what is the best research topic in english literature

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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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.

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 .

Latest Research Topics For PhD In English Literature

Certainly! Here are 16 potential research topics for a PhD in English Literature, along with brief explanations:

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

Postcolonial Narratives and Identity Construction: Explore how postcolonial literature contributes to the formation of individual and collective identities, considering the impact of colonial history on contemporary identity politics.
Eco-criticism in Contemporary Literature: Examine the representation of environmental issues in modern literature and how authors engage with ecological concerns, reflecting on the relationship between nature and culture.
Digital Humanities and Literature: Investigate the influence of digital technologies on literature, analyzing how digital humanities methods can enhance the study of literary texts, dissemination, and reception.
Queer Theory and Literature: Analyze the representation of LGBTQ+ identities in literature, exploring how queer theory enriches our understanding of diverse sexualities and gender expressions in literary works.
Globalization and Literature: Study how literature reflects and responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization, considering the impact on cultural exchange, identity, and narrative structures.
Trauma Narratives in Literature: Examine how literature engages with and represents trauma, both individual and collective, and how narrative techniques are employed to convey the complexities of traumatic experiences.
Literary Adaptations in Film and Media: Explore the process of adapting literary works into film and other media, considering the transformative nature of this process and its implications for narrative interpretation.
Postmodernist Metafiction: Analyze the use of metafictional techniques in postmodern literature, examining how authors self-consciously play with narrative conventions to challenge traditional storytelling.
Literature and Cognitive Science: Investigate the intersections between literature and cognitive science, exploring how reading literature affects cognitive processes and contributes to our understanding of consciousness.
Feminist Rewritings of Classic Literature: Examine contemporary literature that revisits and reinterprets classic works from a feminist perspective, considering how these rewritings challenge and subvert traditional gender roles.
Literary Representations of War and Conflict: Investigate how literature captures and reflects the experiences of war and conflict across different time periods and cultures, analyzing the role of literature in shaping historical narratives.
Dystopian and Utopian Narratives: Analyze the role of dystopian and utopian literature in critiquing or envisioning societal structures and norms, considering how these narratives reflect cultural anxieties and aspirations.
Literary Depictions of Mental Health: Explore how literature portrays mental health issues, considering the representation of mental illnesses and the role literature plays in raising awareness and reducing stigma.
Literature and Post-truth Era: Examine how literature responds to and reflects the challenges of navigating truth and reality in a post-truth era, considering the ways in which authors engage with concepts of truth and fiction.
Literary Journalism and Narrative Nonfiction: Investigate the intersection between literature and journalism, focusing on narrative techniques in nonfiction storytelling, and how these techniques contribute to a deeper understanding of real-world events.
Literature and Medicine: Explore the connections between literature and medicine, considering how literature engages with health, illness, and medical ethics, and how it contributes to the humanistic understanding of medical practices.

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These topics offer a diverse range of avenues for research within the field of English Literature. Each topic provides a foundation for deeper exploration, allowing you to tailor your research based on your specific interests and academic goals.

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50+ Important English Literature Dissertation Topics

Choosing a dissertation topic in English literature can be both exciting and daunting. With a wealth of genres, historical periods, and critical approaches, the possibilities are vast. This comprehensive guide presents over 50 important dissertation topics across various themes and periods, helping you find inspiration for your research.

1. Renaissance Literature

1.1 shakespearean tragedies.

Explore the complexities of human nature, fate, and morality in plays like “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” or “Othello.” Analyze themes such as ambition, revenge, and madness.

1.2 Metaphysical Poetry

Investigate the works of poets like John Donne, George Herbert, and Andrew Marvell. Focus on their use of metaphysical conceits, religious themes, and exploration of love and mortality.

1.3 Female Voices in Renaissance Literature

Examine the representation of women in the works of male authors or explore the writings of female authors like Mary Sidney and Lady Mary Wroth.

2. Victorian Literature

2.1 social criticism in dickens’ novels.

Analyze Charles Dickens’ critique of social issues such as poverty, child labour, and class disparity in novels like “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” and “Bleak House.”

2.2 The Brontë Sisters

Compare and contrast the themes of gothic elements, gender roles, and family dynamics in the works of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë.

2.3 The Role of Women in Victorian Society

Explore the depiction of women and their societal roles in the works of authors like Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy.

3. Modernism

3.1 stream of consciousness in james joyce’s “ulysses”.

Examine the narrative technique of stream of consciousness and its impact on modernist literature through Joyce’s “Ulysses.”

3.2 Alienation in Franz Kafka’s Works

Investigate themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and existential angst in Kafka’s stories like “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial.”

3.3 Gender and Identity in Virginia Woolf’s Novels

Analyze Woolf’s exploration of gender, identity, and consciousness in works like “Mrs. Dalloway” and “Orlando.”

4. Postcolonial Literature

4.1 identity and displacement in salman rushdie’s works.

Explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural hybridity in Rushdie’s novels such as “Midnight’s Children” and “The Satanic Verses.”

4.2 Postcolonial Feminism in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Novels

Examine the intersection of postcolonial themes and feminist issues in Adichie’s works like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah.”

4.3 Representation of Colonialism in J.M. Coetzee’s Novels

Analyze how Coetzee portrays the impacts of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa in novels like “Disgrace” and “Waiting for the Barbarians.”

5. Contemporary Literature

5.1 environmental themes in margaret atwood’s works.

Investigate the portrayal of environmental issues and dystopian futures in Atwood’s novels like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Oryx and Crake.”

5.2 The Digital Age in Dave Eggers’ “The Circle”

Examine the critique of technology, surveillance, and privacy in Eggers’ novel “The Circle.”

5.3 Multiculturalism in Zadie Smith’s Novels

Analyze how Smith addresses themes of multiculturalism, identity, and social dynamics in novels like “White Teeth” and “Swing Time.”

6. American Literature

6.1 the american dream in f. scott fitzgerald’s “the great gatsby”.

Explore the critique of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth in Fitzgerald’s classic novel.

6.2 Race and Identity in Toni Morrison’s Works

Investigate Morrison’s exploration of African American identity, history, and culture in novels like “Beloved” and “Song of Solomon.”

6.3 The Southern Gothic Tradition in William Faulkner’s Works

Analyze the use of gothic elements, decaying settings, and complex family dynamics in Faulkner’s novels like “The Sound and the Fury” and “As I Lay Dying.”

7. Gothic Literature

7.1 the role of the supernatural in edgar allan poe’s stories.

Examine Poe’s use of supernatural elements, psychological horror, and themes of madness in his short stories.

7.2 Female Gothic in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

Explore the representation of gender, creation, and monstrosity in Shelley’s seminal gothic novel.

7.3 Victorian Gothic in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

Analyze the themes of sexuality, fear of the other, and the clash between modernity and ancient evil in Stoker’s “Dracula.”

8. Science Fiction and Fantasy

8.1 dystopian themes in george orwell’s “1984”.

Investigate Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism, surveillance, and control in his dystopian novel “1984.”

8.2 World-Building in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”

Examine Tolkien’s creation of Middle-earth, focusing on themes of heroism, power, and the struggle between good and evil.

8.3 Gender and Power in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Analyze the depiction of gender, power dynamics, and resistance in Atwood’s dystopian novel.

9. Children’s Literature

9.1 moral lessons in aesop’s fables.

Explore the use of anthropomorphism and moral teaching in Aesop’s classic fables.

9.2 Fantasy and Reality in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” Series

Investigate the blend of fantasy and reality, the hero’s journey, and themes of friendship and bravery in the “Harry Potter” series.

9.3 Colonialism and Race in “Peter Pan”

Examine J.M. Barrie’s portrayal of colonialism, race, and the concept of the “other” in “Peter Pan.”

10. Romantic Literature

10.1 nature and the sublime in william wordsworth’s poetry.

Analyze Wordsworth’s depiction of nature, the sublime, and the human experience in his poetry.

10.2 Love and Loss in John Keats’ Poetry

Investigate the themes of love, loss, and mortality in Keats’ poetic works.

10.3 Gothic Elements in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

Explore the blending of Romantic and Gothic elements in Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein.”

11. Feminist Literature

11.1 feminist themes in virginia woolf’s “a room of one’s own”.

Examine Woolf’s arguments about women’s rights, creativity, and the need for financial independence in her extended essay.

11.2 Intersectionality in Audre Lorde’s Works

Analyze Lorde’s exploration of intersectionality, identity, and resistance in her poetry and essays.

11.3 Gender and Power in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”

Investigate Plath’s portrayal of gender roles, mental illness, and societal expectations in her semi-autobiographical novel.

12. Historical Literature

12.1 historical accuracy in hilary mantel’s “wolf hall”.

Examine Mantel’s depiction of Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor court, focusing on historical accuracy and narrative style.

12.2 The Representation of War in Erich Maria Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front”

Analyze Remarque’s portrayal of the horrors of World War I and its impact on soldiers.

