female characters in African American Literature
• Literary novels in the genre of young adult literature
• Literature paper on Japanese Literature depicting Post World War II modern culture
• Literary Analysis of artificial language in Utopian and Dystopian Literature
• The modern culture depicted in American and Asian culture
• Literary Analysis of Harry Potter and novel writing for university students
• Harry Potter is a significant literature contribution opening new doors to literary research.
• Comparative Literary Analysis of travel writing vs. literary journalism
• Literary Analysis of travel writing in Indian Literature
• African literary responses to American Literature on world war in the Twentieth Century
• How American Literature Differs from Modern Chinese Literature: Form and evaluate literature response on Written Literature

Hopefully, these lists of good topics for research papers have helped you pick a suitable subject and make a real difference in literary research. Remember that a good topic always plays a pivotal role in the paper’s success. If you are still trying to figure out how to proceed with your assignment , count on the professional expertise of  our writers .

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275 Good Literature Research Paper Topics & Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Literature research paper topics span a vast range of themes, diving deep Into diverse cultural expressions of humanity encapsulated in texts. They may include examining the role of gender, race, or class in seminal works, deconstructing narrative strategies used by specific literature authors, or probing historical and social contexts that influenced particular literary movements. Comparative literature studies offer fascinating insights by contrasting different authors, periods, or cultures. Literary theories, like postmodernism, feminism, or post-colonialism, provide additional lenses to interpret texts critically. On a more granular level, an analysis of symbols, motifs, or character development in a single literature work can yield rich discussions. The impact of digital media on literature is another progressive angle. With the vast scope and depth, literature research paper topics invite the exploration of multi-faceted dimensions.

Top Literature Research Paper Topics

• Modern Interpretations of Shakespeare’s Female Characters
• Comparative Analysis of Magic Realism in Latin American and African Literature
• Gender Stereotypes in Classic “Fairy Tales”: A Feminist Reading
• Postcolonial Discourses in Salman Rushdie’s Novels
• The Portrayal of Mental Health Issues in Young Adult Dystopian Novels
• Tragic Elements and Morality in Ancient Greek Drama
• Medieval Literature: A Deep Dive Into Chivalric Codes
• Depictions of Nature in Romantic Poetry: Keats and Wordsworth
• Satire as a Political Tool in Jonathan Swift’s Works
• Insights Into Victorian Society through Charles Dickens’s Novels
• Analysis of Irony in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
• Existential Themes in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger”
• Reading Into Metaphysical Elements in John Donne’s Poetry
• Gothic Tropes in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”
• Exploration of Race Relations in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
• Mapping Journey Motifs in Homer’s “Odyssey”
• Postmodern Narrative Techniques in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”
• Elements of Surrealism in Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
• Unraveling Childhood Innocence in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Deciphering Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

Simple Literature Research Paper Topics

• Love Themes in “Romeo and Juliet”
• “Pride and Prejudice”: A Study of Class Differences
• Symbolism in Classics: “The Old Man and the Sea”
• Epistolary Style in “Dracula”: Advantages and Limitations
• Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies”
• Nature Imagery in Wordsworth’s Poetry
• Dualism in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
• Portrayal of Women in “The Handmaid’s Tale”
• Morality in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Shakespeare’s Use of Soliloquy in “Hamlet”
• Dystopian Elements in “1984”
• Heroism in “Beowulf”: An Analysis
• Innocence and Experience in Blake’s “Songs of Innocence and of Experience”
• Significance of Dreams in Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Children’s Perspective in “The Secret Garden”
• Comparing Bronte Sisters: Themes in “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights”
• Post-War Reality in “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Survival and Humanity in “The Road”
• Animal Imagery in Orwell’s “Animal Farm”

Interesting Literature Research Paper Topics

• Dystopian Projections in Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake”
• Magical Elements in Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
• Challenging Class Systems in Dickens’s “Great Expectations”
• Existential Concerns in Kafka’s “The Trial”
• Depicting Childhood Trauma in Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner”
• Exploitation Themes in Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”
• Steinbeck’s Critique of Capitalism in “Grapes of Wrath”
• Illusion and Reality in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Cultural Collision in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
• Decoding Ecofeminism in Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer”
• The Symbolism of the Mississippi River in Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
• Questioning Morality in Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”
• Loss and Regret in Ian McEwan’s “Atonement”
• Feminist Undertones in Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”
• Violence and Rebellion in Anthony Burgess’s “A Clockwork Orange”
• Exploring Oppression in George Orwell’s “1984”
• Unveiling Transcendentalism in Thoreau’s “Walden”
• Interpreting Paradox in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”
• Understanding Antiheroes in Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho”
• Power Dynamics in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”

Literature Research Topics for High School

• Tracing Gothic Themes in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
• Unmasking Symbolism: Interpreting Imagery in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Exploring the Concept of Heroism in J.R.R Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”
• Feminist Perspectives in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”
• Satirical Elements in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
• Dystopian Societies: A Comparative Study of George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”
• Postmodernist Techniques in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”
• Southern Gothic and Memory in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”
• Cultural Displacement and Identity in Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club”
• Manifestations of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Interpretation of Dreams and Reality in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”
• Analysis of Autobiographical Elements in Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
• Divergent Perspectives of Time in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”
• Intersection of Art and Life in Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
• Native American Mythology in Louise Erdrich’s “Tracks”
• Human Morality and Ethics in Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”
• Parallels Between War and Chess in Stefan Zweig’s “The Royal Game”
• Cross-Cultural Relationships in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”
• Stream of Consciousness Technique in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”
• Understanding Death Through Emily Dickinson’s Poetry

Literature Research Topics for College Students

• Examination of Heroic Archetypes in Homer’s “Odyssey”
• Exploring Cultural Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”
• Decoding Magical Realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
• Inquiries Into the Absurd in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger”
• Dissection of Class Conflict in Charles Dickens’s “Hard Times”
• Understanding Transcendentalism through Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays
• Manifestations of Fate and Destiny in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”
• Delineation of Feminine Strength in Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”
• Satire as a Societal Mirror in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
• Unveiling Symbolism in Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Assessment of Postmodern Elements in Thomas Pynchon’s “The Crying of Lot 49”
• Dissecting Racism in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Extrapolating Environmental Themes from Ernest Callenbach’s “Ecotopia”
• Demystifying Magic Realism in Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
• Journey Motif in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”
• Analyzing Dual Personalities in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
• Tragic Love in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• Portraying Madness in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”
• Uncovering Utopian Ideas in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”

Literature Research Topics for University

• Decoding Stream of Consciousness Technique in Virginia Woolf’s “To The Lighthouse”
• Assessment of Existentialism in Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea”
• Deconstruction of Racism in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
• Investigating Trauma in Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried”
• Dissection of Consumerism in Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho”
• Examining Gender Norms in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”
• Inquiry Into Surrealism in Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore”
• Tracing Familial Ties in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
• Interrogating Nihilism in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”
• Exploration of Spirituality in Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha”
• Deconstructing Masculinity in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”
• Deciphering Nature Imagery in William Wordsworth’s Poetry
• Delineation of Social Status in Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence”
• Analysis of Post-Colonial Themes in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
• Investigation of War Commentary in Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22”
• Exploration of Existential Crisis in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Dissecting Rebellion in George Orwell’s “1984”
• Examination of Love and Loss in John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars”
• Tragic Themes in Sophocles’s “Oedipus Rex”
• Unveiling Modernism in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”

Literature Research Topics for Master’s and Ph.D.

• Cultural Displacement Analysis in Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
• Nietzschean Perspectives in Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”
• Autobiographical Influence in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”
• Subversion of Gender Norms in Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando”
• Psychoanalytic Reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Stories
• Investigation Into Metafiction in Italo Calvino’s “If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler”
• Identity Negotiations in James Baldwin’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
• Sartrean Existentialism in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger”
• Deconstruction of Colonial Narratives in J.M Coetzee’s “Waiting for the Barbarians”
• Utopian Idealism in Thomas More’s “Utopia”
• Questioning Morality in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go”
• Feminist Readings of Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex”
• Analysis of Symbolism in William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”
• Investigation of Absurdism in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”
• Dissecting Magical Realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
• Tracing Mythological Allusions in Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy”
• Comparative Study of Tragic Heroes in Shakespeare’s Tragedies
• Exploration of Trauma in Art Spiegelman’s “Maus”
• Conceptions of the Self in Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time”
• Analyzing Paradox in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”

English Literature Research Paper Topics

• Cultural Criticism in Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”
• Deconstructionist Readings of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”
• Analyzing Gender Dynamics in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”
• Colonial Discourse in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”
• Comparative Study: Shakespeare’s Comedies vs. Tragedies
• Psychoanalytical Interpretation of Characters in D.H. Lawrence’s “Sons and Lovers”
• Religious Allusions in George Herbert’s Poetry
• Depiction of Victorian Society in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the D’Urbervilles”
• Exploration of Feminist Themes in George Eliot’s “Middlemarch”
• Romanticism and the Sublime in William Wordsworth’s Poetry
• Subversion of Gothic Conventions in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
• Satirical Elements in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
• Examining Narrative Structure in Laurence Sterne’s “Tristram Shandy”
• Critiquing Imperialism in Rudyard Kipling’s “Kim”
• Identity Politics in Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth”
• Analyzing Trauma in Pat Barker’s “Regeneration”
• Metaphysical Elements in John Donne’s Poetry
• Modernism and Stream of Consciousness in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”
• Inquiry Into Postmodernism in Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses”

World Literature Research Paper Topics

• Comparative Analysis of Magical Realism in Gabriel García Márquez’s Work “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
• The Interplay of Irony and Satire in Voltaire’s “Candide”: An In-Depth Study
• Existentialism in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”: A Philosophical Inquiry
• Politics of Gender in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
• Power of Storytelling in “Arabian Nights”: A Narrative Examination
• Tragic Elements in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”: A Dramatic Analysis
• Influence of Historical Context in Dante’s “The Divine Comedy”
• Modernist Themes in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”: An In-Depth Analysis
• Postcolonial Perspectives in J. M. Coetzee’s “Disgrace”
• Examination of Symbolism in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Unraveling Surrealism in Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding”
• Quest for Identity in Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman”
• Peculiarities of Bildungsroman in Thomas Mann’s “The Magic Mountain”
• Melodrama and Sentimentality in Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina”
• Postmodern Techniques in Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities”
• Religious Motifs in Yukio Mishima’s “The Temple of the Golden Pavilion”
• Deconstruction of the Hero Archetype in “Beowulf”: An Analytical Study
• Decoding Mythology in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera”
• Gothic Elements in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Semiotics of War in “The Iliad” by Homer: A Deeper Look

