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literature in America Essay
When I think of America, I think of freedom. We live in a country where we can do what we choose. We can express our opinions and live our own
lives. Individuals can form their own individual beliefs and they can do what they want and pursue what they wish. They can play basketball, go to
school, get a job, have a family, buy a house, or go to church. We are free. We have opportunity to be whatever we want to make ourselves. When you
ask, what is an American? I find it no different to ask, what is freedom? America and freedom are intertwined and this relationship is evident in
American literature.
The notion of freedom and everything relating to freedom unites all of the American literature we have read. In Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Huck...show
more content...
In Self Reliance, Emerson explains that our freedom to choose and our ability to think what we want to think define what America is. I believe it is
characteristic of Americans to strive for what they think is right. In Poe's the House of Usher, Usher decided to bury his sister alive. I think this story
can relate to us today. Many people would say that America is known for persevering through rough times. I'd say the last few years have been a
rough time for America, from 9/11 to now––the war in Iraq. Sometimes situations may seem unbeatable, like being trapped in a coffin, but if you fight
hard enough, like we are against the terrorists and in Iraq, you can overcome anything. American's can overcome anything. Usher's sister was buried
alive and finally broke from the coffin after a week of struggle. Also, many of the authors we have studied describe nature in riveting detail. To them
and to me, our beautiful nature represents something more then just what you see with your eye–it represents America's freedom. In Emerson's Nature,
Thorpe's The Big Bear of Arkansas, Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Bryant's Thanatopsis, and Edwards' Shadows of Divine Things, we see an apparent
love and lust of nature by the authors. The great aspects of nature represent the great aspects of America–freedom. The mountains and trees scatter in
nature in pure harmony just like the American people live freely in America. The authors had a fascination
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Colonial American Literature
When a teacher asks a student to think about the Colonial Period, most students think of PIlgrims coming to America on the Mayflower. In reality, the
Mayflower is really only a small piece of the puzzle. The colonial time period starts in 1492 and goes through 1763. In the two hundred and
seventy–one years, Europeans came to America, Native Americans began to focus on the fur trade, and by the end of the time period the "population
of the thirteen colonies was over two million people." (Colonial Time Period NP) All of those events helped shape the American Literature that is still
read in High Schools to this day. American Literature from the colonial period was influenced by many historical events. It shares common
characteristics and its...show more content...
For example, the interaction with "David Cusick, from the Oneida Reservation in Madison County, New York, provides the "Iroquois Creation Story,"
(Snyder, Nancy NP). Historical events played an important part in early American Literature. There are many similar characteristics in the novels that
were written in the Colonization period. One common characteristic that can be found in many novels during this time is the narrative focus. Most
narratives tell a first–hand story of an event or a trip the author has experienced. Example of literary works in this genre include memoirs, journals,
letters, and biographies. Another common characteristic is the topic of religion. Writings about religion were very prominent in Puritan writings. Since
book publication was expensive, religious writings and most often the bible was the most common literature for a household to own. Puritan writers
had a very strong influence on colonial society. Religion was not a topic only for the Puritans as seen by the writings of non–puritan authors.
Non–Puritan writers used religion "to help show the religious tension between the colonial settlers and Native Americans." (Knight, Vanessa NP) A
characteristic that was common in early Native American literature was the topic of "changing the political and social status of their people." (Early
Native American Literature NP) Literature that was written in the colonial period has
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Reflection Paper On American Literature
This line from the Declaration of Independence has been quoted and restated many different ways, by a number of different people. The Declaration,
along with the hundreds of years of American texts that came after it, have been very impactful, not only in the United States but all across the world.
However, what qualifies as an American text? What is American literature? I believe that American literature is comprised of texts that are written by
an American or are about a specifically American experience. My definition of an American is anyone who identifies as an American which includes
citizens from birth, and immigrants with or without citizenship. An American experience is also very broad and includes anything that the author and
/or reader believes is an American experience. In this course, students will focus on defining American literature and examining how impactful
American literature has been around the world. This broad range of texts will help students create their own ideas of what American literature is and
what should be included in American literature. Some of the texts that we read will be controversial, and students will be able to decide for themselves
whether or not they should actually be in a class like this. Throughout this course, I will be focusing discussion on three main questions. First, what is
American literature? In order to answer this broad question, the class will discuss when American literature came about, what should be included in
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The American Literary Canon Analysis
In the late sixteenth century, a religious reform arose among the church of England. The puritanism reform brought foundation to the religious,
intellectual, and social structure in New England. Puritanism closely relates to the Amish which is a christian church that connects to the protestant
reformation also in the sixteenth century Europe. The puritanism and Amish both are hundreds of years old as is the American Literary Canon. This
canon consists of american literature from different authors at different times. The Judgement by Beverly Lewis should be a part of the literary canon
because it opens deeper perceptions about the lives of the Amish women. It also provides insight for readers to the complex struggles Amish women
faced with religion, society, culture and the self.