12.3 The French Revolution in Charles Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities”

Investigate Dickens’ depiction of the French Revolution, class struggle, and redemption in “A Tale of Two Cities.”

13. Comparative Literature

13.1 comparing dystopian societies in “1984” and “brave new world”.

Analyze the similarities and differences in the dystopian societies depicted by George Orwell and Aldous Huxley.

13.2 The Hero’s Journey in “The Odyssey” and “The Lord of the Rings”

Examine the use of the hero’s journey archetype in Homer’s epic poem and Tolkien’s fantasy series.

13.3 Themes of Revenge in “Hamlet” and “The Count of Monte Cristo”

Compare and contrast the themes of revenge, justice, and morality in Shakespeare’s play and Dumas’ novel.

14. Mythology and Literature

14.1 the role of myth in james joyce’s “ulysses”.

Investigate how Joyce incorporates and reinterprets classical myths in his modernist novel “Ulysses.”

14.2 Greek Tragedy in Modern Literature

Analyze the influence of Greek tragedy on contemporary works, focusing on themes of fate, hubris, and catharsis.

14.3 Mythical Motifs in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” Series

Explore the use of mythical motifs, creatures, and archetypes in the “Harry Potter” series.

15. Queer Literature

15.1 queer identity in james baldwin’s “giovanni’s room”.

Examine Baldwin’s exploration of queer identity, love, and societal norms in his novel “Giovanni’s Room.”

15.2 Gender and Sexuality in Oscar Wilde’s Works

Analyze Wilde’s depiction of gender, sexuality, and societal hypocrisy in his plays and novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

15.3 The Intersection of Race and Sexuality in Audre Lorde’s Poetry

Investigate Lorde’s exploration of the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality in her poetry.

Choosing a dissertation topic in English literature requires careful consideration of your interests, the scope of available research, and the depth of the material. The above list provides a diverse array of topics across different periods, genres, and themes, offering a solid foundation for your academic exploration. Whether you are drawn to the timeless works of Shakespeare, the social critiques of Victorian literature, the innovative narratives of modernism, or the diverse voices of contemporary literature, there is a rich vein of material to explore in your dissertation.

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What Are The Key Elements Of A Good Research Paper?

Table of Contents

A good research paper should contain several key elements to ensure its effectiveness, credibility, and impact. When these elements come together effectively, they create a research paper that is rigid, insightful, and contributes meaningfully to its academic or professional domain. They are as:

Clear and Focused Topic: A well-defined and specific research question or topic that is relevant and interesting.
Thorough Literature Review: A complete review of existing literature to establish context, identify gaps, and support the research hypothesis or argument.
Solid Methodology: Clear explanation of the research methods employed, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, ensuring they are appropriate for the research question.
Credible Sources: Reliance on credible and scholarly sources to support arguments and findings. This includes peer-reviewed journals, academic books, and reputable websites.
Strong Thesis Statement: A concise and arguable thesis statement that articulates the main argument or point of the paper.
Logical Structure: A well-organized structure with clear divisions containing introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
Critical Analysis: A critical evaluation of data or literature, providing insightful analysis and interpretation, not just summary.
Proper Citations and References: Accurate and consistent citation of sources following a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Clarity and Precision: Clear, concise, and precise writing that is free from jargon or unnecessary complexity, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience.
Conclusion and Implications: A strong conclusion that summarizes key findings and discusses their implications, suggesting avenues for further research or application.
Editing and Proofreading: Thorough editing and proofreading to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, ensuring a polished final product.
Originality and Contribution: Demonstrating original thought, analysis, or contribution to the field, providing new insights or perspectives.

Now for your convenience, we have categorized the literature research topics under different categories, and they are as follows:

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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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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.

From admission to dissertation. Tips on making the PhD journey happy, productive and successful

How to Choose a PhD Research Topic in English Literature

To pick a right topic for research in English Literature during PhD is something a huge task. There are many topics out there for a good research. Here are my tips on how to rightly choose a PhD research topic in English Literature

Choose the right poet or author that interests your topic.
Ask PhD. supervisor the relevance of the poet to research.
Search for some areas of research taken in the past.
Choose a new topic that was not researched in the past.
Check if sufficient Primary Sources are available or not.
Try to take help from professors around you.
Buy some books that are relevant to English Literature.
Read for some days about the research topic.
Read more literary theories and apply them to your PhD topic.

The proven way to choose a research topic in English Literature is to ask your professor on what they have researched upon while they had been doing their Ph.D. After this, you have to search for new trending topics at the present time. If someone has got an award or Nobel prize, Take that person and it is always best. Every year there are awards given to the authors who contributed well to English Literature. Choose a topic from them.

First, choose the right author to research

You’re about to choose an author to research for your Ph.D. in English literature. This is important and so you should take your time doing. You want to ensure the author is someone who is interesting and intriguing for everyone in the literary academic world. The words of the author need to be words that will make you think, question and analyze.

Start off broadly, looking at a number of authors. Slowly narrow down your search. You need to connect to the author – how is his or her work significant, why does it appeal to you, will it appeal to academics, is there enough to write on, and is he or she relevant. Look at how much work he or she has written and made quite sure you can get your hands on the books.

Relevance is important. We live in a time where gender is a top priority, as is history, politics, art, feminism, sexism, the way stories are told and who tells them. Your Ph.D. is going to be based on this author. His or her words need to be relevant, perhaps controversial and significant. This author needs to be engaging and someone whose work you can engage with.

Learn more about the books of the author

As an academic, reading and research are the two most important thing you are going to do. You need to read as much as you possibly can, not just on the author of your choice, but all the books written by the author of your choice. Reading is something that you learn from but also something that stimulates you and gives you your own writing style.

The more you can learn about the author, the better you can come up with a research topic in English literature. Read as many of his or books as possible, but also, read books or articles that have been written about the author. After a while, you will start to feel like you know and understand the author. This is what you want. The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become, in every aspect.

If you cannot find the books – some may be obscure – spend time in libraries. Libraries are in fact very conducive to writing a Ph.D. – something about the bookshelves, space, the solitude and of course, the history. Remember, you want to find angles or information on the author that is new. Look online, look in libraries and don’t feel shy to ask your lecturers if they have books for you to borrow.

Learn more about the author’s personal life

You may already know that what an author writes about does not have to reflect his or her personal life. Which means when you are researching an author, you do not only want to learn about his or her written words? These words are important. But so are their personal words. Personal lives give you a good insight into the author too. If he or she had children, did they work alone, how did they die?

When we say personal words, we also mean personal life. Because the written word is different to the ‘living word’, an author can have many personas. Perhaps they write about sexuality in a very open way yet in real life, are deeply conservative. This makes for an interesting Ph.D. Knowing how the author lived out her personal life is very important.

You are going to have to delve into realms of information to learn about an author’s personal life. This is going to be interesting for you, and for your reader. In today’s world of fake news, you also need to be very careful. Double check your sources, always, to ensure you are getting and then choosing out the correct information. Read, and then read some more.

Read thoroughly all the novels for ten days

This may seem extreme to you, but we have already said that a successful Ph.D in English Literature is about reading and research. You’ve chosen your author and you’ve written out a list of his or her books. Now, you are going to curl up in a corner somewhere, or at your desk, and read. We’ve already said it but the more you read, the more you learn.

Spend the next ten days reading. This way you are immersing yourself in the author’s words, subjects, feelings, emotions, history, religion, characters, sexuality, gender and more. The more you read, the more you will start to understand your chosen author and to feel and think the way the author did or does. Remember, reading not only educates you, but it also inspires you.

Make notes as you read. Choose a pen or highlighter and highlight those passages that make you really think. Cross-reference paragraphs, characters, emotions or metaphors. Take note of anything you find important or astonishing or unusual or surprising. Go back to your notes. Your very Ph.D. may relate to your first few notes. Keep all your reading material too; one day you are going to need it. All Ph.D. students seem to buy new bookshelves!

Write down the summaries on your own

The best way to understand something, and to remember something, is to write. The more you write, the easier things will stick in your head. Read a book, or a few chapters, and then write your own summaries. Chances are your time is limited, which is why summaries are good. Also, when you write a summary, things start becoming clearer and you may have an epiphany.

If the book you are reading has 15 chapters, perhaps summarize after every chapter. This is a personal choice – and of course, it depends on the books – but more summaries are better than less. Summarize in your own words and you will find that through summaries, you find your own style too. Cross-reference your summaries to the books you are reading.

When we say write, you may enjoy writing and you may enjoy typing. This is personal. Academics can generally be seen in front of their computers, hammering away at their keyboards. Type if you like, but sometimes writing with a pen and paper can actually get your creative juices flowing in a different way. Writing makes you think and gives you the ability to see things in a fresh way too. Always write, as much as you can.

Take a course on literary theories

There are many online literary theory courses that you can choose and we would suggest you sign up for one. The literary theory may seem academic and overwhelming but once you understand it, you’re on your way to writing a successful and highly revered Ph.D. Take a look and see how many prestigious universities offer courses on literary theory. That way you will see how important it is to do one.