American Literature Research Paper Topics

• Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”: A Deeper Understanding
• Modernist Elements in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Decoding the Racial Landscape in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
• Examination of the Feminine Voice in Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening”
• Nature and Wilderness in Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”: A Thorough Analysis
• Existential Themes in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”
• Gothic Tropes in Edgar Allan Poe’s Short Stories: An Analytical Approach
• Subversion of Romantic Ideals in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”
• Postmodern Experimentation in Thomas Pynchon’s “The Crying of Lot 49”
• Humanism and Individualism in Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass”: A Comprehensive Study
• Interrogating Social Issues in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”
• Absurdity and Alienation in Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire”
• Motifs of Feminism in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”
• Unraveling Magical Realism in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
• Tracing Violence and American Dream in Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian”
• Discourses of Power in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
• Investigating Racism and Injustice in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Exploration of Gender and Class in Edith Wharton’s “The House of Mirth”
• Southern Gothic Elements in William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”

Early American Literature Research Paper Topics

• Revisiting Puritan Ideology in John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity”
• Interrogating Witchcraft in Cotton Mather’s “Wonders of the Invisible World”
• Colonial Discourse in John Smith’s “A Description of New England”
• Unearthing Abolitionist Rhetoric in Phillis Wheatley’s “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral”
• Narrative Structures in Mary Rowlandson’s “The Sovereignty and Goodness of God”
• The Dichotomy of Faith and Reason in Jonathan Edwards’ Work “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”
• Tales of Captivity: An Analysis of Olaudah Equiano’s “The Interesting Narrative”
• Puritan Ethics in Anne Bradstreet’s “To My Dear and Loving Husband”
• Exploration of Moralism and Feminism in “Charlotte Temple” by Susanna Rowson
• Sentimentality and Revolution in Hannah Webster Foster’s “The Coquette”
• Mourning and Memorial in Edward Taylor’s “Preparatory Meditations”
• Decoding the Political in Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”
• Unraveling Utopia in Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis”
• Intersections of Religion and Ecology in William Bartram’s “Travels”
• Slavery and Autobiography in “The History of Mary Prince”
• Examining Native Representation in James Fenimore Cooper’s “The Last of the Mohicans”
• Investigation of Transcendentalism in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance”
• Deconstruction of Gothic in Charles Brockden Brown’s “Wieland”
• Manifest Destiny and Conquest in Washington Irving’s “A Tour on the Prairies”
• The Interplay of Autobiography and Identity in Benjamin Franklin’s “The Autobiography”

Modernist Literature Research Paper Topics

• Stream of Consciousness Portrayal in Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”
• Decoding Symbolism in T. S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”
• Mythical Allusions in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”
• Questioning Identity in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”
• Exploration of Absurdism in Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”
• Unraveling Dystopia in George Orwell’s “1984”
• War Imagery in Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”
• Discourses of Power in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”
• Interrogating Alienation in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
• Confronting Colonialism in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”
• Critique of Consumerism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
• Religious Symbolism in William Faulkner’s “As I Lay Dying”
• Time and Memory in Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time”
• Revisiting Surrealism in André Breton’s “Manifestoes of Surrealism”
• Constructing Feminine Voice in Djuna Barnes’ “Nightwood”
• Melancholia and Desire in Thomas Mann’s “Death in Venice”
• Tracing Revolution in John Dos Passos’ “The 42nd Parallel”
• Racial Tensions in Richard Wright’s “Native Son”
• Examination of Silence in Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”

Renaissance Literature Research Paper Topics

• Interrogating Love in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• Humanism in Thomas More’s “Utopia”
• Religious Symbolism in John Donne’s “Holy Sonnets”
• Examining Power in Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus”
• Quest for Knowledge in Francis Bacon’s “The Advancement of Learning”
• Nature and Desire in Andrew Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress”
• Comparative Analysis of Metaphysical Poetry: John Donne and George Herbert
• Petrarchan Influence in Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene”
• Tragedy and Revenge in Thomas Kyd’s “The Spanish Tragedy”
• Decoding Allegory in John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress”
• Courtly Love in Sir Thomas Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur”
• Exploration of Colonial Discourse in Richard Hakluyt’s “The Principal Navigations”
• Interrogating Femininity in Aphra Behn’s “Oroonoko”
• Carnival and Power in Rabelais’ “Gargantua and Pantagruel”
• Satirical Elements in Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”
• Renaissance Humanism in Pico della Mirandola’s “Oration on the Dignity of Man”
• Political Machinations in Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince”
• Deciphering Madness in Robert Burton’s “The Anatomy of Melancholy”
• Rhetoric and Persuasion in Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan”
• Imagery and Metaphor in Sir Philip Sidney’s “Astrophil and Stella”

Literature Review Research Paper Topics

• Synthesis of Feminism in Contemporary Women’s Literature
• Historical Contexts of Postcolonial Literature: A Critical Examination
• Deconstruction in Postmodern Literature: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Comparative Review of Magical Realism in Latin American Literature
• Understanding Trauma Narratives in Holocaust Literature
• Unveiling Dystopia in Contemporary Young Adult Fiction
• Identity Politics in Post-Apartheid South African Literature
• Power Dynamics in Dystopian Science Fiction Literature
• Dialogues of Ecocriticism in Environmental Literature
• Subversion of Narrative Structures in Experimental Literature
• Poe’s Gothic Tradition: An Analysis Across Multiple Works
• Discourse of Mental Illness in Modernist Literature
• Comparative Analysis of Existentialism in European Literature
• Review of Cyberpunk Tropes in Contemporary Literature
• Revisiting Chivalry in Medieval Arthurian Literature
• Metamodernism in 21 st -Century Literature: A Critical Review
• Investigation of Spiritualism in Transcendentalist Literature
• Tracking Satire in 18 th -Century British Literature
• Review of Queer Themes in LGBT+ Literature
• Understanding Cultural Hybridity in Diasporic Literature

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314 education research paper topics & special ideas, 256 lgbtq+ research topics & paper ideas.

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Developing Search Terms

The first step in picking a topic is to brainstorm by asking yourself a few questions. What do you already know about this topic from your course readings? Are there similar ideas you might want to explore? What are the key concepts that you're interested in pursuing?

Once you've spent a bit of time answering these questions, you can take the concepts you've identified and use the keywords and phrases to start searching for information. Keep in mind that you'll need to build a base of knowledge before you can write effectively.

See the Database Search Strategies box on this page for more help with keyword searching!

Want to discover everything that Tisch Library has on your topic?  Try searching for your topic in JumboSearch, which simultaneously searches across all of the library's resources, including journal articles in databases, online, and in print.

Search by Keyword, Title, Subject, or Creator

Below is a selection of online resources that include a vast number of articles on topics in English, including literary criticism. The resources on this page include articles from both scholarly and popular sources, so be sure to evaluate your sources to make sure that they are appropriate for your project.

• MLA International Bibliography This database is a classified listing and subject index of scholarly books and articles on modern languages, literatures, folklore and linguistics which has been compiled by the Modern Language Association of America since 1921. The electronic version includes the Bibliography's entire print run and currently contains more than 2 million records.
• JSTOR JSTOR includes scholarship published in more than 1,400 of the highest-quality academic journals across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, as well as monographs and other materials valuable for academic work.
• Project MUSE Provides electronic access to the full text of Johns Hopkins University Press's scholarly publications in the humanities, social sciences, and mathematics.
• Academic OneFile Academic OneFile has over 8,000 peer-reviewed journals, the majority in full-text, from the world's leading journals and reference sources.
• Academic Search Premier This multi-disciplinary database provides full text for more than 4,600 journals, including full text for nearly 3,900 peer-reviewed titles.
• Gale Literature Resource Center Find up-to-date biographical information, overviews, full-text literary criticism and reviews on more than 130,000 writers in all disciplines, from all time periods and from around the world.

Databases respond best to keyword searching.  To search efficiently, turn your research question into a keyword search:

Research Question : How does Gish Jen address issues of American identity?

Search One : (Search with keywords connected by “and”): Gish Jen and American and identity

Search Two : (Truncate some of the keywords using *): Gish Jen and America* and ident*

Search Three : (Add alternate words into the search with “(or)”): Gish Jen and (America* or United States) and (ident* or belong*)

Truncate  keywords where applicable.  Truncation uses the asterisk ( * ) to end a word at its core, allowing you to retrieve many more documents containing variations of the search term.  Truncation can also be used to find the singular and plural forms of a term.  Example: educat* will find educate, educates, education, educators, educating and more.

Looking for more articles? Search Google Scholar to find more information on your topic.

If you're off campus, you can link Tufts resources to your Google Scholar results. Linking Google Scholar to the Tufts libraries lets Google show you which full-text articles we have access to through the library's subscriptions. Once you link them, Google Scholar will automatically check to see if Tufts provides access to full-text articles. If we do, you'll be able to access the articles directly from Google Scholar, which is especially helpful if you're off campus.  Follow these instructions to link Tufts to Google Scholar:

• Open Google Scholar .
• Click on the Parallel Bars icon (hamburger stack) on the upper left side of the Google Scholar page.
• Scroll down and click on Settings. On the Google Scholar Settings page, click  Library Links  in the left sidebar.
• Enter Tufts University into the search bar and click search.
• When prompted, check the box next to Tufts University – Get this Item at Tufts
• Click  Save  at the bottom of the screen.
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Literature: A Research Guide for Graduate Students

• Get Started
• Find a Database
• Research Dos & Don'ts

Welcome! This guide is maintained by Odile Harter , the library liaison to the departments of Comparative Literature and English. Here you'll find:

Get Started - a to-do list for new graduate students

Find a Database - how to locate the best search engines for your field or project

Research Dos & Don'ts - tips to help you be productive and efficient

All of which supplement Literary Research in Harvard Libraries , where you will find my favorite tools and strategies to:

• Get Organized - access, organize, and cite
• Find Background - from simple encyclopedia entries to detailed guides and histories
• Find Scholarship and Criticism - top sources and search strategies
• Literary Theory - deceptively tricky to search for!
• Foreign Language Literatures - if you're working with languages other than English

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Literature Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On February 7, 2023

Introduction

A literature dissertation aims to contextualise themes, ideas, and interests that have grabbed a reader’s interest and attention, giving them a more profound meaning through the movement of time within and outside cultures.

