Many of the world's most famous and highly regarded authors wrote several novels over the course of their careers. Some authors wrote only one, and then faded into obscurity or self-exile. Studying the life of an author in relation to his work is an excellent topic for an English paper. For instance, you could talk about the trials Thoreau faced while living on Walden Pond, or discuss how Upton Sinclair's life experiences led him to write "The Jungle." Every author has a story of his own.
The role of women has changed in many ways over the course of history. This means that the role of women in literature has also changed, as modern works featuring women often draw on the responsibilities of modern women as source material. Compare and contrast strong woman characters from old and new works, or conduct a case study on the presentation of women in one specific book. You can also try to tackle the work of a famous female author and discuss any unique struggles she may have faced.
Literature serves several roles. Novels feed the imagination, political essays deliver satire and analysis, and biographies and historical accounts help provide context to the modern world. Think of some of the most important functions of literature, or some examples of great literary works that spawned some sort of change in society. Use these works as a starting point for addressing what their role may have been in the time during which they were written and what role they may play in the future.
If you look through the annals of educational history, you will no doubt find that schools and literature have not always gotten along. Hundreds of books have been banned from school libraries for a variety of reasons including inappropriate content ("Snow Falling on Cedars"), allegations of witchcraft ("Harry Potter" series), and racist slang ("The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"). Find a famous book that has been banned and research the reasons behind removing it from school library shelves.