Time and Time Again

by Michelle K. Gardner, Peter A. Hancockon Harry Potter

Just when we think we understand what time is, curious things happen, and we begin to realize that time is actually not at all what we considered it to be. For Harry Potter, as well, time changes and distorts along with the different challenges he meets and the different adventures he has. In recalling the terrified, pleading screams of his mother (Prisoner of Azkaban) and watching his godfather’s fall through the ragged veil (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Harry has experienced some of the subtleties of time in its many different forms. While the Muggle world continues to believe that time is a simple, linear experience, the wizarding world knows time is much more. Remember the frenzied anticipation of the Hogwarts student body leading up to the Yule Ball (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), or the long, drawn-out boredom of sitting in the History of … read more»

Recent Free Essays (Still Available!)

Available Until
Fri 9/28

When Fifty Was Fic

by Anne Jamisonon the Fifty Shades Trilogy

Want more writing on fanfiction from Anne Jamison? Check out her upcoming book, Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking Over the World!

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“It’s not Jane Austen.”

My mother’s blanket critique of all books, excepting the six of which it isn’t true, applied with equal disapproval to Samuel Beckett and, … read more»

Available Until
Thu 9/27

Diagnostic Notes, Case Histories, and Profiles of Acute Hybridity in Grey's Anatomy

by Sarah Wendellon Grey's Anatomy

Subject presents with symptoms in discord: high ratings and position as top ten primetime show contrast with cult devotion and frequent online involvement by fans in show plotlines. “Coolness” factor rising through innovative episode topics, but popularity increase may cause decrease in same factor, and decrease total numbers of dedicated … read more»

Available Until
Wed 9/26

Crime of Fashion

by Terri Clarkon the Hunger Games trilogy

Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and
they remember the woman.

–Coco Chanel

By its very definition, “fashion statement” means our clothes speak for us. When a person thinks of that phrase, they are most likely to picture someone whose conscientious choice of attire stands out and evokes a … read more»

Available Until
Tue 9/25

The Killer Within

by Adi Jaffeon Dexter

There’s something a little bit off about Dexter Morgan. While this may not seem to be an outlandish claim for a man whose primary recreational pastime is the abduction and dismemberment of some of society’s least savory characters, it has nevertheless been at the core of the series bearing his … read more»