Literature is a comprehensive knowledge of other writers’ views, and to understand them, a student must perform extensive reading and research. A writer coveys their thoughts and ideas through their literary works, including the views and opinions of writers ranging from topics on philosophy , religious preferences, sociology , academics, and psychology .

To help you get started with brainstorming for literature topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your literature dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

2022 Literature Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: impact of the second language barrier on the social integration of immigrants- a case of chinese nationals migrating to the uk.

Research Aim: This research purposes an analysis to show the impact of the second language barrier on the social integration of Chinese immigrants in the UK. It will analyze how this barrier affects various segments of their lives by limiting their social interactions. Moreover, it will identify ways (language courses, communal support, financial support, etc.) through which government and civil society help these immigrants to overcome this barrier to make them feel inclusive in the UK and play a part in the economy.

Topic 2: The Power of the Writer’s Imagination- A Study Finding the Role of Writer Imagination in the Social Revolution in 19th-Century Europe

Research Aim: This study intends to identify the role of the writer’s imagination in the social revolution in 19 th century Europe. It will show how writers’ imagination is reflected in their writings and how it affects ordinary individuals’ mindsets. It will assess the writings of various authors during the 19 th -century social revolution when Europe replaced the monarchy with democracy. It will show the language used by the authors and its effect on the individuals’ will to achieve democracy.

Topic 3: How does an Accent Develop? An Exploratory Analysis Finding Factors Shaped Various English Accents in the World- A Case of America, Australia, and India

Research Aim: This research will analyze how an accent develops when a language is imported from one region to the other. It will identify how various factors such as culture, norms, politics, religion, etc., affect accent development. And to show this effect, this research will show how the English accent changed when it came to America, Australia, and India. Moreover, it will indicate whether social resistance in these areas affected the accent or was readily accepted.

Topic 4: “Gender Pronouns and their Usage” a New Debate in the Social Linguistics Literature- A Systematic Review of the Past and Present Debates

Research Aim: This study sheds light on a relatively new debate in politics, sociology, and linguistics, which is how to correctly use gender pronouns in all of these contexts. Therefore, this study will explore these areas, but the main focus will be on linguistics. It will review various theories and frameworks in linguistics to show multiple old and new debates on the subject matter. Moreover, a systematic review will determine the correct usage of gender pronouns.

Topic 5: Are Men Portrayed Better in the English Literature? A Feminist Critique of the Old English Literature

Research Aim: This research will analyze whether men are portrayed better in English literature through a feminist lens. It will assess a different kind of English literature, such as poems, essays, novels, etc., to show whether men are portrayed better than women in various contexts. Moreover, it will analyze multiple classical and modern-day writers to see how they use different male and female characters in their literature. Lastly, it will add a feminist perspective on the subject matter by introducing the feminist theory and its portrayal of men and women.

Covid-19 Literature Research Topics

Topic 1: the scientific literature of coronavirus pandemic.

Research Aim: This study will review the scientific literature of Coronavirus pandemic

Topic 2: Literature and the future world after Coronavirus.

Research Aim: This study will reveal the world’s literature predictions after the pandemic.

Topic 3: Coronavirus is a trending topic among the media, writers, and publishers

Research Aim: Covid-19 has disrupted every sector’s health care system and economy. Apart from this, the topic of the Coronavirus has become trending everywhere. This study will highlight whether the information provided about COVID-19 by all the sources is authentic? What kind of misleading information is presented?

Literature Dissertation Topics for 2021

Topic 1: dependence of humans on computers.

Research Aim: This research aims to study the dependence of humans on the computer, its advantages and disadvantages.

Topic 2: Whether or not the death penalty is effective in the current era?

Research Aim: This research aims to identify whether the death penalty is effective in the current era.

Topic 3: Fashion Industry and its impact on people's upward and downward social perception

Research Aim: This research aims to identify the impact on people’s upward and downward social perception

Topic 4: Communication gaps in families due to the emergence of social media

Research Aim: This research aims to address the communication gaps in families due to the emergence of social media and suggest possible ways to overcome them.

Topic 5: Employment and overtime working hours- a comparative study

Research Aim: This research aims to measure the disadvantages of overtime working hours of employees.

Topic 6: Machine translators Vs. human translators

Research Aim: This research aims to conduct a comparative study of machine translators and human translators

Topic 7: Freelancing Vs 9 to 5 jobs- a comparative study

Research Aim: This research aims to compare freelancing jobs with 9 to 5 jobs.

Literature Dissertation Topics for 2020

Topic 1: the effects of everyday use of digital media on youth in the uk..

Research Aim: Digital media is a normal part of a person’s life. In this research, the aim is to examine and analyse; how young people between the ages of 15-25 in the UK engage with digital media. The study includes the amount of time interaction occurs and the role of time-space, time elasticities, and online/offline intersections.

Topic 2: Critical analysis of the teenager protagonist in “The Room on the Roof” written by Ruskin Bond.

Research Aim: Many Indian writers and children’s book authors regard Ruskin Bond as an icon. This research will systematically study the alienated teenage protagonist in Ruskin’s “The Room on the Roof” and how Ruskin evolved the character gradually throughout the novel. The way Ruskin used this protagonist to reflect his feelings and convey them to the reader.

Topic 3: Promotion of women empowerment through mass media in Nepal.

Research Aim: The primary purpose of this study is to analyse the role of mass media, including audio, print, and audio-visual, in the empowerment of women in the Nepal region. It also discusses the development of mass media in Nepal and spreading awareness of women’s empowerment.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Literature Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: eighteenth-century british literature..

Research Aim: This study aims to study the evolution of modern British literature compared to eighteenth-century literature. This research will focus on the genre of comedy only. The research will discuss the causes of laughter in the eighteenth century compared to things that cause laughter in modern times.

Topic 5: A systematic study of Chaucer’s Miller’s tale.

Research Aim: This research aims to take a closer look at Chaucer’s heavily censored story, “The Miller’s Tale.” It seeks to look at why “The Miller’s Tale” is criticised and categorised as obscene and unfit for a general read. The study will analyse the writer’s writing style, language, and method for the research paper.

Topic 3: Understanding 17th-century English culture using a model of Francis Bacon’s idea.

Research Aim: This research aims to take a more in-depth look into Francis Bacon’s idea of modern economic development. To conduct the study, machine learning processes will be implemented to examine Francis’s ideas and their implementations in contemporary times.

Topic 4: The relation between early 18th-century English plays and The emerging financial market.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the relationship between eighteenth-century plays and a flourishing financial market. Most theatrical plays were written and performed in the middle of the 1720s, but writing carried out contributed to the financial market.

Topic 5: Issues of climate change used in early English literature: Shakespeare’s View of the sky.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse climate change’s impact on early English writings. Climatic issues were faced even in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, providing writers with another topic to add to their published work. This research will focus on the work of Shakespeare, in which he included the specifics of climate change.

Also Read: Medicine and Nursing Dissertation Topics Free

Nineteenth-Century Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: impact of nineteenth-century gothic vampire literature on female members of the gothic subculture..

Research Aim: This research will look at the introduction of gothic vampire literature and its impact on female members of the gothic subculture. It includes a complete analysis of writing style and the impression it left of the female readers’.

Topic 2: Women theatre managers and the theatre in the late nineteenth century.

Research Aim: This research aims to view the impact on theatres under the management of women theatre managers. The improvement to theatre shows, along with the hardships faced by some managers, is discussed. The proposed study analyses the categories of theatre plays.

Topic 3: The history of American literature.

Research Aim: This research aims to give a brief history of American literature’s development and evolution throughout the centuries. The timeline begins from the early 15th century to the late 19th century. Word variations, sentence structures, grammar, and written impressions will be analysed.

Topic 4: “New women” concept in the novels of Victorian age English writers.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse women’s position in the early nineteenth and how later Victorian writers used their work to give women a new identity. The method employed by these writers who wrote from a feminist point of view will also be discussed.

Topic 5: Discussing the role of the writer in their own story.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the form in which the writer reveals their presence to the reader. The methods can be achieved directly or use the characters to replace themselves in the narrative. The study observes the phrases, vocabulary, and situations the writer uses to narrate.

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Twentieth Century Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: effect of gender association in modern literature..

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the issue of gender association in twentieth-century literature. Currently, male characters are described in a more masculine term than before in comparison to female counterparts. This research will also explore the possible approach of the possible characterisation of the two genders.

Topic 2: Feminism and literature.

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the impacts of feminism on modern English literature quality. The study will look into the ideology of feminism and how feminist thoughts impact the readers’ view.

Topic 3: Modern literature based on climate change and eco-themes.

Research Aim: This research will study the various works of writers who tackled climate change and other eco-themes in their work. The study discusses the way they portrayed the item along with their views on preventing climate change. Modern work is compared to the work of previous writers who wrote about climate change.

Topic 4: How are fathers portrayed in modern literature?

Research Aim: This research will study the role of fathers in modern literature. The way the father character is portrayed in recent times has changed compared to writing in the early centuries. This research will look into the evolution of the father figure over time.

Topic 5: Literature for Asian American children.

Research Aim: This research will examine the fusion of classic American literature and Asian literature for children. The different genera’s that are produced and the style of writing will be analysed.

Also Read: Free Law Dissertation Topics

Children’s Literature Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: the influence of the intersection of race and bullying in children’s books..