A literary theory course will change the way you think about language, literature, society, and identity. A course will help you hone your critical reading skills and to understand theoretical terms such as postcolonialism, deconstruction, and Marxist criticism. A literary theory course will arm you with all the skills that you will need to dissect, criticize, analyze and understand your author, subject or topic you are researching.

There are many literary theory courses and you need to find one that will help you with your subject. A literary theory course will help you understand how you should approach literature, criticism verse theory, structure, analysis, and psycho-analysis of the subject and the author. You can choose to do one literary theory course and do it in your own time. There are many online courses; do one for a successful Ph.D.

Learn to relate those theories to each other

You’re writing a Ph.D. which is a huge step. You are going to bring in various literary theories which means not only do you need to understand the various literary theories, but you need to know how they all relate to one another. For a Ph.D. to be successful, you need to discuss, analyze, criticize and be open for debate. You also need to be open to criticism.

Take a look at the various literary theories. There are traditional literary theories and also formalism and new criticism. There are Marxism and critical theory and then there’s structuralism and post-structuralism. You are likely comfortable with some theories, and others not so much. Remember, fellow academics are going to question your theories and criticize you. Criticism is not always bad. It is academic criticism and it is there for a reason. Your research needs to be complete.

Again, a literary theory course can help you. Depending on your subject and author of choice, depends on which theories you will need to bring in. There are others – including new historicity and cultural materialism, ethnic studies and post-colonialism criticism. You need to relate them to one another. A course may help you to pick a good topic for PhD English literature.

Now think about how the author followed theories in novels

It’s important to note that in the academic world there are often many complex perspectives regarding literary theories. You need to read about your chosen author and have a look at how he or she followed literary theories in their books. Was there consistency? Was there a specific literary theory that was followed?

Sometimes the theories are simple and easy to follow. Sometimes there is a single theory or theme in a book. Sometimes theories are mixed, or many sides are given. You need to be able to read, review, analyze and understand the theories your author chose to follow. And your research needs to be so good, that fellow academics can analyze too and have brainwave moments from your writing.

Reading needs to be engaging, no matter the kind of reading. It also needs to make you think. Reading should stimulate. Sometimes, more than one theory is applied so that there are conflicting views, ideas, debate, and discussion. Take a look carefully at the author you are researching, their books, and the ideas that are put forward. Do they follow the theories you have been learning about? If so, which one or which ones. Do you have any theories of your own?

Choose one theory that pins your interest

You may find some literary theories more exciting than others. Perhaps post-colonialism is your thing, or Marxist criticism excites you. The trick is not to get too tied down to one theory, too soon. Read, read again, make notes, summarize and review. And look at various literary theories. You are going to find that some theories absolutely fascinate you and others you find irrelevant. Make notes and slowly you will be lead towards the theories that are right for you.

The more you read and make notes, the more one particular theory is going to leap out at you. It may be a slow process and in fact, the slower the better. This means your thinking is going to be clearer, and more critical. Once you find yourself honing in on a certain theory, you will find your direction.

Let’s say poststructuralism has caught your interest. You will now start thinking in a different light. You will find yourself coming up with your own theories, perhaps relating theories together, perhaps finding clarity in just the one. Make notes – you may not use them all, but you will find them useful when you start tying everything together. And always, always, theorize.

Jot down what others are researching

If you have not yet decided on your topic, make sure you know what other students are researching, or thinking of researching. You do not want to suddenly find out you are doing the same thing. And you do not want to waste your time. Jot down other people’s topics. Jot down any ideas you have and at some point, you will find it all comes together. Wake up and make notes. Sit with fellow researchers and make notes.

The thing about choosing a PhD research topic in English literature is that you constantly need to listen, read, listen to some more, research and keep reading. You also need to open yourself up to the conversation, with other researchers, Ph.D. students, and lecturers. Talk to others, even if your literary topics are different. Or even to make sure that they are different.

The academic world is constantly bouncing ideas off one another. It’s important to talk about your ideas, to get feedback on your ideas, and to listen to other people’s ideas. Keep a notebook with you at all times and jot down what and how other people are doing their research. You are not going to copy anyone, but you are going to find inspiration and you are going to inspire others.

Don’t take already beaten topics

You need to put effort into finding the right PhD topic. This can take time and be agonizing. It may seem like each topic you are choosing has already been taken. Take your time and find a topic that appeals to you, will challenge you and will exit you. Find a topic where you can give new and exciting information too.

Choosing a topic for your PhD in English literature may depend on the literature available, how much time it is going to take you, and also, it the topic worthy of research and investigation. You are going to have to immerse yourself totally in all the literature available on the topic – choose wisely.

Only choose a topic already done if you are going to look at new angles and find different analyses to the ones out there already. Only choose a topic that you are pretty sure will become clear to you, as you research, and therefore clear to others too. You can choose a topic that is interesting to you, and been done before, as long as you have a new and exciting way from which to write.

Be creative and choose at least 5 topics randomly

Most students will look at up to 5 topics before making a decision. It’s quite normal to pick a topic, change your mind, pick another one, do some research, put it away, look at a third topic, and so on. This is a good process. You need to be proactive in your decision which means you need to spend time thinking of what you are going to write, and how you are going to write it.

The reason you choose at least 5 research topics in English literature is that you can really find that topic that excites and challenges you. Look at why you would study the topic and what your research would mean to you, and to others. Take your topics to fellow researchers or academics. Ask them for advice. Listen to what people have to say about your topic choices.

You may choose the first topic and have your heart set on it. Perhaps you find little information on it, or even worse, you find too much. The topic may have been over-researched. It is time to move on to your next topic until you settle on the one that is right for you. Don’t be hasty in making a choice.

Sit with a literature expert for review of topics

Once you have your list of possible topics for your Ph.D., ask a literature expert to spend some time with you. This could be a professor, lecturer, fellow researcher, or author. Put forward your ideas and ensure you have the correct information on your ideas. Ask for feedback. When you ask for feedback, listen without getting defensive. You have asked for a review of your topics. Listen to the feedback.

A literature expert can be someone you know but it doesn’t have to be. If you know about a specialist in your area of interest, ask for a meeting. And remember, you can also approach a professional organization and ask to chat. Fellow academics are generally happy to help. You can find fellow academics at your university but you are also free to chat with academics at other learning institutions.

Finally, use the Internet. You can find a variety of sources online that will answer any questions you may have regarding your proposed topic. You will be able to get ideas online about your proposed topics, and if they can work, if they have been done, if you are on the right path, and if there is interest.

Consult 5 English teachers and show the topics

You are choosing a PhD research topic in English literature and so it makes sense for you to discuss your various topics with an English teacher. You are taking to the very people who are going to have an interest in your ideas and you will find good English teachers are eager to talk to you. You will find teachers at your own place of learning, but you can also ask for meetings with teachers you don’t know but are expert in their field.

Tell them about your ideas. Ask them for feedback, what they think and if they would advise you to do the proposed topic. Ask if they think your topic has good potential and if it could become a dissertation. Ask them what they know about the topic and if they feel it would be significant. Listen carefully to the advice you are given.

You want your topic to uncover new information. You might think you have new information, but experienced English teachers may know differently. Chat with them, listen to them more important, and ask for their honest opinions. The academic world is an inclusive one and experts are going, to be honest with you. Listen to them.

Get the topic automatically suggested by your teachers

Choosing a Ph.D. topic in English literature is no easy task. Your research needs to be significant and helpful to future researchers. It has to be groundbreaking. It has to shed light on topics, or at least offer controversial opinions. It can be really hard to choose a topic, for these reasons. You may find that some of your teachers actually give out topics and this is an easy way to make a choice.

You can go for the topic that is automatically suggested by your teachers. This way you know that the topic is one that is significant and has not been over-researched or over analyzed. Chat with your teacher and ask why they are suggesting the topic. Get their advice.

When you choose a topic for your research, you want to get feedback from people who are ‘in the know.’ Don’t go with the first topic that comes along. Go with a topic that excites you and that you know will be hard work but interesting, creative and challenging too. Go with a topic that is going to have the academic world thinking and questioning, in a good way!

Do not reveal your topic to your friends before joining your PhD

You may think this is not something that should be up for debate but the truth is the academic world is a competitive one. If your idea is fantastic and food for thought and we hope it is, you don’t want a fellow student to follow your idea. Rather keep your research topic to yourself until you join your PhD. You don’t want your idea stolen, but you also don’t want to lose confidence in your idea, especially if you are convinced by it.

The other reason not to reveal your topic in advance is in case of friends brush off your idea. You may think your topic is worthy but somebody may take away your confidence. As long as you have done your research in advance and you feel strongly about your topic, keep it. Always listen to advice given by academics, but be a little more guarded with your friends. Do initially only.

Confidence is necessary when doing a Ph.D. You can drive yourself literally made when you question and the second question what you are doing. Don’t let friends or academics second guess you, unless you are asking their opinions. Otherwise, as long as you feel sure, keep going.

