In many works of literature, a character is pulled in two opposing directions by his desires, ambitions, obligations or influences. This essay topic provides an opportunity to analyze one particular character and provide details about how his opposing influences affect the choices he makes throughout the story. Your essay should clearly outline what those two opposing forces are and how they impact the outcome of the story.
As in real life, conflicts between parent and child play a predominant role in many works of classical literature. The idea of parental conflict makes for a good essay topic because it allows you to contrast two characters---the parent and the child---and analyze the sources of their conflict. In your essay, you should explain how this conflict shapes the outcome of the work and affects the other characters in the story.
The topic of contrasting places is useful for an English literature essay because many works feature a variety of settings--for example, two different cities or two houses. The locations in a work often have great symbolic meaning and personal meaning for the characters. In your essay, describe how two locations contribute to the meaning of the story and what each place represents to different characters.
It is within human nature to strive for greatness and power, and the theme of power is present in many works of literature. Focus your essay on one character and explain how she tries to free herself from being under someone else's power. You can also describe how the character tries to get power over other people. Your essay should explain the important role this power struggle plays in adding meaning to the story.