Research Aim: This research will analyse the literature made for children from 2015 to 2019 in which the intersection between race and bullying is made. The study will evaluate the impact of literature read by a child in which there is bullying. Various picture books are analysed to observe the influence of racism on bullying.

Topic 2: Diversity of culture in children’s literature.

Research Aim: This research will observe the influence of the various cultural aspects of children’s books. The study will analyse the impact of mixed cultures on literature in a community and how it affects children’s mindsets from a young age.

Topic 3: The use of literature to shape a child's mind.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the effects of literature on a child’s mind. Behaviour, intelligence, and interactions between children and their age fellows are to be observed. A child’s behaviour with adults will also be analysed.

Topic 4: Evolution of children's literature.

Research Aim: This research will explore the change in children’s literature trends. This research will compare the literary work from the mid-nineteen century with modern-day children’s books. Differences in vocabulary, sentence structure, and mode of storytelling will be examined.

Topic 5: Racial discrimination in “the cat in the hat” impacts children’s racial views.

Research Aim: This research will take an in-depth analysis of the children’s story, “The Cat in the Hat,” to observe if it has any racial remarks which cause an increase in racism among children. The words used and the pictures found on the page will be thoroughly analysed, and their impact on the children reading it.

Topic 6: Measuring the nature of a child’s early composing.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the development of a child’s writing skills based on the type of books they read. The book’s genera, vocabulary, and the writing style of the child’s preferred book will be considered.

Topic 7: Use of a classroom to incorporate multicultural children’s literature.

Research Aim: This research will reflect on the potential use of a school classroom to promote multicultural literature for children. Since a classroom is filled with children of different cultural backgrounds, it becomes easier to introduce multicultural literature. The difficulties and the advantages to society in the incorporation of multicultural literature in classrooms are discussed.

Important Notes:

As literature looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing literature theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The literature field is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like linguistics , English literature and more. That is why creating a literature dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field is imperative.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best literature dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample literature dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Literature Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Your University’s requirements should complete this
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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100+ English Literature Dissertation Topics in 2024

Vandana Thakur ,

Mar 4, 2024

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Dissertation Topics in English Literature include research topics from poems, stories, literature study etc. It contains topics like Milton & the Bible, The Origins of the Novel, George Eliot and Religious Doubt, Ruskin and Heritage, etc.

Dissertation topics in English literature consist of academic topics in literature that allow students to present their creativity and imagination through writing. It allows students to examine a topic, analyse its significance and portray their views after research in their dissertation.

The dissertation topics in English literature contain topics like Freud and early modernism, Bernard Malumud and Jewish writing, Kipling's India, Psychology and the modern novel etc.

List of 100+ Dissertation Topics in English Literature

There are a wide range of dissertation topics in English literature that students can choose from, research and create their dissertation. Below are the category-wise Dissertation Topics in English Literature.

17th and 18th Century Dissertation Topics in English Literature

19th century dissertation topics in english literature, 20th century dissertation topics in english literature, interdisciplinary subjects dissertation topics, identity and place dissertation topics in english literature, children's dissertation topics in english literature, postcolonialism and dissertation topics in english literature, eco literature dissertation topics in english literature.

The 17th & 18th centuries witnessed the emergence of the novel script, permitting writers to crossways comment on the world utilising plot, metaphor, interior monologues & innovative dramatic devices. Below are some of the dissertation topics in English Literature for students to choose from.

• Milton & the Bible.
• Paradise Lost & the Fall from Grace: The nearest look at the redemption poetry of the 17th century.
• The Genesis Myth & famous literature of the 17th century.
• Love, loss & the geographical vision in the poetry of John Donne.
• The foremost literary explorers: How findings shaped the literary vision of the 17th century.
• Stendhal & the onset of consumerism.
• Visions of nature: Wordsworth & the Eighteenth-Century poetical vision.
• Interiors & interiority in the 18th novel.
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge & the issue of the aesthetic.
• The roots of the novel.
• How Paradise Lost formed the future of the novels.
• The Female Voice: How Girls Become Ladies in 17th Century Fiction.
• How & why Laurence Sterne revealed the artefacts of fiction.

Also Check: Thesis Vs. Dissertation: Meaning, Differences and Similarities

The nineteenth-century English literature reflects Britain's transformations due to industrialisation and the fall of religious life. It marks new ways of living while grieving the past, exploring the effects of secularisation on individuals. Below are some of the dissertation topics in English Literature for candidates to research.

• Love & loss in Thomas Hardy's poems (1912-1913)
• Retrieving the buried life: Imaginative aspiration in the poetry of Matthew Arnold.
• Love & transmission in the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
• Bulwer-Lytton and the magical tradition.
• George Eliot and holy doubt.
• Naturalist & mystic: Discovering the origin of Richard Jefferies' inspiration.
• Digging for the simple life: Rustic paper in the nineteenth century.
• An analysis of provincial life: Trollope writing after Austen.
• The extent of costume in the work of Dickens.
• Micro & macro: Comprehending the power relations in The Old Curiosity Shop & Bleak House.
• The changing spiritual imagination of the 19th century.
• How did politics alter literature in the 19th century?
• Gender expression in the gothic novel.
• The changing sense of the Victorian family in the creation of Gaskell.
• Ruskin & heritage.
• How did Realism emerge in 19th-century literature?
• How did Frankenstein expect Science Fiction?

The twentieth century noticed significant aesthetic & philosophical shifts that disrupted the boundaries between prose & poetry in English literature. Below are some of the unique dissertation topics in English literature for students to pick for their dissertation:

• Imaginative closure in the 20th novel.
• W.H. Auden & poetic syntax.
• Understanding the War: Ivor Gurney & the new poetic format.
• Water imagery in the creation of Virginia Woolf.
• 'Is there anything better to be Found?': T.S Eliot & the Wasteland.
• Ted Hughes & Seamus Heaney: An analysis of similarity and difference.
• 'Daring to break convention': The catastrophe of Sylvia Plath.
• Time, Space in The Time Machine & The Island of Dr Moreau.
• Aldous Huxley & the quest for the 'Other.'
• Concerning the idea of being in the position of Milan Kundara.
• A breakdown of character & identity in the creation of Ian McEwan.
• Freud & before modernism.
• Circular narrative form in the work of May Sinclair.
• Investigations in Form: Joyce & the Twentieth Century.
• Bernard Malumud & Jewish writing.
• Magic & fantasy in the innovation of Robert Louis Stevenson.
• Kipling's India and its impact on the readers.
• Jack Kerouac & travel script.
• An analysis of the similarities & distinctions between modernism & postmodernism.
• How did postmodernism try to kill the novel?
• Lost in the Amusing House: How John Barth revealed the artefacts of fiction?

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Interdisciplinary study concerns combining literature with various disciplines like philosophy, architecture, religion, sociology, art, history, etc. It helps students to gain knowledge regarding techniques, themes, and contexts. Below are the dissertation topics of English literature regarding interdisciplinary subjects.

• Describe architecture in the work of Thomas Hardy.
• Science & the 19th-century novel.
• Solving the space age: Publications of the twenty-first century.
• Astronomy and the poetic fantasy of the 19th century.
• Why philosophy counts as literature.
• Travelling the disciplinary boundaries: English writings & archaeology.
• Transforming political relations in novels since 1900.
• The interrelation of science & the arts since the 19th century.
• Psychology & modern fiction.
• Memory & view in Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the day.
• Pursuing the self: Psychology in twenty-first-century publications.
• Darwin & the Evolutionary Chronology.
• The significance of history in interpreting the modern text.
• Sister Arts: modern poetry & painting. Poststructuralist theories of language & the postmodern reader.
• Print culture, mass diffusion, and their effects on the publications of the Renaissance.
• A sociolinguistic study of The Twilight series.

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Landscapes serve as inspiration and character development tools for writers of different literary genres. Novels use narrative techniques to portray inner lives, and identity is closely related to place and culture. Students can find dissertation topics in English literature given below regarding identity and place.

• Transforming landscapes: How urban or rural partition was represented in the 19th century.
• Travel documenting in the 20th century.
• What were the consequences of 'Enclosure' on the poetry of the Romantics?
• The significance of place to the Romantic poet.
• The changing depiction of city living since the 19th century.
• Nature, narrative, and poem since 1940.
• Thomas Hardy & Wessex.
• Richard Jefferies' Wiltshire.
• The Lake District is placed in poems of the 18th century.
• The Mountain was a character in the 19th century.
• Landscape & uniqueness in Lesley Glaister's Honour Thy Father.
• Reporting in the desert: Narratives of Africa.
• Identity, place, and history in postcolonial literature.
• The essence of the sea in colonial exploration narratives.
• Cornish terrains in the work of Thomas Hardy.
• Charles Kingsley & ‘Westward Ho! ‘.
• Terms of the Wealden Forest in Literature since 1800.
• The beach has been a site for transformation in literature since the 19th century.
• Post-9/11 fiction: dislocation and globalisation.
• Wilderness and immigrant nationhood in North American fiction and verse.

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Children's literature utilises imagination, humour, and tradition to create complex themes and imagery. When writing a dissertation on children's literature, consider the age range and societal expectations for appropriate content. Below are some of the children's dissertation topics in English literature.

• What creates an Epic?: A dialogue of favourite children's novels from 1900.
• Fabulous Beasts: Imagery in J.K. Rowling & Tolkien.
• Finding Wonderland: Narrative method and visionary understanding in the work of Robert Louis Stevenson.
• The quest for Utopia in island stories for children.
• Beatrix Potter & the importance of illustration.
• Animals & their role in children's literature since the 19th century
• Hans Christian Anderson & the essence of the fairytale.
• Why humour counts in children's literature.
• Lucy Maud Montgomery & the story of the young artist.
• Roald Dahl, the absurd and the sublime.
• Enid Blyton and the famous adventure story.
• A historical study of the origins of children's literature.
• The significance of names in children's literature.
• Reading to the under-fives: growing imaginations & relationships.
• Enabling children to learn through storybooks.
• What did the Victorians read to their kids?
• Replicas of disability in young literature.

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The subject matter of postcolonialism, an influential academic theory, provides critical perspectives on race, belonging, power, politics, and emancipation. Below are some of the specific dissertation topics in English literature regarding postcolonialism.