Attend various interviews taking the topic

This is a good tip for you when you are deciding about your research topic, but also once you have chosen your research topic. Universities are always having special interest lectures, interviews, workshops and more, and you will find all of these on your topic of interest. When we say interview, we mean an interview, a meeting, and a lecture.

Attend as many interviews as you can. This means you should try and go to all public lecturers or book readings or similar when you have chosen your topic. And if you are still choosing your topic, ask as many experts on the subject as possible to interview and talk to you. Remember; interview a wide range of people before settling on a topic. People are interesting and have interesting ideas – one person will give you something nobody else will have thought of.

One on one interviews or meetings can be the most beneficial thing. You, as the researcher, need to do a lot of listening. An interviewer will guide you in every single way and make you think. If an interviewer can make you think, imagine how one day you are going to make your readers think.

Try to buy novels

Have you ever seen an academic’s bookshelves? They are always jam-packed, floor to ceiling, with books. And academics have many bookshelves, not just one. Your research topic is going to be with you for a long time. It’s your Ph.D., you are going to read, research, write and defend. It’s yours and will be forever.

Buy all the novels and books you need. You are the expert on your subject, the expert on your topic. You need to read everything you can lay your hands on. And print is so much better than online. Take the books with you to bed, to the bath, to your coffee shop. Do more reading

It’s also an excellent idea to make a note of all the books you read. You will have a Ph.D. English literature file. Have an index and one of the chapters should include all the books by the author, and all the books you have read on the author. Summarize and make notes on the books. Make notes in the book. Read the book a second time if it really appeals to you.

Do not read novels on the computer

This is a contentious issue because academia is changing. There are two schools of thought – read novels in print or read novels on the computer. Don’t do both. The truth is you can do whatever works for you. If you prefer to read online, it is better than not reading at all.

The reason academia says ‘do not read novels on the computer’ is that they feel you may not retain as much. When you read in print you can make notes easily, highlight certain sentences or chapters, dog ear pages so you remember what to go back to, and also, read at any time.

Books are fantastic, especially in print. You always have them, you don’t have to go online to find them, they are real treasures and should be treated as such. And to have a whole range of novels or books on the subject of your thesis is something incredibly special.

Use time properly with some interest

It is very easy, especially in this world with the internet, to be distracted. When you are writing a Ph.D. the one thing you cannot afford is a distraction. You need to use your time properly and be incredibly disciplined. Many academics say when they write a Ph.D., they eat, drink and sleep it.

Let’s get back to discipline. Your thesis is going to take you a long time. When you undertake your research topic, think about the time frame that you have. You will need to manage your time well. You need to be well disciplined in giving yourself time to collect data and go through it.

Everyone needs to take a break sometimes. Do things that you enjoy in your free time. But when you are working on your Ph.D. work. Use your time smartly and always be reading, researching or writing. Do this and you will not have any last minute chaos in meeting your deadline.

Make a point to take short notes of ideas

The one thing you always need to have in your bag is a pen and pencil. Otherwise, have a mobile device where you can take notes. Ideas come to people at the strangest of times – when you’re taking a walk, sipping coffee, waiting for a friend on the corner. Always write them down.

Likewise, when you attend an interview or a lecture, have your pen and paper handy. Make notes so that you can refer to them and read them. Once you have got home, take your notebook and transfer anything relevant to your PhD folder.

Be aware of the interview or lecture, or meeting that you are in. It may come across as rude if you scribble down every little thing. Be discerning with your notes. Yes, write things down, definitely. But don’t write down an entire lecture. Listen, jot down short notes, and always – go over everything afterward.

Do some literary survey what others are interested

Before you choose your literary Ph.D. topic, do a lot of research. Your idea may be an extraordinary one, but what if nobody has any interest in reading it? You want to choose a topic that is interesting and excited and where the academic world will be talking about it.

Ask your lecturers what they think of your topic. Make notes and surveys. You could choose five topics – as suggested earlier – and run a literary survey. Ask lecturers, fellow academics and other students what they think of your topics. Put it in a survey form and see which topic comes out tops.

Look carefully at the results of your survey. If everyone is choosing one topic for a reason, they are probably right. It does not mean they are definitely right though. You can take your survey one step further and find out why they find that particular topic interesting. Then make a decision based on how you feel.

Do not take foolish and irrelevant topics

This is an obvious one, isn’t it? Nobody is going to read a PhD, or take it seriously when your top is foolish or irrelevant. We are living in a world where relevance is everything. Whether it does to with gender, feminism, sexism, history, climate change, politics or art – you must be relevant.

Remember, a PhD is something that everyone in the academic world takes seriously. Your research is going to be read by your peers and by peers who you hold in high esteem. You want them to read your work and be wowed by your work. If you are foolish, you lose your chance of being held in high esteem too.

You are going to be spending a long time on your PhD, maybe a year and maybe more. You also want to be interested in what you are doing and not find it a chore. Your research is important, not just for others but for you too. Take the whole thing seriously. PhD studies are serious – you need to be serious too.

Do lots of reading about other areas

You need to read as much as possible when you are writing a PhD. To be honest, you need to read as much as possible at all times. When you read other work, ideas come to you. You learn about style and content by reading. Read anything you can get your hands on. You are going to be writing your PhD. A good writer reads a lot, it is the only way they become a good writer.

When we say you should do a lot of reading, it does not mean you have to only read about matters connected to your particular research. You should read everything you can. Read academic papers, read transcribed interviews, read the newspaper, read novels and read magazines. The more you read, the better you write. Any writer will tell you that.

As a researcher, books are going to become the most important thing in your life. All books are going to become important to you. Keep a book in your bag. Read when you’re on the bus, on the train and at home in front of the television. Reading gets our own creative juices flowing, whether academic, fiction or non-fiction. Reading makes you think.

Keep all the collected notes and reading in hand

When you write a PhD you are going to have a ton of material that you need to go through. The first thing you need to do, even before you have chosen a topic, is to open up a PhD file. Get yourself a good one, it’s going to be with you for a long time. Make different sections.

Your collected notes are going to be the most important part of your Ph.D.; you are going to refer to them for a very long time. Make sure you have your notes in one section and as you can, cross-references them to your summaries or to chapters or books you are reading. Always go over your notes. You will suddenly read something and go ‘oh that makes sense.’

The same goes with all your reading. Keep your reading close by. Wake up in the morning, read. When you go to bed at night, read. The more reading you do, the better. Make notes of all the books you have, and of all the books you still plan to get. Tick them off as you read them. And mostly, always have a copy of your PhD notes and research as you go along. You do not want to lose it.

Syam Prasad Reddy T

Hello, My name is Syam, Asst. Professor of English and Mentor for Ph.D. students worldwide. I have worked years to give you these amazing tips to complete your Ph.D. successfully. Having put a lot of efforts means to make your Ph.D. journey easier. Thank you for visiting my Ph.D. blog.

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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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How To Choose The Literary Topic For An Essay

There are several ways on how to pick up an idea for a successful academic paper. Feel free to choose the most fitting alternative from the list below.

Select a literature style as a topic for your paper. This is one of the most common ways to pick up an idea for your essay. You will need to determine the basic features of a chosen literature style, choose the masterpieces you are going to describe, and classify the literature works. However, it might be a bit difficult since there are many controversial literature examples that are not easy to analyze.
Choose an author as a topic for your academic paper. This way, you will describe the main ideas, concepts, and innovations created by a particular writer, as well as the impact of this personality on literature as a whole. Still, avoid turning your research paper into a biography.
Pick up a certain book as an essay topic. It is a good idea but it might appear to be difficult to add something new to the chosen field.

Literature Topics For Research Papers: Women In Literature

The role of women in society has been changing over time. The topics below will help you understand the basic issues a common woman faced in different centuries, as well as discover the most impressive literature masterpieces created by female writers.

The Aged Mother: Criticism Essay
The Story Of An Hour By Kate Chopin: Response Paper
La Estrategia De Chochueca by Rita Indiana Hernández: The Summary
Women And Children In Modern Literature
The Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen
Charlotte Bronte And Her Role In The World History
J.K.Rowling As A Bright Example Of A Successful Female Writer
Harper Lee: To Kill A Mockingbird Summary
The Stories Of Virginia Woolf
Inspiring Female Writers And The Lessons They Teach Us
Gender Roles In Literature

The World Literature Research Paper Topics

There is nothing new that world literature research topics remain popular among students for years. These topics allow you to improve the knowledge of the global trends in literature, discover the masterpieces of the world literature, and understand the cultural processes in various countries in different centuries.