Amish and Puritan cultures both are tested by experiences that cause them to rely on God's judgement. The Amish community are based on God. The
families within the community have strict rules that which they must abide by. Hen's experience brings her closer to God than she was before. She
states to her father '"And sometimes the prayers we pray help change us most of all"'(Lewis 264). Hen's experience with her husband shows the
struggle she had with her religion. In resemblance, the Puritan book of Mary Rowlandson shows her journey and all of the challenges...show more
content...
Through Hen's journey She is challenged with thinking of her young daughter as well as herself. Hen struggles as she says '"I can't blame him – Mattie
Sue's his daughter, too" (Lewis 18). Hen is not a selfish person but she does want the best for Mattie. She also has to think about what is best for her
and her marriage. Hen and Rowlandson both struggle with the challenge of self. Rowlandson also has a child along with her through her experience.
She thinks nothing of herself but of the child. "I sat much alone with a poor wounded child in my lap" (Rowlandson
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The Beginning Of American Literature Essay
The beginning of American literature started in the 17th century when pirated, adventurers, and explorers started to write about the new continent.
These people became permanent colonists. The writing during this time varied in terms of quality and subjects. This early literature was made up of
creation myths, travel journals, history writing, poetry, religious writing, and personal narratives. Creation myths are some one of the six genres we see
in the beginning of American literature. They are a symbolic narrative of how the world began and how people first came to inhabit it. Many of
the Native American creation myths show a strong resemblance to Genesis. Percy Bullchild, a Blackfeet Indian from Browning, Montana,
describes the beginning of his people as stated: "This story is about a lone spirit that lived in this spiritual place before there was a world of any kind of
life ... He has been alive from ever and will continue to live forever ... Life is given to all of us humans and to all the creations of the earth ..."
(Bullchild). This tribe describes the Creator God as the Creator Sun. The first beings were snakes that rebelled against their creator and were
punished. Then describes the Creator Sun making people in his image. This is an example of part of a creation story. The majority of stories indicate
that a creation where people are given, along at the time of creation, awareness that they were created. Similar to Genesis, the stories follow how we
will be judged at
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The Colonial Period Of American Literature
The Colonial Period in American Literature Blake Quickel The Colonial Period of American Literature was vital not only to the timeline of literature in
our country, but it shaped the values and tradition that we identify America with. Literature from this period gives us a look into the beginnings of our
country from different views such as Poems and stories from Native culture, Puritans, and the founding fathers. These writings give us an honest view
of the way of life during this time. The Puritan writings we read in this class were very interesting in how they showed the early stages of America's
religion. Although religion in our government and our country's values has become less and less extreme over time, it is amazing knowing how much
control it had over society in our country's beginnings; and many of the morals exorcised in the Puritan culture are still values relevant to our society
today. In a reading from the "Introduction: Puritan Voices" assignment (a), the writer refers to the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a "man's world",
describing the limited roles of women in society and how men were portrayed in the church as superior. Puritan ministers often preached that the soul
had two parts, the immortal masculine half, and the mortal feminine half. Gender inequality is an enormous part of American Literature throughout all
periods, and here you can see where these values originated in our country. Puritan society exists as a valid demonstration for why the first
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Essay about Early American Literature
Early American Literature (1620–1820)
In the first half of the 17th century the New World found two groups of people
colonizing. The first group, the Puritans, had left England after years of exile due to
their lack of faith in the Church of England. With the reading and understanding of the
Bible almost completely laid in the hands of the preacher, the congregation was forced
to believe all the words that the preacher said. This all came to an end with John
Calvin.
His ideas were that God likes certain people better than others and those "chosen"
ones would get more land and more money. This idea took off with the Puritans as they
seeked religious freedom, a chance to start new churches...show more content...
All education was basedon religion and through that there was no questioning of God.
Along with this, their faith was based of that of the super natural world. They could
not see God, but saw him through thingslike a prosperous harvest or a winter blizzard,
both of these in reaction to actions taken by the Puritans.
With this lack of deductive reasoning the Puritans would find themselves thinking
about things done wrong if there was a life threatening winter blizzard or reflect the
things that were done right in the event of a bountiful harvest. In my eyes the Putians
were did not just leave England in search of religious freedom, they were casually asked
to leave the country and were used to colonize land that England was interested in.
Much like religious cults of today, they were against major religious beliefs of the
church and looked upon as radicals in their beliefs. "Then, coming out, beheld a
space the flame consume my dwelling place. And when I could no longer look, I blest His
name that gave and took." A quote of this nature in modern day society would be
followed by the thought of radical nature in the person saying it. Things may have
changed as far as social acceptance goes, but I see the Puritans as outcasts of the
society in England.