• Exploring the 'Other' in Victorian novels.
• Postcolonialism in Naipaul's The Enigma of Incoming.
• How has the Black Lives Matter campaign impacted contemporary black literature?
• A postcolonial lesson of contemporary refugee publications.
• Postcolonialism & climate adaptation literature.
• The postcolonial reading of Things Fall Apart by Achebe.
• Postcolonial information in Toni Morrison's Beloved & Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things.

Ecocriticism is a rapidly evolving field that examines the connection between literature and the natural world. It inspires dissertations, close readings, & real-life environmental activism. Below given are some of the dissertation topics in English literature regarding ecocriticism.

• Exploring the corner between eco and spiritual histories in Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard.
• An ecocritical reading of verse from the Romantics.
• Vegan reports in Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy.
• Ecocriticism as vegan/climate modification activism?
• Exploring the applicability of Thoreau's Walden in 2021.
• Exploring the influence of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring on US activism.
• Covid-19, ecocriticism & the modern novel.

Important Points for Dissertation Topics in English Literature

There are certain pointers that students must acknowledge while working on their dissertation topics in English literature. The topics must meet the following criteria in the initial stage for a better dissertation copy. The important pointers are stated below.

• Students should select a topic that is logically valid and allows them to research practically.
• Students must seek genuine advice from their mentors and peers before creating their dissertation.
• Students must select a trending dissertation topic in English literature to identify gaps and create a winning dissertation.
• Candidates must acknowledge that their dissertation topic must address the problem, be unique and be practically useful.

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How to Structure Dissertation Topics in English Literature?

A well-structured dissertation topic helps students to get better scores and excel in their studies. Students must follow the below-mentioned dissertation structure to create a winning dissertation copy.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Methodology
• Findings & Analysis
• Discussion & Conclusion
• Bibliography

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221 Awesome Literary Research Paper Topics To Choose From

Are you looking for the best literary research paper topic or wondering how to choose a topic for a literary research paper? You are at the right place. The hardest part of doing research is getting an ideal topic. Once, you get a great topic you are good to go.

We have a great number of best-rated expert writers that can provide well-done professional papers. As students in college, we understand that high payment rates can be frustrating, that’s why we offer cheap prices for high-quality work. We offer the best help with research papers to get top grades. Browse through this variety of topics to find the best fit for you.

Literature Research Topics

Getting an ideal literature research paper topic can consume a lot of time. In this category, you will get some of the best literature research topics.

• Discuss the American dream in literature.
• How do religion and literature correlate?
• Discuss the “stream of consciousness” style of literature.
• Examine artificial languages in literature.
• How is mythology termed in literature?
• Discuss why Harry Potter became that popular.
• Is it advisable for literature to be gendered?
• Evaluate between utopian and dystopian literature.
• Discuss the work of Shakespeare.
• How can you rate the feminist literature – does it have a ground?
• Evaluate the impact of the work of Shakespeare.
• Can fan fiction be considered an independent part of literature?
• How do clichés work in literature
• How are the Byronic characters in literature?
• Discuss the good and evil of studying literature.
• The literary work during WWI
• Evaluate the portrayal of war and peace by George Orwell.

Interesting Literature Topics

Did you know that there are interesting literature topics? They deal with the evolution of literature and how it has grown till the present time. Thinking of literature topics for research paper is challenging, so here are some more options.

• How can you term irony and sarcasm in literature?
• How can literature be termed as an instrument of propaganda?
• Discuss madness in literature.
• The influence of trickster characters in literature.
• Discuss travel writing in the 20 th century.
• Evaluate narrative nature and verse since 1900.
• How has city living changed since 1900?
• Evaluate literature as part of modern culture.
• How are social issues exposed in literature?
• The relation between literature and psychology.
• The influence of European culture in the Midwest literature.
• The differences between the literature of different countries.
• The effect of European culture on modern literature.
• The impact of feminism on modern culture.
• Evaluate Japanese literature in the 20 th century.

Literature Topics for a Research Paper

In this category, you will get a wide variety of literature topics that you can use for your research. A well-written research paper will help you get top grades.

• What can you term as the cultural production of Latina writers?
• Discuss the representation of Ethics in literature.
• Evaluate the famous work of Ernest Hemingway.
• Expound on the invented languages in literature.
• Why do you think “Harry Potter” has become so popular?
• How is the Image of death represented as a character in literature?
• The impact of literature on kids.
• Is there an appropriate gender in literature?
• Evaluate the Victorian literature.
• Elaborate on the complete work of William Shakespeare.
• Discuss whether fanfiction is independent literature.
• Which are the Byronic characters in literature.
• Elaborate irony versus sarcasm in literature.
• How can literature be used as an instrument of propaganda?

Literature Research Paper Topics

In this category of research paper topics, you get to relate one phenomenon with the other. They are also based on some well-known novels. When thinking of literary topics for research paper, consider your scope of knowledge and interest in the topic.

• The correlation between psychology and literature.
• How is the construction of social identity?
• How can you describe the settler nationhood and the wilderness in North American poetry?
• Why does place matters to a poet?
• Evaluate travel writing in the 20 th century and 21 st century.
• The influence of animals in children’s literature.
• Evaluate the importance of humor in children’s literature.
• Discuss the best children’s novels from 1900.
• How does young adult literature represent disability?
• How to read to under five years old children to develop relationships and imaginations?
• Evaluate the modern novel and psychology.
• Define the cross-disciplinary boundaries between archaeology and English literature.
• Evaluate the 19 th -century novel and science.
• Evaluate how history is important in deciphering modern literature.
• How is philosophy important to literature.

English Literature Research Paper Topics

In English literature, it focuses on how various novels, classics, or books are written to explain a certain phenomenon. Here are some literature topics that you can start with:

• Evaluate the methods of teaching English literature.
• Investigate modern Indian literature in English translation.
• Evaluate women writers and the survey of English literature.
• Investigate the impact of the Bible on English literature.
• Evaluate the impact of the Classics on Literature.
• Define the scope of English literature in Educating people.
• Explain the influence of Darwin on Literature.
• Explain medieval English literature.
• Examine Women studies and Feminism in India.
• Evaluate the short history of the Norton Anthology of the English language.
• Evaluate the English Renaissance study.
• Investigate medieval feminism in middle English Studies.
• Evaluate women in Indian English Literature.
• Discuss feminism and modern Indian literature.
• Discuss the evolution of English in North America.

Topics in Literature

Literature requires full concentration to get to the bottom of a certain phenomenon. We have simplified the topics to make it easier for you to do your assignment in college.

• Discuss Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet based on Male melodrama.
• How as black lives matter movement influenced black literature?
• Evaluate the contemporary refuge literature.
• Investigate post-colonialism and climate change in literature.
• Discuss tradition and modernity through the lens of Tagore Gora.
• Investigate the relation between pre-independence and post-independence in Indian literature.
• The role of African literary responses to Racism.
• The literature on homosexuality.
• The significance of Literature in the modern world.
• Feminism growth in the twentieth century.
• The effects of fairy tales perceptions in the modern era.
• Correlation between pre-independence and post-independence Indian literature.
• Discuss the novel, “To kill a Mockingbird from 1960”.
• The significance of Shakespeare in the world of Literature.
• How did the artistry of writing novels start?
• The character analysis of Emy and Rebecca in Vanity Fair.
• The Depiction of vampires in the 19 th and 21 st -century literature.

Research Topics in English Literature

In this category, there are comparison topics that you can analyze for your research. These are based on well-known books and novels in English.

• Evaluate the diversity of Chaucer’s genres in tales of Canterbury.
• The accuracy of historical novels in the document happenings.
• How has the role of a woman changed in twentieth-century literature?
• What effect does Milton’s paradise lost have on 17 th -century literature?
• How have James Joyce and William Burroughs done their novels?
• What is our modern perspective about 19 th -century novels and the general public and similar perspectives when they were first published?
• Evaluate the less-known work of well-known writers.
• Examine why adults find Lord of the Rings appealing.
• How does the work of Maya Angelou play a role in African literary responses to racism?
• Recognizing the unconscious in modernist literature.
• Evaluate the representation of Hindu and Buddhist thought in Modern Literature.
• The representation of abortion in British Literature.
• Profess poetry in terms of style and faith in Hopkins.
• Evaluate the evolution of literature in the twentieth century.
• Describe the writing nature in the age of chemical countryside.

Literature Topics for Research Papers

These are some of the best literature topics for research papers. They require minimal effort to submit a well-written research paper.

• The roles of gender in modern literature.
• The importance of having animals in children’s literature.
• Analysis of the first world war.
• How accurate is History as described in historical novels?
• The difference between literature in the US and Great Britain.
• Analyze the 19 th -century poetic imagination.
• Examine the 19 th -century poetic imagination based on astronomy.
• How is quantum physics applied in literature?
• What is the most important work written by William Shakespeare?
• The Female masculinities in old English Literature.
• The difference between modernism and realism.
• Critical analysis of First World War poetry.
• The analysis of the meaning of fairy tales in literature.
• The influence on literature during the renaissance era.
• The historical analysis of children’s literature.
• The idea of death in Renaissance literature.
• The historical background of Duma’s novels.

Literary Topics for a Research Paper

Literary topics are diverse. This can make it hectic to choose an appropriate one for your research paper.

• Discuss the most important work of Shakespeare.
• Describe the gothic novel’s gender representation.
• The effect of social media language on learners.
• The travails of the African woman.
• The utilization of language activities in teaching and learning of English Language.
• Discuss women in nation-building and influence on literature.
• The relevance of folktale in the learning of literature.
• The significance of drama and poetry in literature.
• Factors affecting the choice of language in a multilingual society.
• Comparative study of morphological processes in English.
• Comparative study of Achebe’s “Things fall apart”.
• The significance of proverbs in literature.
• The influence of politics in the building of literary texts.
• The analysis of speech in literature.
• The analysis of threat in literature.

Research Topics in Literature

These research topics are based on various societal aspects and impacts on the world. They also deal with people’s emotions and behaviors in different contexts.