Barn Burning By William Faulkner: Loyalty And Blood Themes
Cliches In The Modern Literature
Critical Issues In Literature
The Social Issues In The Literature Of 20th Century
Modern Trends In Literature
The Difference Of Literature In Various Countries
The Influence Of Literature On The Society
Masterpieces In The Literature Of 18th Century
Masterpieces In The Literature Of 19h Century
Masterpieces In The Literature Of 20th Century
Reading Literature As A Modern Way Of Self-education
Greek Mythology And Its Role In The World Literature
The Impact Of Literature On Modern Culture
Literature Periods
The Role Of Comedies In The World Literature
The Role Of Tragedies In The World Literature
Psychological Trends In World Literature
Politics In The World Literature
Romance In Literature

The Best Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Literary analysis is one of the most common solutions for choosing easy-to-write research paper topics. The fact is that analysis is one of the inevitable steps of understanding the basic concepts of literature. Therefore, the analysis topics might become a perfect option for beginners in the world of literature. Moreover, you don’t need to be exceptionally creative when composing essays on analysis.

Car Crash While Hitchhiking: The Analysis Of The Literary Fiction Story
The Ethics Of Belief by Clifford: An Advanced Summary And Analysis
The Lesson By Toni Cade Bambara: Analysis And Summary
An Advanced Analysis Of Tree And Culinary Lesson
Mcwp 6-11 Leading Marines: The Analysis
My Native Land, My Home by Claude Mckay: In-Depth Analysis
Analysis Of Salvation By Langston Hughes
Preventive Corrective And Detective Controls
A Black Man Talks Of Reaping Analysis
Servant Leadership And Diverse Context
The Impact Of Literature Nowadays

Satire Topics Ideas For A Successful Essay

Satire has been the main trend in literature for years. But how did it change over time? What is the difference between satire and irony? What are the satire’s basic features? Writing an essay on these topics might be an excellent idea.

Ancient And Modern Satire
Trends In The Modern Satire
Literature Techniques In Writing Satire
Satires Of Rome
Satires Of Ancient Greece
Satire In Political Poems
Satire And Comedy: Common Features And Differences
English Satire
Satire In The 18th Century
Satire In The 19th Century
Shakespeare's Satire
World Famous Satirists
The Difference Between Anecdotes And Satire
The Motivation Of Satirists
Satire And History
Satire And Irony: The Main Differences
Humor And Satire In The Modern Literature
The Origins Of Satire
Radicalism And Satire
Black Humor And Satire

Controversial Topics In Literature Of All Times

In case you are looking for something contradictory to write about, the controversial literary research paper topic might be a nice option for your needs. The conflict of generations, formalism, and Franz Kafka are no longer the only alternatives to write about.

Is Modern Youth More Self Centred Than The Other Generations
Common Theme Between Xla And Faat Kine
Franz Kafka And His Role In The Literature
Formalism In Literature
Structuralism In Literature
The Parents And Children In Literature
Documentary In Literature
War And Peace Topics
The Role Of Family In The Modern Literature
The Conflict Of Generations

Western Literature Topics For A Brilliant Research Paper

Western literature holds a special place in the history of world literature. Wars, conflicts, riots, totalitarianism, technical progress, and other topics are all common for western literature.

Witches Loaves By O'Henry: The Lessons The Story Teach Us
Ernest Hemingway And The “Lost Generation”
Mark Twain And His Most Brilliant Characters
Welsh Literature
Latin American Literature Masterpieces
Oscar Wilde And His Impact On Literature
Trends In Celtic Literature
Trends In Icelandic Literature
American Dream In Literature
Death In Western Literature
Identity In Literature
Imperialism In Literature
Race Issues In Literature
Travel In Western Literature
Utopian Literature

Most Popular European Literature Topics

The literature of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages has lots of masterpieces many students admire. The development of the culture can be also easily studied by creating an essay on the European literature research paper topic.

The Use Of Setting And Atmosphere In Dracula By B Stoker
Theme Of Power In Othello By William Shakespeare
French Literature
German Literature
Spanish Literature
Finnish Modern Literature
Danish Modern Literature
Polish Modern Literature
Latvian Modern Literature
Renaissance Literature
Medieval Literature
Realism And Symbolism Trends
Political Poems And The Role In The World History
Postmodernism Trends
Latin Literature Trends
The literature of the 17th century

Eastern Literature Research Paper Topics For Diligent College Students

Eastern literature covers lots of periods and countries. You can write about Japan, China, Egypt, Ancient East, or Mesopotamia, as well as explore the cultural trends in different countries.

Turkish Literature
Arabic Literature
Sanskrit Literature
Famous Arabic Poets
Persian Literature
The Main Trends In Modern Chinese Literature
The Main Trends In Modern Japanese Literature
Confucianism
Famous Chinese Fiction
The Topic Of Death In Eastern Literature
The Topic Of Honor In The Eastern Literature
The Issues In The Eastern Literature
Saint Pachomius
Khalil Gibran
Anthony Of Egypt
Philosophy In Ancient Chinese Literature
Metaphor In Japanese Literature
Masculinity In Arab Literature
War In Persian Literature
Wisdom In Eastern Literature

How To Create A Brilliant Paper On Literature Topic

Choosing a suitable and easy-to-write topic for your essay is only half of the job you need to do. The most challenging thing is to create a concise, precise, fresh, and understandable academic paper with no mistakes. So, here is what you need to do to get the highest score for your essay:

Create an attractive and catchy introduction
Pick up the most interesting ideas for your paper
Create an outline
Point out the most important facts in the body of your essay
Choose only reliable and up-to-date sources
Create a paper in a proper voice and tone
Complete the paper with a fitting conclusion
Make your paper look solid
Avoid any grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, as well as typos
Use proper formatting

As far as you can see, creating a successful paper is not as easy as it might seem from first glance. In case you feel this task is unaffordable for you, you can get professional help with creating a winning academic paper according to your needs for a reasonable cost. Buying an essay is as simple as 1-2-3, while the entire job of creating an academic paper will be done by professional writers.

REFERENCES:

Research tips for students
Basic facts about literature
The literature of ancient China
The literature of ancient Rome
Shakespeare's Life and World
The benefits of reading literature
Classic literature study guides

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English Literature: Resources for Undergraduates

How to use this guide, getting to know your topic, find books and articles in jumbosearch, recommended web resources.

Articles on Your Topic
Books on Literary History, Theory, Criticism & More
Novels, Poems & Other Primary Texts
How to Read a Cited Reference
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what is the best research topic in english literature

Welcome to the Tisch Library guide to resources for the undergraduate study of literature in English. Use the table of contents to find definitions, topic overviews, books, articles, and more that will help you with your research.

If you don't find what you are looking for or need help navigating this guide or any of the resources it contains, don't hesitate to contact the author of this guide or Ask a Librarian .

Reference sources--like dictionaries and subject encyclopedias, provide overviews of topics and descriptions of concepts and ideas. They can also provide definitions, statistics, and other details. You can use this type of source to help narrow your research topic, find data to support your thesis, and identify keywords and main ideas to use as search terms.

Credo Reference Online reference resources from numerous publishers. This reference resource can be searched by individual title, broad subject headings, cross-references, audio and images. Use its research mapper to search for terms and topics that are interconnected and displayed in (a) visual form. Examples of titles are: Bloomsbury Guide to Art, Bridgeman Art Library Archive, Columbia Encyclopedia, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Harvard Dictionary of Music, and the Concise Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. The complete list of titles is available on the CREDO Reference site.
Oxford Reference Provides web access to more than 100 major Oxford University Press dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference works in the humanities, social sciences, foreign languages, science, technology and medicine, the performing arts, and religion. Works can be searched separately or across the entire databases. Includes over 1.5 million entries.
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) The Oxford English Dictionary is the most authoritative dictionary of the English language. In both the print and online versions, entries include a history of where a word was first published, alternate spellings, pronunciations and an etymological analysis.
Gale eBooks Gale eBooks is a database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
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.
Literature in Context Discovering Literature brings to life the social, political and cultural context in which key works of literature were written. Enjoy digitised treasures from the British Library's collection, newly commissioned articles, short documentary films, and more.
British Council Writers Directory This unique, searchable database contains profiles of some of the UK and Commonwealth's most important living writers, as well as many other writers from these regions. Included in the profiles are biographies, bibliographies, critical reviews, and information about awards.
Directory of Poets & Writers The Directory of Poets & Writers lists names, addresses, and publication credits for over 11,000 contemporary American authors. Includes biographies, publications, awards, and more.

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: books from the library catalog; journal articles in databases, online and in print; research guides on your topic; digital files from the Archives; and much, much more!

Search by Keyword, Title, Subject, or Creator

There are a lot of great resources on the web where you can find information about English Literature as well as online primary texts (stories, poems, plays, and novels) and recordings of literature being read aloud. Have fun exploring!

