120 Research Topics in Literature

Crafting a compelling research paper in literature can be a daunting task, especially when you’re staring at a blank page trying to decide what to write about. Whether you’re working on a class assignment, an honors thesis, or an article for publication, choosing the right research topic is crucial to your success.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 120 engaging research topics spanning a wide range of literary genres, time periods, and critical approaches. From classic novels to contemporary poetry, these ideas will inspire you to dive deep into the world of literature and craft an outstanding paper that showcases your analytical skills and passion for the written word.

1. The portrayal of gender roles in classic literature.
2. A comparative analysis of different translations of a renowned literary work.
3. The evolution of the anti-hero in modern literature.
4. Examining the theme of alienation in literature across different time periods.
5. Representations of mental illness in literary works.
6. The impact of historical events on literature of the corresponding era.
7. Eco-criticism and its application to environmental themes in literature.
8. The use of symbolism in dystopian literature.
9. The influence of ancient mythology on contemporary fantasy literature.
10. A study of unreliable narrators in postmodern literature.
11. The depiction of war and its consequences in war literature.
12. An analysis of the portrayal of family dynamics in classic novels.
13. The role of literature in shaping cultural identities.
14. Examining the concept of utopia in literature and its implications.
15. The representation of LGBTQ+ characters in modern literature.
16. Literary depictions of colonialism and postcolonialism.
17. Analyzing the role of literary prizes in shaping the literary canon.
18. The use of magical realism in Latin American literature.
19. A study of literary adaptations in film and television.
20. The significance of the “American Dream” in American literature.
21. Literature and the politics of resistance in repressive regimes.
22. The influence of Shakespeare on contemporary literature and culture.
23. Exploring the concept of heroism in ancient epics and modern superhero comics.
24. The portrayal of race and ethnicity in literature.
25. Literature’s role in documenting social change and reform.
26. The impact of technology on literary forms and storytelling.
27. Analyzing the theme of identity and self-discovery in coming-of-age literature.
28. The representation of aging and mortality in literature.
29. Literature as a tool for exploring existential questions and philosophy.
30. The use of folklore and mythology in children’s literature.
31. The portrayal of mental health issues in young adult literature.
32. A study of the Beat Generation and its literary contributions.
33. The impact of World War I on modernist literature.
34. The portrayal of disability and differently-abled characters in literature.
35. Analyzing the theme of revenge in classic and contemporary literature.
36. The representation of animals and nature in literature.
37. The concept of time and temporality in literature.
38. The role of literature in promoting social justice and activism.
39. A study of literary censorship and its effects on literary works.
40. The portrayal of food and culinary culture in literature.
41. The use of allegory and symbolism in medieval literature.
42. A comparative analysis of bildungsroman novels from different cultures.
43. Literature and the exploration of dystopian societies.
44. The concept of fate and free will in literary works.
45. The depiction of war trauma in post-war literature.
46. Literature and the construction of national identities.
47. A study of the Gothic genre and its influence on literature and culture.
48. The representation of technology and artificial intelligence in science fiction literature.
49. Analyzing the theme of forbidden love in classic and modern literature.
50. The use of irony and satire in social commentary through literature.
51. Literature’s role in understanding historical events and cultural contexts.
52. The portrayal of supernatural beings and folklore in literature.
53. A study of postmodernism in contemporary literature.
54. The role of women writers in shaping literary traditions.
55. Analyzing the theme of exile and displacement in literature.
56. The representation of religious themes and beliefs in literature.
57. A study of literary adaptations of classical myths and epics.
58. The depiction of war and conflict in children’s literature.
59. Literature’s response to pandemics and health crises throughout history.
60. Analyzing the theme of love and relationships in romantic literature.
61. The portrayal of the city and urban life in literature.
62. Literature’s role in exploring the human-nature relationship.
63. A study of post-colonial literature in former British colonies.
64. The use of folklore and oral traditions in African literature.
65. Analyzing the theme of justice and morality in literature.
66. Literature’s portrayal of the afterlife and concepts of heaven and hell.
67. The representation of immigration and diaspora in literature.
68. A study of magical creatures and beasts in fantasy literature.
69. Literature’s role in addressing mental health stigma and awareness.
70. The depiction of monsters and monstrous beings in literature.
71. A comparative analysis of detective fiction across different cultures.
72. Literature and the exploration of time travel and alternate realities.
73. The portrayal of LGBTQ+ identity and experiences in graphic novels.
74. Analyzing the theme of power and politics in literature.
75. Literature’s role in shaping national myths and historical narratives.
76. The use of dreams and the subconscious in literature.
77. A study of the Harlem Renaissance and its literary contributions.
78. The representation of animals and nature in children’s literature.
79. Literature’s response to social and technological change in the 21st century.
80. Analyzing the theme of rebellion and revolution in literature.
81. Literature’s role in critiquing consumerism and materialism.
82. The depiction of mental health institutions in literature.
83. A comparative analysis of fairy tales and their cultural variations.
84. The portrayal of the supernatural and paranormal in Gothic literature.
85. Literature’s exploration of the human relationship with technology.
86. Analyzing the theme of memory and nostalgia in literature.
87. Literature and the representation of war from the perspective of non-combatants.
88. A study of literature in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement.
89. The portrayal of addiction and substance abuse in literature.
90. Literature’s role in confronting and addressing climate change.
91. Analyzing the theme of heroism and sacrifice in war literature.
92. The depiction of mental health and illness in autobiographical literature.
93. A study of literary movements and their impact on society.
94. The portrayal of animals and anthropomorphism in children’s literature.
95. Literature’s role in critiquing totalitarian regimes and authoritarianism.
96. The use of magical elements in Latin American “magical realism” literature.
97. Analyzing the theme of friendship and camaraderie in literature.
98. Literature’s exploration of the concept of beauty and aesthetics.
99. The portrayal of vampires and the undead in literature and popular culture.
100. A comparative analysis of ancient epics from different civilizations.
101. The depiction of the supernatural in Victorian ghost stories.
102. Literature’s role in exploring the complexities of cultural identity.
103. Analyzing the theme of fate and prophecy in Greek tragedies.
104. The representation of disability in young adult literature.
105. Literature’s response to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s.
106. The portrayal of AI and robots in science fiction literature.
107. A study of literature during periods of social and political upheaval.
108. The depiction of mental illness in 19th-century literature.
109. Literature’s role in exploring the concept of “home” and belonging.
110. Analyzing the theme of survival and resilience in post-apocalyptic literature.
111. The portrayal of folklore and mythical creatures in Asian literature.
112. Literature’s exploration of the concept of truth and

 reality.

113. The depiction of war propaganda in literature during World War II.
114. A study of literary representations of the American Civil Rights Movement.
115. The portrayal of witches and witchcraft in literature and folklore.
116. Literature’s response to the challenges of immigration and multiculturalism.
117. Analyzing the theme of redemption and forgiveness in literature.
118. The depiction of mental health care practices in historical literature.
119. Literature’s role in critiquing the capitalist system and consumer culture.
120. A comparative analysis of love poetry from different cultural traditions.

With 120 unique research topics to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect subject to explore in your next literature paper. From analyzing the themes and symbols in your favorite novel to comparing the works of two influential poets, these ideas will challenge you to think critically about literature and its impact on society.

As you begin your research, remember to choose a topic that genuinely interests you. The more passionate you are about your subject, the easier it will be to write an engaging, well-researched paper. Don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on a topic or approach it from an unexpected angle. The best literature papers are those that offer fresh insights and perspectives.

Good luck with your research and happy writing! Let us know if you need any other resources to help you craft an outstanding paper.