• The nativization of English in African literary texts.
• An analysis of the Asian theatre and influence on modern literature.
• The examination of leadership in literature.
• The relevance of literature in the world.
• What is the need to study literature?
• Evaluate the evolution of literature from the start till now.
• Analyze the methods used in creating styles in the literature.
• What are some of the feminist criticism of some selected Feminist works?
• The importance of fiction in literature.
• The relevance of emotion and narration in novel writing in literature.
• Discuss how conflicts are brought out in literary novels.
• What is the effect of language diversity on the development of a country?
• Discuss the relevance of music and revolution.
• The challenges of language on national development.
• What is the communication medium used in literature?

Literature Paper Topics

Here are some of the best literature paper topics that you can use for your research. As long as you narrow down the research topic, getting relevant information will be easy.

• The difference between linguistic and grammatical theories.
• The problems related to tenses in literature.
• The evaluation of word formation in literature.
• The significance of poems in literature.
• The evolution and levels of modern literature.
• The personal happiness versus societal norms in Victorian literature.
• The sentence structure of English literature.
• Does the native language of a person influence adoption of a second language?
• An analysis of problems associated with learning a second language.
• The manifestation of non-standard usage of English among University Students.
• The influence of rituals, music, songs, and dances in literature.
• The poetic language and influence on the expression.
• How can literature be termed as the vehicle for social change?
• The syntactic problems associated with English usage.
• The influence of society on students’ performance in literature.
• Teaching and learning strengths in literature.

American Literature Research Paper Topics

Finding an ideal research paper topic in America’s context can consume a lot of time. Here you will find simplified topics for your research paper.

• Discuss contemporary American Literature.
• The African Realism and influence in Literature.
• How did colonization influence modern literature?
• Define 20 th -century Latin American literature.
• Evaluate African Americans and their fight for equality in American Literature.
• Define realism, naturalism, and modernism in African American literature.
• Evaluate Allen Ginsberg and American Protest literature.
• Examine American literature and society.
• Analyze American literature in Post-World War II.
• American Literature in the 20 th and 21 st century.
• American literature and religious ideologies.
• Anne Bradstreet’s contribution to American Literature.
• The influence of Asian American literature.
• Evaluate the color interpretations in the great Gatsby.
• The common themes in American Literature.

Literature Research Paper Topics for College Students

Are you a college student looking for an ideal literature research paper? Here are some topics for you!

• Provide your understanding of censorship in American Literature.
• Evaluate black American women writers and their influence on the world.
• Architectural imagery in 20 th century African American literature.
• How do characters lose their innocence in literature?
• The different modes of communication in literature.
• The conversation of American Sign Language in literature.
• How are dialects and death shown in literature?
• How does Literature portray American culture?
• How does self-verification occur in African American Literature?
• The generational divide and impact on modern literature.
• The establishment of traditional excellence.
• Explore the modern literature.
• How can you define masculinity in literature?
• The impact of World War I on American literature.
• The significance of African American literature addressing the black experience.
• The male and female characters in Beowulf.
• The relationship between mother and daughter in Beloved.

Literature Review Topics Examples

Do you know how to do a literature review on various topics? Try any of this and see your proficiency in the sector.

• A literature review on rational and rationality.
• A literature review on dependence and development.
• A literature review on resource scarcity in the modern world.
• A literature review on pop culture.
• A literature review on Feminist international relations.
• A literature review on complex organizations and regimes.
• A literature review on censorship in TV shows.
• A literature review on global warming and its influence on mankind.
• Literature review on why children’s books are popular.
• A literature review on how authors choose writing styles.
• The use of artificial language in literature.
• How education affects literature per era.
• The most effective villains in literature.
• How does Shakespeare inspire modern authors?
• Propaganda and literature in the modern world.
• Toni Morrison’s views on the civil way
• The concept of war in the book; a fable by Faulkner.

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100+ Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

With the Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature, you can easily make your research perfect. PhD in English Literature is a pursuit that requires both passion and precision.

English Literature serves as a lens through which societal changes, cultural shifts, and human experiences are analyzed, critiqued, and understood. These research topics not only foster intellectual curiosity but also encourage critical thinking, enabling scholars to push the boundaries of conventional scholarship and contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse in the field.

In this article, we delve into the vibrant realm of English Literature, presenting an extensive array of the latest research topics tailored for aspiring PhD candidates. These topics encompass a wide spectrum of themes, genres, and methodologies, catering to the diverse interests and scholarly inclinations within the discipline.

Let’s now delve into the comprehensive compilation of 100+ of the latest research topics designed to inspire and guide scholars on their doctoral journey in English Literature.

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Table of Contents

What Is A Good Research Topic For Literature?

A good research topic for literature is both relevant and engaging and contributes to the existing scholarly discourse. It should encompass a specific area within literature that holds significance in terms of cultural, historical, social, or theoretical implications. A strong research topic in literature often addresses unexplored territories. It offers innovative perspectives or re-examines existing narratives through a fresh lens.

Additionally, an effective research topic should be well-defined, allowing for focused inquiry and enabling the researcher to delve deeply into the subject matter. It should be feasible within available resources and time constraints while providing ample scope for critical analysis, interpretation, and argumentation.

Moreover, a good research topic should generate interest and provoke discussion among scholars, contributing new insights, interpretations, or methodologies to the field. Whether exploring themes, genres, historical contexts, theoretical frameworks, or cultural perspectives, a compelling research topic in literature can expand knowledge, challenge assumptions, and offer nuanced understandings of literary texts or trends.

How Do You Choose A Topic For Research In English Literature?

Following are the steps for choosing the Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature.

List of 100+ Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

Here are the best and Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature.

Literary Theory and Criticism

• New Materialism and its Implications for Literary Analysis
• Ecofeminist Literary Criticism: Redefining Nature and Gender Relations
• Reception Theory: Understanding Reader Responses in Literary Texts
• Posthumanist Perspectives in Science Fiction Literature
• Queer Temporalities in Literature: Rethinking Chronology and Narrative
• Postcolonial Feminism: Intersectional Approaches in Literary Criticism
• Aestheticism and Decadence in 19th-century Literature: Relevance Today
• Formalist Criticism in Contemporary Literary Analysis
• Cognitive Literary Studies: Exploring the Mind and Imagination in Reading
• Critical Animal Studies: Ethics and Representation in Literature
• Hermeneutics and the Art of Interpretation in Literary Texts
• Structuralism and Semiotics: Analyzing Signs and Symbols in Literature
• Reception Aesthetics: Examining Reader Response in Literary Reception
• Marxist Literary Criticism and Socioeconomic Analyses in Texts
• Ecocritical Hermeneutics: Environmental Interpretation in Literature

Historical Contexts and Literary Movements

• Gothic Revival in Contemporary Literature and Culture
• Post-War Literature and the Reconstruction of Identity
• Harlem Renaissance: Exploring Socio-cultural Transformation through Literature
• Literary Responses to Colonialism in the Caribbean
• Decolonizing the Literary Canon: Perspectives from Global South Writers
• Literature of the Roaring Twenties: Cultural Shifts and Literary Expression
• Modernism and Postmodernism in Contemporary Literature: Parallels and Divergence
• The Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Culture: Intersections in Literature
• Post-War Trauma in Holocaust Literature: Representing Unimaginable Experiences
• The Literature of Revolution: Voices of Change and Rebellion
• Literature of the Jazz Age: Cultural Shifts and Literary Contributions
• The Lost Generation Writers: Their Impact on Modern Literature
• Literature of the Cold War Era: Politics, Paranoia, and Cultural Reflection
• The Prague School and its Influence on Literary Theory and Analysis
• The Postcolonial Literary Boom: Emergence, Evolution, and Influence

Genre Studies Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

• Cyberpunk Literature and the Technological Imagination
• Evolution of the Bildungsroman in Modern Literature
• Steampunk as a Subgenre: Victorian Aesthetics in Contemporary Works
• Literary Journalism in the Digital Age: Challenges and Innovations
• Satire and Political Commentary in Modern Literary Forms
• Speculative Fiction and Social Commentary: Critiquing the Present through Future Worlds
• Indigenous Science Fiction and Futurism: Reimagining Traditions and Technology
• Evolution of the Detective Genre: Contemporary Perspectives and Innovations
• Non-binary Identities in Poetry: Challenging Gender Norms and Language
• Transmedia Storytelling: Literature in Conjunction with Multiple Media Forms

Cultural Studies and Identity in Literature

• Disability Narratives in Graphic Novels and Comics
• Representations of Masculinity in Post-Millennial Literature
• Indigenous Perspectives in Eco-Literature and Environmental Activism
• Muslim Identity in Contemporary Western Literature
• Post-9/11 Literature: Shifting Paradigms in Cultural Representation
• Diasporic Literature and Identity Politics: Negotiating Belonging
• Post-Modern Feminist Narratives in Literature: Reclaiming Agency and Voice
• Disability in Young Adult Literature: Empowerment and Representation
• Multiculturalism in Contemporary Picture Books: Reflecting Diversity
• Transcultural Narratives in a Globalized World: Literature as a Bridge

Environmental and Ecocritical Perspectives

• Animal Studies in Literature: Ethics and Representations
• Urban Ecology and the Cityscape in Literature
• Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi): Imagining Environmental Futures in Literature
• Environmental Justice in Indigenous Literature
• Eco-Poetics: Nature, Language, and Poetry
• Indigenous Ecocriticism: Land, Spirituality, and Survival Narratives
• Urban Wastelands in Literature: Representing Environmental Degradation
• Ecofeminist Poetry and the Connection Between Women and Nature
• Environmental Apocalypse in Literature: Fear, Hope, and Activism
• Rewilding in Literature: Reconnecting Humanity with the Natural World

Technology and Literature Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

• Virtual Reality Narratives: Immersive Storytelling in Literature
• AI and Ethics: Dystopian and Utopian Visions in Science Fiction
• Literature in the Age of Data Mining and Surveillance
• Transhumanism in Speculative Fiction and its Cultural Implications
• Digital Narratives: Exploring Interactive and Hypertextual Literature
• Augmented Reality in Literature: Blurring the Lines Between Real and Imaginary
• Blockchain Technology and its Potential in Preserving Literary Works
• Literature in the Age of Gaming: Interactive Storytelling and Narrative Structures
• Surveillance Culture in Dystopian Literature: Reflections on Privacy and Control
• AI-Penned Literature: Exploring Machine-Generated Creative Writing