American Literature Links to resources on American authors, a timeline, literary movements and other American literature sites created by Professor Donna Campbell of Washington State University.
Bartleby.com Includes the Oxford Book of English Verse, Yale Book of American Verse, reference works on quotation and usage as well as selected works of fiction.
Bulfinch's Mythology Provides the complete text of the standard guide to Western mythology.
A Celebration of Women Writers Information, descriptions and related links focusing on women writers throughout history.
Early Modern Literary Studies Online journal devoted to English literature of the 16th and 17th Centuries.
Eighteenth-Century Resources Covers all of the significant and reliable online resources that focus on the (very long) eighteenth century--from Milton to Keats.
Encyclopedia Mythica Award-winning internet encyclopedia of mythology, folklore, and religion. Here you will find everything from A-gskw to Zveda Vechanyaya, with plenty in between.
Harry Ransom Center Digital Collections The Harry Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum. Its extensive holdings provide a unique record of the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts.
The Labyrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies From Georgetown University, medieval studies links arranged by topic.
Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature Life, works, essays, quotes and works for authors from Middle English, Renaissance and 17th-Century literature.
Oxford Dictionaries Oxford Dictionaries provides free access that allows users to: explore its current English dictionary and thesaurus; listen to audio pronunciations; browse the grammar hub; and much more.
PennSound Listen to poetry read aloud, author talks and more at this comprehensive site from the University of Pennsylvania.
Poet's Corner The collection covers roughly 7,000 works by about 800 poets, including some of the best known works in the English language, as well as many obscure and forgotten works that are well worth reading.
Romanticism and Victorianism on the Net Romanticism and Victorianism on the Net (RaVoN) is an International Refereed Electronic Journal devoted to British Nineteenth-Century Literature.
SurLaLune Fairy Tales Provides an introduction to fairy tales and folklore and includes the annotated full text of selected classic fairy tales as well as reproductions of famous illustrations.
The Victorian Web Information on a variety of topics in the Victorian period, including a timeline, information on genre and technique and author-related links.
Voice of the Shuttle Extensive humanities database broken down into precise categories by period and theme.
Westminster Detective Library It is the mission of the Westminster Detective Library to catalog and make available online all the short fiction dealing with detectives and detection published in the United States before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Scandal in Bohemia” (1891).
Next: Articles on Your Topic >>
Last Updated: Apr 11, 2023 2:17 PM
URL: https://researchguides.library.tufts.edu/EnglishUndergraduateResources

American Literature Research Paper Topics

This article provides a comprehensive guide to American literature research paper topics , showcasing the depth and diversity of the literary landscape in the United States. From colonial beginnings to contemporary voices, American literature offers a rich tapestry of stories, themes, and perspectives. For students diving into this vast field, choosing the right topic is crucial. This guide not only lists an array of potential American literature research paper topics but also delves into the evolution of American literary movements, offers practical advice for topic selection, and gives tips on how to craft a compelling paper. Additionally, with iResearchNet’s expert writing services, students are equipped with professional resources to ensure their research endeavors are a success.

100 American Literature Research Paper Topics

American literature, a vast and diverse field, encompasses a range of themes, styles, and epochs. From the colonial tales of the early settlers to the modern narratives of the 21st century, the U.S. literary canvas is as broad as the country’s history. This comprehensive list offers a variety of American literature research paper topics divided into ten distinct categories, ensuring that every student can find a theme that resonates with their interests and academic goals.

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I. Colonial and Early American Literature

The religious undertones in the works of Anne Bradstreet.
Exploring captivity narratives: Mary Rowlandson’s “A Narrative of the Captivity.”
Jonathan Edwards and the rhetoric of the Great Awakening.
The role of nature in early American literature.
Benjamin Franklin’s “Autobiography”: A study in self-fashioning.
The evolution of the American Dream in early American writings.
The emergence of American Gothic: Charles Brockden Brown’s “Wieland.”
Slavery narratives: Comparing Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs.
The role of women in colonial American literature.
Native American oral traditions and their influence on early colonial writings.

II. Romanticism and the American Renaissance

Washington Irving and the creation of American myths.
Edgar Allan Poe: The master of American Gothic.
Transcendentalism: The philosophies of Emerson and Thoreau.
Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”: An exploration of good vs. evil.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s exploration of Puritanical guilt in “The Scarlet Letter.”
Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and the birth of free verse.
Emily Dickinson: A recluse’s perspective on society and nature.
The frontier in James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales.
Gothic elements in the works of Louisa May Alcott.
Dark romanticism: A comparative study of Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville.

III. Realism and Naturalism

Mark Twain and the critique of American society in “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
Henry James and the art of psychological realism.
The portrayal of urban life in Stephen Crane’s works.
Edith Wharton’s critique of the Gilded Age in “The Age of Innocence.”
The conflict of man versus nature in Jack London’s writings.
The influence of Darwinism on American naturalist writers.
Kate Chopin and the awakening of female sexuality.
The immigrant experience in Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.”
The rise of regionalism: Willa Cather and the American Midwest.
Theodore Dreiser’s “An American Tragedy” and the dark side of the American Dream.

IV. The Harlem Renaissance

Langston Hughes and the jazz poetry movement.
Zora Neale Hurston’s exploration of black folklore in “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
Claude McKay and the politics of race in America.
Jean Toomer’s “Cane”: A mosaic of African American life.
The influence of jazz and blues on Harlem Renaissance literature.
The role of magazines and journals in promoting African American voices.
Nella Larsen’s exploration of racial identity in “Passing.”
Alain Locke’s “The New Negro” and the redefinition of African American identity.
Gender and sexuality in the works of Wallace Thurman.
The intersection of visual arts and literature during the Harlem Renaissance.

V. Modernism

F. Scott Fitzgerald and the disillusionment of the Jazz Age.
Ernest Hemingway’s narrative style and the “Lost Generation.”
Gertrude Stein and the avant-garde literary scene.
T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” and the fragmentation of modern society.
The influence of World War I on American modernist writers.
John Dos Passos and the critique of capitalism in “The U.S.A. Trilogy.”
William Faulkner’s innovative narrative techniques.
The works of E.E. Cummings and the break from traditional poetic forms.
The influence of expatriation on American modernist literature.
Djuna Barnes and the exploration of sexuality in “Nightwood.”

VI. The Beat Generation

Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”: Defining the Beat ethos.
Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl”: A protest against conformity and consumerism.
William S. Burroughs’ “Naked Lunch” and its critique of post-war America.
The role of jazz and drug culture in the Beat literary movement.
The Beat Generation and their relationship with Eastern spirituality.
Female voices in the Beat movement: Diane di Prima and Joanne Kyger.
The legacy of Neal Cassady: From muse to writer.
The impact of San Francisco Renaissance on the Beats.
The Beats and their dissection of the American Dream.
The global travels of the Beat Generation and their reflections in literature.

VII. Postmodernism

Thomas Pynchon and the entropic vision of “Gravity’s Rainbow.”
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”: War, time, and metafiction.
Metafiction and historiographic metafiction in works by John Barth.
The detective novel reimagined: Paul Auster’s “City of Glass.”
Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” and the haunting of history.
Don DeLillo’s “White Noise” and the fear of death in postmodern society.
Paranoia and conspiracy in Robert Coover’s novels.
Postcolonial critique in Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses.”
The consumerist dystopia in Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho.”
Maximalism in David Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest.”

VIII. Contemporary American Literature

Identity and multiculturalism in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake.”
The post-9/11 American psyche in novels by Jonathan Safran Foer.
Magical realism and the immigrant experience in Junot Diaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.”
The reimagining of the American West in Annie Proulx’s works.
Technology and isolation in Dave Eggers’ “The Circle.”
The deconstruction of the family narrative in Jonathan Franzen’s “The Corrections.”
The changing American South in the works of Jesmyn Ward.
Dystopian futures in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Testaments.”
Coming-of-age in the digital age: Sally Rooney’s novels.
The clash of cultures in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah.”

IX. Literature of the American Frontier and West

The myth versus reality of the Wild West in Owen Wister’s “The Virginian.”
Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian” and the brutality of westward expansion.
The legacy of frontier humor in Mark Twain’s early works.
Women’s perspectives on the frontier: Willa Cather’s “O Pioneers!”
Native American voices and the frontier: N. Scott Momaday’s “House Made of Dawn.”
The environmental ethics of the American West in Edward Abbey’s “Desert Solitaire.”
Revisionist Westerns: Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove.”
Exploration of masculinity and the mythic West in Sam Shepard’s plays.
The Gold Rush in American literature: Joaquin Miller’s poetic works.
The Asian American experience in the Old West: Sui Sin Far’s stories.

X. Science Fiction and Dystopian Literature

The socio-political critiques in Philip K. Dick’s novels.
Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” series and the fall of the American empire.
The fear of otherness in Robert A. Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land.”
Environmental collapse in Octavia E. Butler’s “Parable” series.
Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and the danger of censorship.
The commercialization of society in Frederik Pohl’s “The Space Merchants.”
Feminism and gender in Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness.”
The evolution of the post-apocalyptic narrative in American science fiction.
The role of technology and artificial intelligence in contemporary American science fiction.
The resurgence of dystopian literature in the 21st century: Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” series.

American literature, shaped by history, society, and diverse voices, offers a plethora of research topics. Whether students wish to delve deep into a specific era or explore overarching themes across epochs, this list provides a starting point. Armed with these American literature research paper topics, scholars can embark on an enlightening journey through the annals of American literature, discovering insights that not only illuminate the texts but also reflect the nation’s evolving identity.

