Use this guide to find critical resources on the literature
One of the hardest things a student must do is finding a subject to write about. The subject must be narrow enough that you can cover it in just a few pages, yet broad enough that you can find sufficient resources.
No professor wants to read a paper that could be titled "All about XYZ." Those papers are boring, and besides, encyclopedias do it better. Instead, try to ask a question about the literary work that you are assigned, and answer it in your paper. Think about the characters. Why do these characters feel/talk/behave as they do?
There are many ways to read a work of literature, and depending on how you view the work, you might have different research needs. Research questions like these will lead to sources beyond the primary text itself. You may find yourself exploring history, psychology, religion, or other works of literature.
If you're having trouble finding a manageable topic, talk to a Reference Librarian. Whatever your topic or interest might be, a Reference Librarian can help you manage the scope of your topic and find resources.