Global and Comparative Literature

• Border Literature: Identity, Migration, and Cultural Hybridity
• Postcolonial Diasporic Literature: Negotiating Home and Belonging
• Comparative Study of Mythologies in Global Literary Traditions
• Literature of Exile and Displacement: Narratives of Refugees
• Cultural Translation and Adaptation in Global Literary Contexts
• Borderlands Literature: Narratives of Conflict and Coexistence
• Comparative Analysis of Folktales from Different Cultures
• Diaspora Writing: Literature as a Cultural and Emotional Space
• The Global Impact of Translated Literature: Understanding Cross-Cultural Influences
• Literature of Protest Movements: Worldwide Expressions of Dissent

Psychological and Medical Perspectives in Literature

• Trauma and Memory in Post-Conflict Narratives
• Representations of Mental Health in Young Adult Literature
• Psychoanalysis and Character Development in Literary Texts
• Disability Studies and Chronic Illness Narratives in Literature
• Existentialism in Literature: Navigating Meaning and Absurdity
• Neurodiversity in Contemporary Fiction: Depicting Cognitive Diversity
• Psychoanalysis and Trauma Narratives: Healing Through Storytelling
• Illness and Healing in Indigenous Literature: Cultural Perspectives
• Existential Crisis in Young Adult Literature: Coming-of-Age in Uncertain Times
• Madness and Sanity in Literature: Representation and Interpretation

Performance and Adaptation Studies

• Shakespearean Adaptations in Different Cultural Contexts
• Film and TV Adaptations: Impact on Literary Interpretation
• Oral Tradition and Folklore: Preservation and Adaptation in Writing
• Theatre of the Oppressed: Social Change through Performance
• Literary Festivals and Cultural Exchange: Engaging Global Audiences
• Adaptation and Appropriation in Theatre: Transforming Literary Works
• The Influence of Manga and Anime on Contemporary Literature
• Digital Storytelling and Social Change: Engaging Audiences in New Media
• Indigenous Oral Traditions and Their Transition into Written Literature
• Literary Tourism: Exploring the Impact of Literature on Travel and Place

So, these are the most amazing Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature.

Conclusion – Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

These are all about the Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature. We give the latest research topics presented for a PhD in English Literature that embodies the dynamic and evolving nature of the field. These topics span diverse thematic areas, encompassing contemporary societal concerns, technological advancements, cultural shifts, and interdisciplinary intersections. They beckon aspiring scholars to embark on nuanced inquiries that transcend traditional boundaries, offering opportunities to explore uncharted territories within literary studies.

The curated list encapsulates the multifaceted dimensions of literature, inviting critical engagement with global perspectives, marginalized narratives, environmental concerns, technological impacts, and identity explorations. These research avenues not only stimulate intellectual curiosity but also encourage scholars to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse by presenting innovative interpretations, challenging conventions, and providing fresh insights into the ever-expanding realm of English Literature.

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Areas of expertise

Faculty members in Waterloo English have research expertise in a wide variety of fields that span literature, rhetoric, professional communication, and digital media.

Research Topics For PHD in English Literature

Research Topics For Ph.D. in English Literature - Are you looking to do a Ph.D. in English? Have you decided on your thesis topic yet? If no then you are in the right place. I have listed some of the best topics for you. You can choose one of the topics or you can replicate one of them.

Choosing a Ph.D . thesis is tough unless you have a good guide and passion for a particular area. If you are interested in one particular area like British poetry or Tribal literature. Before choosing the Ph.D. thesis topic you must have a conversation with your guide or mentor.

Research Topics For Ph.D. in English Literature

• Sons and Lovers As The Poetry of Love In Fiction: A Study
• Method of Teaching English Literature
• Dancing through English Literature
• MODERN INDIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
• Women Writers and the Survey of English Literature: A Proposal and Annotated Bibliography for Teachers
• Seventeenth-Century English Literature on Painting
• The Influence of the Bible on English Literature
• The Influence of the Classics on English Literature
• The Neoclassical Period in English Literature: A Psychological Definition
• The Scope of English Literature in Education
• John Ruskin: Master of English Literature
• The Influence of Darwin on Literature
• Medieval English Literature and the Idea of the Anthology
• Islam in Medieval and Early Modern English Literature: A Select Bibliography
• Canonizing the Canonized: A Short History of The Norton Anthology of English Literature
• English Literary Studies, Women’s Studies and Feminism in India
• The Return to Nature in English Poetry of the Eighteenth Century
• English Literature Becomes a University Subject: King’s College, London as Pioneer
• The Development of English Prose from Elizabeth to Victoria
• Colonialist Nationalism in the Critical Practice of Indian Writing in English: A Critique
• Three Women’s Texts and a Critique of Imperialism
• Dancing through the Minefield: Some Observations on the Theory, Practice and Politics of a Feminist Literary Criticism
• FUNCTION OF LITERARY CRITICISM IN INDIA
• A Survey of Jungian Literary Criticism in English
• Some Notes on Defining a “Feminist Literary Criticism”
• Stylistics and the Theory of Literature
• METAFOLKLORE AND ORAL-LITERARY CRITICISM
• Dialogics as an Art of Discourse in Literary Criticism
• Romantic Criticism and the Meanings of the French Revolution
• Navigating the Wide Sargasso Sea: Colonial History, English Fiction, and British Empire
• Angela Carter’s “The Bloody Chamber” and the Decolonization of Feminine Sexuality
• Unaccommodated Woman and the Poetics of Property in Jane Eyre
• Medieval Feminism in Middle English Studies: A Retrospective
• Charlotte Brontë’s Haunted Text
• FEMINISM AND MODERN INDIAN LITERATURE
• Where are the Mothers in Shakespeare? Options for Gender Representation in the English Renaissance
• “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”: Readers’ Reflections on Literature through Literary Theories
• Writing the Discipline: A Generic History of English Studies
• Constructing an Interdisciplinary Course on Literature and Environmental Feminism
• What Has Never Been: An Overview of Lesbian Feminist Literary Criticism
• Expanding the Archives of Global Feminisms: Narratives of Feminism and Activism
• A Map for Rereading: Or, Gender and the Interpretation of Literary Texts
• SHAKESPEARE’S “ROMEO AND JULIET”, AND MALE MELODRAMA
• Reading the House: A Literary Perspective
• Comparatist Trends within Literary Studies (1914–1950)
• English in North America: Accounting for its Evolution
• American Indian Literature and a Legacy of Misappropriation
• Tribal Strengths and American Indian Students
• LANGUAGE, TRIBE AND THE CONCEPT OF ‘ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION’
• Literary Representation: Partition in Indian and Pakistani Novels in English
• NISSIM EZEKIEL: The Father of Contemporary Indian English Poetry
• WOMEN IN INDIAN-ENGLISH LITERATURE: THE QUESTION OF INDIVIDUATION
• Anglo-Indian English: A Nativized Variety of Indian English
• THE CONCEPT OF ‘INDIANNESS’ IN INDIAN FICTION IN ENGLISH
• The Perversion of Manliness in Macbeth
• Glimpsing a “Lesbian” Poetics in “Twelfth Night”
• Women and Migration: The Social Consequences of Gender
• Unfallen Marriage and the Fallen Imagination in Paradise Lost
• Recent Studies in the English Renaissance

How to Choose Topics For Ph.D. in English

Choosing a Ph.D. topic is tough, especially when it comes to the English language and literature. It is not easy to select a Ph.D. thesis topic, it needs lots of hard work and mental work to get to a point when you think is ready.

one of the hardest parts is choosing your thesis topics. Some spending months even years this research projects because they did not know; how to choose a great topics? Choosing a great dissertation or thesis topic is a difficult decision to make.

Tips to choose Ph.D. topics

• Broaden Your Thinking
• Choose the topic that you are interested
• Be realistic by choosing topics
• Pic a topic that is related to your field
• Select topics that your advisor finds interesting and is knowledgeable about
• Find a topic that you already have some expertise
• Select unique topics
• Choose manageable topics
• Read everything you can relate to the topics
• Find documents that support your topics
• Take advantage available in the locality
• Consult your mentor
• Find available data

Seminar Topics For MA, MPHIL, PHD PDF Download

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55 English and Literature IA Topic Ideas and Research Questions

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Greetings! As someone with a wealth of experience working with numerous IB students, I would like to share my insights on crafting remarkable English IA topics. Trust me; a well-thought-out topic for English and literature IA can be a game-changer.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the assessment criteria for an English IA. In my opinion, an Internal Assessment should be a reflection of a student’s depth of understanding and analytical skills, particularly in relation to English Literature.

Assessment criteria

The assessment rubric determines the overall mark, and students should consider the weightage of different components, including the Individual Oral, which contributes a significant 7-14 of overall mark.

Now, let’s dive into the topic at hand – 55+ IB English IA topics. My experience shows that the best topics are often drawn from everyday local contexts.

This enables the IB student to have a more meaningful and well-supported argument.

Topics With Global Issues

One angle to take is to focus on global issues. For instance, students could look at literary works that discuss human rights and how this global issue shapes individuals and particular societies.

Chosen global issues must be relatable, relevant, and have an impact felt on a wide scale.

For example, exploring how the writer’s choices in Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” reflect the human rights issues during the Taliban regime will deepen your understanding and resonate with the IB’s values nurtured.

Examining Scientific Development in Literature

Scientific development is another rich area. Students can examine how literature has reflected scientific advancements over time.

For example, a detailed study of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” can unveil the anxiety surrounding early 19th-century scientific development.

Exploring Aesthetic Inspiration

Literary works often draw aesthetic inspiration from various sources. You could explore how poetry uses visual art as an aesthetic inspiration, examining the interplay between these art forms.

Investigating Hierarchies

Moreover, in my opinion, students can investigate hierarchies within literary works. One could explore gender hierarchies in classic English literature or how language can create and sustain power structures within a novel.