American Literature and the Range of Topics It Offers

American literature, as vast and varied as the landscape of the country itself, encapsulates the spirit, dreams, and dilemmas of its people over centuries. From the indigenous narratives of pre-colonial America to the postmodernist critiques of the late 20th century, the literary output of the United States mirrors the sociopolitical changes, cultural shifts, and individual narratives that have shaped its history.

Colonial and Early American literature, for instance, grapple with themes of discovery, colonization, and the quest for identity in a new world. Authors like Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards exemplify this era’s struggles and spiritual yearnings. Their works lay the foundation for the Romantic period that followed, characterized by the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. These authors delved deep into the human psyche, often highlighting the dualities of human nature and the looming American wilderness.

The transcendentalist movement, spearheaded by figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, presented a unique take on individuality, nature, and spirituality. Their perspectives provided a stark contrast to the realist and naturalist writers of the late 19th century, who, influenced by Darwinism and the Industrial Revolution, presented a grittier, more deterministic view of the human experience.

The 20th century ushered in a literary renaissance, with the Harlem Renaissance leading the charge. This era, defined by writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay, not only redefined African American literature but also laid the groundwork for successive generations of writers to explore themes of racial identity, inequality, and heritage.

American literature’s vast scope is further broadened by the Beat Generation, Postmodernists, and contemporary writers, each adding layers of complexity and depth to this already multifaceted literary tradition. The Beats, with their unorthodox lifestyles and candid explorations of sexuality, spirituality, and societal rebellion, paved the way for postmodernists to break literary conventions and question the very nature of narrative and authorship.

In the contemporary realm, the literary landscape is even more diverse, with authors from various backgrounds addressing issues such as immigration, gender identity, technology, and globalization.

Considering the vastness and depth of American literature, the range of potential American literature research paper topics is immense. Whether analyzing a specific author’s style, comparing literary movements, or delving into the socio-political implications of a particular work, students have a plethora of avenues to explore. The beauty of American literature lies not just in its rich tapestry of stories but also in the endless academic inquiries it sparks.

The American literary canon, forever expanding and evolving, stands as an open invitation for scholars, students, and readers alike to delve in, explore, and contribute to the ongoing conversation. The American literature research paper topics presented earlier merely scratch the surface of what’s possible, offering a starting point for those eager to embark on their own literary journey through the annals of American literature.

How to Choose an American Literature Research Paper Topic

The process of selecting American literature research paper topics can be both exciting and daunting. The vast expanse of literary works, spanning from the earliest colonial narratives to the contemporary experimental pieces, offers a plethora of subjects to dive into. However, choosing the right topic is crucial not only for academic success but also for maintaining personal interest throughout the research process. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making an informed choice:

Start with Personal Interest: Your enthusiasm for a particular era, author, or theme can drive the quality of your research. Always consider what genuinely intrigues you about American literature. Is it the Harlem Renaissance, the transcendentalist movement, or the postmodern era?
Read Widely: Before settling on a topic, immerse yourself in a variety of texts. By exploring a wide range of works, you might discover a previously unconsidered area of interest or identify gaps in existing research.
Historical Context Matters: The socio-political backdrop against which a literary work was produced often deeply influences its content and themes. Understanding this context can provide richer layers of meaning to your research.
Consider Genre and Form: Instead of focusing solely on an author or era, consider diving into specific literary forms – poetry, short stories, novels, plays – or genres like Gothic, mystery, or magical realism within American literature.
Check Availability of Resources: It’s essential to ensure that adequate resources – primary texts, scholarly articles, critiques – are available on your chosen topic. Conduct preliminary research to gauge this.
Consult Professors or Mentors: Engage in discussions with your professors or academic mentors. Their insights, based on years of experience and study, can guide you toward a promising research area or warn you about potential pitfalls.
Evaluate Scope: Ensure that your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A topic that’s too expansive can be overwhelming, while an overly specific subject might lack substantial content for a comprehensive paper.
Interdisciplinary Approaches: Consider merging literary analysis with insights from fields like sociology, psychology, or history. For instance, you could study the portrayal of mental illness in American literature through both a literary and psychological lens.
Stay Updated with Recent Scholarship: Literary interpretations evolve over time. Ensure you’re familiar with the latest scholarly discussions surrounding your topic. This can help refine your thesis and approach.
Relevance and Contribution: Ask yourself how your research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Aiming for a fresh perspective or a unique interpretation can make your work stand out.

Choosing a topic for a research paper in American literature is a journey of discovery. It’s about finding the right balance between personal interest, academic relevance, and the potential contribution to the field. Remember, the process of research and writing should be as rewarding as the final product. By carefully selecting your topic, you set the stage for a fulfilling academic endeavor.

How to Write an American Literature Research Paper

Delving into the world of American literature is like embarking on a thrilling journey across time, cultures, and ideologies. From the early Native American oral traditions to the cutting-edge contemporary narratives, the literary landscape of America offers a vast terrain to explore and analyze. Writing a research paper on such a subject is not just about summarizing texts, but about adding to the discourse. Here’s a detailed guide to help you craft a compelling and insightful research paper on American literature:

Your research paper journey begins with a strong introduction. This is your chance to captivate your reader’s interest, provide some background on your topic, and present your thesis statement.

Choose a Strong Thesis: A clear, concise, and debatable thesis is the backbone of your research paper. Ensure it provides a fresh perspective or a unique angle on your chosen topic.
Research Thoroughly: Dive deep into primary sources (novels, poems, plays, etc.) and secondary sources (critiques, essays, and scholarly papers). Libraries, academic databases, and online literary journals are invaluable resources.
Develop a Structured Outline: Before diving into writing, chalk out an outline. This ensures a logical flow to your arguments and helps in organizing your thoughts systematically.
Maintain a Critical Perspective: While it’s essential to understand various interpretations, always maintain a critical lens. Challenge existing viewpoints, draw your conclusions, and support them with evidence.
Incorporate Quotes Wisely: Direct quotes from literary works can bolster your arguments. However, use them judiciously. Ensure they serve a purpose in your narrative and always provide proper citations.
Understand Literary Devices: Having a firm grasp of literary devices like allegory, symbolism, or irony will enhance your analysis. Highlight where authors have employed these tools and discuss their significance.
Historical and Cultural Context: American literature cannot be detached from its historical and cultural backdrop. Embed your analysis within this context, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding.
Stay Objective: While personal interpretations are vital, ensure your arguments remain objective. Avoid overly emotional or biased language.
Revise and Edit: Once your initial draft is ready, take a break before revising. Fresh eyes can spot inconsistencies, redundancies, or errors. Check for clarity, coherence, and overall flow. Grammar, punctuation, and syntax should be impeccable.
Properly Format and Cite: Adhere to the specified format, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard. Properly cite all your sources to avoid plagiarism. Utilize tools or software that can help streamline this process.

Wrap up your research paper by reiterating your main arguments and thesis. Highlight the significance of your findings and hint at potential areas for future research. Writing an American literature research paper is a rigorous but rewarding process. It demands diligence, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the literary arts. Remember, it’s not just about presenting facts but weaving a story that adds value to the existing body of knowledge. With dedication and passion, you’ll not only craft an impactful research paper but also deepen your connection with the rich tapestry of American literature.

iResearchNet Writing Services

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Dalhousie Libraries - Research Guides Home

Dalhousie University Libraries

English Literature

Research step-by-step
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more
Find articles
Primary sources
Recommended websites
Book reviews
MLA citation
Citation management

On this page...

Step 1: choose a topic, step 2: consult reference sources, step 3: grab some books, step 4: search for articles, step 5: collect, read, evaluate, and write what you have learned, step 6: cite your sources.

Document delivery
Exercises & training
Arthurian Literature series
ENGL 2232: Contemporary Science Fiction
ENGL 3301: Graphic Novels This link opens in a new window
CRWR 4010: Advanced Creative Writing - Poetry I

This page walks you through the basic steps of research. Keep in mind that the research process is actually quite messy, and you might find yourself jumping back and forth between the steps listed here. These steps are meant to orient you to the research process, but you do not necessarily have to follow this exact order:

Choose a topic
Consult reference sources
Grab some books
Search for articles
Collect, read, evaluate, and write what you have learned
Cite your sources

When choosing a topic, keep the following points in mind:

Choose a topic that ACTUALLY interests you.
Your topic is not set in stone. Once you start doing some initial research on your topic, you will probably decide to tweak it a bit.
Pick a topic that is manageable. If your topic is too broad, it will be hard to condense it all into one university paper. But if your topic is too narrow, you may have a hard time finding enough scholarly research for your paper.
Handout: Choosing a topic Check out this helpful handout on choosing a research topic!

Or, watch this incredibly useful video from North Carolina State University Library on choosing a topic:

When you first get started on a research project, you might not have very much prior knowledge of your topic. In that case, it's a great idea to start with some background information. The most heavily-used reference source in the world is Wikipedia, but as a student you also have access to many other excellent scholarly reference sources.