Good English IA topics and research questions

Here are 55 possible English Internal Assessment topics, each with a research question. These topics explore a wide array of themes, from gender dynamics to the impacts of societal norms:

• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald:  How does Fitzgerald portray the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?
• “1984” by George Orwell:  How does Orwell use language as a tool for manipulation in “1984”?
• “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:  How are gender roles and marriage portrayed in “Pride and Prejudice”?
• “Beloved” by Toni Morrison:  How does Morrison represent the trauma of slavery in “Beloved”?
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:  How is the theme of racial injustice explored in “To Kill a Mockingbird”?
• “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe:  How does Achebe depict the clash of cultures in “Things Fall Apart”?
• “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller:  How does Heller use absurdity and satire to critique war in “Catch-22”?
• “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison:  How does Morrison explore the theme of beauty and self-worth in “The Bluest Eye”?
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley:  How does Shelley use the character of the Creature to critique scientific development in “Frankenstein”?
• “Animal Farm” by George Orwell:  How does Orwell use animal characters to illustrate political corruption in “Animal Farm”?
• “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding:  How does Golding explore the theme of innate human evil in “Lord of the Flies”?
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood:  How does Atwood represent gender hierarchy and resistance in “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
• “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley:  How does Huxley critique the effects of technological advancements on society in “Brave New World”?
• “Othello” by William Shakespeare:  How does Shakespeare explore jealousy and manipulation in “Othello”?
• “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath:  How does Plath portray mental illness in “The Bell Jar”?
• “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare:  How does Shakespeare explore the theme of ambition and its consequences in “Macbeth”?
• “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez:  How does Márquez use magical realism to depict the cyclical nature of time in “One Hundred Years of Solitude”?
• “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini:  How does Hosseini represent the theme of redemption in “The Kite Runner”?
• “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck:  How does Steinbeck portray the theme of loneliness in “Of Mice and Men”?
• “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams:  How does Williams explore the theme of illusion versus reality in “A Streetcar Named Desire”?
• “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë:  How does Brontë portray Jane’s struggle for independence and equality in “Jane Eyre”?
• “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger:  How does Salinger use the character of Holden to explore the theme of adolescent alienation and rebellion in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf:  How does Woolf argue for women’s independence and equality in “A Room of One’s Own”?
• “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker:  How does Walker represent the struggles and triumphs of black women in the early 20th century through “The Color Purple”?
• “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare:  How does Shakespeare explore the themes of revenge and madness in “Hamlet”?
• “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne:  How does Hawthorne critique Puritan society in “The Scarlet Letter”?
• “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad:  How does Conrad depict the effects of colonialism in “Heart of Darkness”?
• “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë:  How does Brontë explore the destructive nature of love in “Wuthering Heights”?
• “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare:  How does Shakespeare use magic and illusion to explore themes of power and control in “The Tempest”?
• “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde:  How does Wilde critique vanity and the pursuit of beauty in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”?
• “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien:  How does Tolkien use the fantasy genre to explore themes of courage and heroism in “The Hobbit”?
• “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway:  How does Hemingway explore the themes of disillusionment and the lost generation in “The Sun Also Rises”?
• “The Odyssey” by Homer:  How do the character traits of Odysseus contribute to the epic’s themes?
• “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury:  How does Bradbury critique censorship and the suppression of ideas in “Fahrenheit 451”?
• “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut:  How does Vonnegut use time travel as a literary device to explore the effects of war in “Slaughterhouse-Five”?
• “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville:  How does Melville use the white whale as a symbol in “Moby-Dick”?
• “The Stranger” by Albert Camus:  How does Camus explore the theme of existentialism in “The Stranger”?
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare:  How does Shakespeare use the motif of dreams to explore love and fantasy in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”?
• “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka:  How does Kafka use the transformation of Gregor Samsa to critique modern society in “The Metamorphosis”?
• “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky:  How does Dostoevsky explore the psychological effects of murder in “Crime and Punishment”?
• “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes:  How does Cervantes use the character of Don Quixote to satirize chivalric romance?
• “Beowulf”:  How are the concepts of heroism and nobility depicted in “Beowulf”?
• “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck:  How does Steinbeck depict the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression in “The Grapes of Wrath”?
• “The Iliad” by Homer:  How does the character of Achilles illustrate the tragic consequences of pride in “The Iliad”?
• “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston:  How does Hurston explore the themes of love and self-discovery in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”?
• “Paradise Lost” by John Milton:  How does Milton’s portrayal of Satan as a charismatic anti-hero contribute to the poem’s moral complexity?
• “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens:  How does Dickens use the setting of the French Revolution to explore themes of resurrection and transformation in “A Tale of Two Cities”?
• “Dracula” by Bram Stoker:  How does Stoker use the character of Dracula to explore themes of sexuality and fear in Victorian society?
• “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:  How does Coelho use the journey of Santiago to explore the themes of destiny and personal legend in “The Alchemist”?
• “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy:  How does Tolstoy depict the consequences of societal norms and expectations in “Anna Karenina”?
• “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller:  How does Miller use the Salem witch trials as an allegory for McCarthyism in “The Crucible”?
• “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri:  How does Dante use allegory to explore themes of morality and redemption in “The Divine Comedy”?
• “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway:  How does Hemingway use the character of Santiago to explore themes of perseverance and dignity in “The Old Man and the Sea”?
• “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller:  How does Miller critique the American Dream through the tragic downfall of Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman”?
• “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift:  How does Swift use satire to critique human nature and society in “Gulliver’s Travels”?

These topics and English IA research questions cover a broad range of literary works and themes. Remember, choosing a topic you are passionate about is essential and can analyze in depth.

Individual Oral Presentation

The Individual Oral component is often an area where students can excel. For this section, which is internally assessed and audio recorded, students prepare a presentation on two texts from different genres.

This presentation is a part of the learner portfolio and is an invaluable tool in understanding the prescribed list of literary works.

What is the word count for IB English IA?

The word count for the IB English Internal Assessment (IA) – the Individual Oral component – is not to exceed 400 words for the rationale and outline combined. The oral commentary and discussion itself must be between 12 to 15 minutes long.

Please note that the IB can update or change its requirements, so I would recommend consulting the most recent course guide or speaking with your IB English teacher to confirm the current requirements.

The number of words needed for an oral commentary and discussion that lasts between 12 to 15 minutes can vary depending on the speaker’s pace. Generally, people speak at an average rate of about 125 to 150 words per minute in a presentation setting.

Using this average:

• For a 12-minute commentary, you would need approximately 1,500 to 1,800 words (125 words/minute 12 minutes to 150 words/minute 12 minutes).
• For a 15-minute commentary, you would need approximately 1,875 to 2,250 words (125 words/minute 15 minutes to 150 words/minute 15 minutes).

It’s advisable to practice your oral commentary and discussion beforehand to ensure that your pace is comfortable and that the content fits within the 12 to 15-minute timeframe.

This practice also helps in making sure that you are clearly conveying the information and analysis.

Teacher’s Guidance

In my experience, working closely with your teacher is crucial. The teacher’s guidance can help shape your IA, especially when selecting topics that are aligned with the assessment criteria.

We can help you write your IB IO in a manner of time. Please fill out our online order form with details, and our IB experts will complete everything.

Detailed Study and Oral Commentary

HL students must also focus on the detailed study part, which includes oral commentary. This is the final part, where students must present unannotated copies of the texts and engage in discussion with the teacher.

For instance, for an oral commentary, higher level students might analyze how a particular theme is developed through different literary devices in two texts from various genres.

Ready to write an English Internal Assessment?

As we conclude this exploration of 55 intriguing English IA topics, it’s essential to recognize that selecting a topic is only the beginning. Crafting an engaging and well-supported argument, analyzing literary works, and satisfying the marking scheme can be quite a challenge. However, don’t be overwhelmed.

More related articles with topic suggestions:

• Global Politics IA Ideas
• Math IA Topic Ideas
• Math AA Topics
• Bio IA Ideas
• Biology Research Paper Topic Ideas
• Chemistry IA Topics
• Economics IA Topic Ideas
• ESS IA Topics
• IB ToK Essay November Prompts
• TOK Exhibition IA Prompts

With the right guidance, dedication, and passion, you can create an English Literature Internal Assessment that will meet the requirements and be a piece of work you can be genuinely proud of.

As someone with extensive experience working with numerous IB students, I understand the challenges and pitfalls that you may face.

So, if you find yourself stuck at any stage – whether it’s selecting a topic, framing a research question, analyzing a literary work, or even if you want to ensure that you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Get help with IB English Internal Assessment

Writing Metier is pleased to offer our assistance to IB students in providing further topic ideas and suggestions or even writing a custom English Internal Assessment from scratch tailored to your interests and objectives .

With my wealth of knowledge and experience, I can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you create an Internal Assessment that is both intellectually stimulating and fulfilling.

Remember, the goal of the Internal Assessment is not just to score well but also to deepen your understanding and appreciation of literature. Make sure that the topic you select resonates with you, and don’t shy away from seeking the support you need to excel.

Feel free to get in touch, and let’s work together to bring your English IA to fruition.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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IMF Working Papers

The economic impacts and the regulation of ai: a review of the academic literature and policy actions.

Author/Editor:

Mariarosaria Comunale ; Andrea Manera

Publication Date:

March 22, 2024

Electronic Access:

Free Download . Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

We review the literature on the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and the ongoing regulatory efforts concerning this technology. Economic research encompasses growth, employment, productivity, and income inequality effects, while regulation covers market competition, data privacy, copyright, national security, ethics concerns, and financial stability. We find that: (i) theoretical research agrees that AI will affect most occupations and transform growth, but empirical findings are inconclusive on employment and productivity effects; (ii) regulation has focused primarily on topics not explored by the academic literature; (iii) across countries, regulations differ widely in scope and approaches and face difficult trade-offs.

Working Paper No. 2024/065

9798400268588/1018-5941

WPIEA2024065

Please address any questions about this title to [email protected]