Jump to the "Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more" page of this guide.

Time to get down to it! Books will help you get an even better handle on your topic. Books provide more in-depth information than reference sources, but are often much better for background information than journal articles. Keep the following in mind:

Start by registering your Dal card as your library card. Fill out your registration form and bring it to the service desk at the Killam Library, or register online using our online form (this will take about 24 hours to process).
Use the Novanet library catalogue to search for books on your topic.
You can access ebooks immediately online; if you find a print book that interests you, write down the call number and visit the stacks!
Check out this quick video: How to read a call number in 90 seconds
Remember that in most cases you won't need to read the whole book!
You may borrow print books for 3 weeks, and renew them twice. To renew books online, start here . Click "Guest," at the top right of the screen, and then "My library card." Log in with your barcode and password. You should see an overview of the books you have checked out, and an option to renew. You can also check out this quick video tutorial on renewing books .

Jump to the "Find books" page of this guide.

Scholarly journals are specialized journals that publish new research on specialized topics. They are written FOR academics, researchers, and students to keep them aware of new developments in the field. They are written, for the most part, BY academics and researchers who are actively involved with the field of study. You can find scholarly articles in databases that the library subscribes to. Make sure to search in subject-specific databases (such as a history database), as well as multidisciplinary databases that include a wider scope of material.

Jump to the "Find journal articles" page of this guide.

Handout: Identifying and reading scholarly works New to reading scholarly articles? Check out this helpful handout.

Or, check out this great video from Western Libraries:

Take very careful notes as you read your sources! This will help you trace themes and develop an argument. Check out the following two videos on writing a research paper, and make an appointment at the Dalhousie Writing Centre if you would like assistance with your writing.

Dalhousie Writing Centre: Make an appointment
Video tutorial: Writing a research paper, Part 1
Writing Research Papers Part 2 Draft -- Revise -- Proof read -- References

Very important! When you use somebody else's words or ideas in your academic papers, you must to give credit to the original source. This is one of the reasons why keeping good notes is so important to the research process.

Jump to the MLA Citation page of this guide.

<< Previous: Citation management
Next: Document delivery >>
Last Updated: Aug 6, 2024 11:03 AM
URL: https://dal.ca.libguides.com/English

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Knowledge Base
Starting the research process

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

Your institution and department’s requirements
Your areas of knowledge and interest
The scientific, social, or practical relevance
The availability of data and resources
The timeframe of your dissertation
The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
When is the deadline?
Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

Twentieth-century literature
Economic history
Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

Twentieth-century literature Twentieth-century Irish literature Post-war Irish poetry
Economic history European economic history German labor union history
Health policy Reproductive health policy Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

Sampling methods
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Likert scales
Reproducibility

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

Optimism bias
Cognitive bias
Implicit bias
Hawthorne effect
Anchoring bias
Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

Researchability
Feasibility and specificity
Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

Focused on a single problem or issue
Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
Specific enough to answer thoroughly
Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

Who is the author? Are they an expert?
Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 20). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow. Scribbr. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/dissertation-topic/

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Libraries | Research Guides

Literature reviews, what is a literature review, learning more about how to do a literature review.

Planning the Review
The Research Question
Choosing Where to Search
Organizing the Review
Writing the Review

A literature review is a review and synthesis of existing research on a topic or research question. A literature review is meant to analyze the scholarly literature, make connections across writings and identify strengths, weaknesses, trends, and missing conversations. A literature review should address different aspects of a topic as it relates to your research question. A literature review goes beyond a description or summary of the literature you have read.

Sage Research Methods Core This link opens in a new window SAGE Research Methods supports research at all levels by providing material to guide users through every step of the research process. SAGE Research Methods is the ultimate methods library with more than 1000 books, reference works, journal articles, and instructional videos by world-leading academics from across the social sciences, including the largest collection of qualitative methods books available online from any scholarly publisher. – Publisher

Next: Planning the Review >>
Last Updated: Jul 8, 2024 11:22 AM
URL: https://libguides.northwestern.edu/literaturereviews

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

English Literature Research Paper Topics
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 ...
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Research Topics in English Literature
Research topics on English literature initially start off broad and then narrow down and you come up with your thesis. Using any of the research topics listed (gender, comparisons, historical background, politics, and religion) can take you almost anywhere. Choose your general topic based on the literature class you're writing for.
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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.
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50+ Important English Literature Dissertation Topics
Choosing a dissertation topic in English literature can be both exciting and daunting. With a wealth of genres, historical periods, and critical approaches, the possibilities are vast. This comprehensive guide presents over 50 important dissertation topics across various themes and periods, helping you find inspiration for your research. 1.
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250 Literature Research Paper Topic: Literary Ideas for You
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.
1000 Literature Thesis Topics and Ideas
This page provides a comprehensive list of literature thesis topics, offering a valuable resource for students tasked with writing a thesis in the field of literature.Designed to cater to a wide array of literary interests and academic inquiries, the topics are organized into 25 diverse categories, ranging from African American Literature to Young Adult Literature.
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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 ...
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There are many topics out there for a good research. Here are my tips on how to rightly choose a PhD research topic in English Literature. Choose the right poet or author that interests your topic. Ask PhD. supervisor the relevance of the poet to research. Search for some areas of research taken in the past.
Literature: A Research Guide for Graduate Students
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.
English Literature: Resources for Graduate Research
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.
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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.
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Create an outline. Point out the most important facts in the body of your essay. Choose only reliable and up-to-date sources. Create a paper in a proper voice and tone. Complete the paper with a fitting conclusion. Make your paper look solid. Avoid any grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, as well as typos.
LibGuides: English Literature: Resources for Undergraduates: Home
Welcome to the Tisch Library guide to resources for the undergraduate study of literature in English. Use the table of contents to find definitions, topic overviews, books, articles, and more that will help you with your research. If you don't find what you are looking for or need help navigating this guide or any of the resources it contains ...
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Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
American Literature Research Paper Topics
100 American Literature Research Paper Topics. American literature, a vast and diverse field, encompasses a range of themes, styles, and epochs. From the colonial tales of the early settlers to the modern narratives of the 21st century, the U.S. literary canvas is as broad as the country's history. This comprehensive list offers a variety of ...
Research step-by-step
Step 1: Choose a topic. When choosing a topic, keep the following points in mind: Choose a topic that ACTUALLY interests you. Your topic is not set in stone. Once you start doing some initial research on your topic, you will probably decide to tweak it a bit. Pick a topic that is manageable.
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
Twentieth-century literature; Economic history; Health policy; Step 3: Look for books and articles. To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular.
26640 PDFs
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Research Guides: Literature Reviews: What is a Literature Review?
A literature review is meant to analyze the scholarly literature, make connections across writings and identify strengths, weaknesses, trends, and missing conversations. A literature review should address different aspects of a topic as it relates to your research question. A literature review goes beyond a description or summary of the ...

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

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

Literary Theory and Criticism

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50+ Important English Literature Dissertation Topics

1. Renaissance Literature

1.2 Metaphysical Poetry

1.3 Female Voices in Renaissance Literature

2. Victorian Literature

2.2 The Brontë Sisters

2.3 The Role of Women in Victorian Society

3. Modernism

3.2 Alienation in Franz Kafka’s Works

3.3 Gender and Identity in Virginia Woolf’s Novels

4. Postcolonial Literature

4.2 Postcolonial Feminism in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Novels

4.3 Representation of Colonialism in J.M. Coetzee’s Novels

5. Contemporary Literature

5.2 The Digital Age in Dave Eggers’ “The Circle”

5.3 Multiculturalism in Zadie Smith’s Novels

6. American Literature

6.2 Race and Identity in Toni Morrison’s Works

6.3 The Southern Gothic Tradition in William Faulkner’s Works

7. Gothic Literature

7.2 Female Gothic in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

7.3 Victorian Gothic in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

8. Science Fiction and Fantasy

8.2 World-Building in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”

8.3 Gender and Power in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”

9. Children’s Literature

9.2 Fantasy and Reality in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” Series

9.3 Colonialism and Race in “Peter Pan”

10. Romantic Literature

10.2 Love and Loss in John Keats’ Poetry

10.3 Gothic Elements in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

11. Feminist Literature

11.2 Intersectionality in Audre Lorde’s Works

11.3 Gender and Power in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”

12. Historical Literature

12.2 The Representation of War in Erich Maria Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front”

12.3 The French Revolution in Charles Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities”

13. Comparative Literature

13.2 The Hero’s Journey in “The Odyssey” and “The Lord of the Rings”

13.3 Themes of Revenge in “Hamlet” and “The Count of Monte Cristo”

14. Mythology and Literature

14.2 Greek Tragedy in Modern Literature

14.3 Mythical Motifs in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” Series

15. Queer Literature

15.2 Gender and Sexuality in Oscar Wilde’s Works

15.3 The Intersection of Race and Sexuality in Audre Lorde’s Poetry

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