The other group of
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Literature Influence On American Literature
We study American Literature to remain aware of how the culture chooses to identify itself. Literature reflects the culture it was created in and will
often time tell a different story due to the nation's shifting nature. Early American literature shares similar stories that show how this country struggled
with freedom, religion and empowering individualism. One group that laid the foundation still has an influence on modern culture today. Puritan
literature is a dominant factor in American life and was a powerful cause in shaping American thought and in American literature. Puritan writers and
scholars such as John Winthrop and Roger Williams presented ideas that were new at the time that stayed with the American consciousness. Ideas of
freedom, authority, and the role of religion within the state have been an important argument among national debates. When the Puritans considered
such ideas, their thoughts and writings on the matter were modified to suit the taste of modern concerns. The ideas put forth by these Puritans offered
ways of thinking that are still ingrained in our culture today. Although many of the thoughts of Puritans have gradually dissipated, Puritan writers and
thinkers such as John Winthrop and Roger Williams offered ideas that were new at the time that affected America culturally, socially, and even
politically. Puritanism is not only a religious belief, but a combination of life styles and values. It has put a great influence on American culture, and
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Themes in Early American Literature Essays
Themes of Early American Literature
Early American literature does a tremendous job of revealing the exact conditions and challenges that were faced by the explorers and later by the
colonists of the New World. From early shipwrecks to the later years of small colonies barely surviving through dreadful winters, the literary works of
the time period focus on some very recognizable themes. The theme of any given work – being simply the unifying subject or idea – is a very
important element of any piece of writing. As one reviews some of this early literature, it becomes obvious that several themes appear repeatedly, and
it is these subjects that were clearly very common among people from all over the New World. While a number of themes...show more content...
The explorer narratives, however, were not the only ones which described a dark and forbidding quality of the New World. The colonists at
Jamestown and all along the eastern coast suffered through harsh winters with minimal supplies, causing many deaths and making life in the New
World extremely challenging. For example, in William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation he remarks that 50 of the 102 Pilgrims who landed at
Plymouth had died within the first year (Perkins and Perkins 50). The reasons for the high number of deaths in the colonies vary, but disease and
harsh winters certainly claimed their share. In addition, the colonies struggled to establish crops and solid dwellings for months or years after they
first landed, and supply ships proved to be unreliable at best. John Smith of the Jamestown Colony is responsible for writing The General History of
Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles in which he depicted the grievous condition of the colonists only days after the ships departed and left
them to the mercy of the land (Reuben 6). He wrote, "Being thus left to our fortunes, it fortuned that within ten days scarce ten amongst us could either
go, or well stand, such extreme weakness and sickness oppressed us." (Perkins and Perkins 36). In the same piece of literature, Smith also noted
another very ominous threat to the well–being of the
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Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by the pseudonym Mark Twain, has been central to American literature for over a century. His seemingly
effortless diction accurately exemplified America's southern culture. From his early experiences in journalism to his most famous fictional works,
Twain has remained relevant to American writing as well as pop culture. His iconic works are timeless and have given inspiration the youth of
America for decades. He distanced himself from formal writing and became one of the most celebrated humorists. Mark Twain's use of the common
vernacular set him apart from authors of his era giving his readers a sense of familiarity and emotional connection to his characters and himself.
Mark Twain is world...show more content...
He was one of the first to descriptively verbalize southern speech in writing. Not only was it uncommon for people of Twain's era to write in
vernacular, it was new–fangled for him to write about the subject of vernacular itself. It is a difficult task to write about, much less in, a dialect to
which one is foreign without appearing foolish. Twain's ability to both with ease marked him as an authority on the subject.
Thus, Twain's early experiences in life helped him to flesh out a well–rounded vocabulary and sparked his interests in adventure and traveling. Twain
spent his boyhood in the riverside town of Hannibal, Missouri where he, "experienced the excitement of the colorful steamboats that docked at the
town wharf, bringing comedians, singers, gamblers, swindlers, slave dealers, and assorted other river travelers" (Gribben). His exposure to much of
the world at a young age opened his eyes to people groups, travel, and differences in dialect that would all become subject matter of his later writing.
Twain wrote in Life on the Mississippi that he became acquainted with all the "different types of human nature that are to be found in fiction,
biography, or history" while he worked as a steamboat apprentice (128). The diverse people and places he met during his time on the river all became
awe–inspiring to him and served as the foundation for his works to come. Countless
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Early American Literature Essay
As the new world struggled to gain impendence from its mother country, Britain, native authors also try to develop their own style of writings. It
quickly became evident that the search for a native literature became a national obsession. Then with the triumph of American independence, many at
the time saw this as a divine sign that America and her people were destined for greatness. Greatness came with a strong nation and thousands of poems
and stories that still shape our nation. The recent revolution greatly expressed the heart of the American people. However, it would take another fifty
years of development throughout American before it produced the first great generation of American writers such as, Washington Irving, Ralph
...show
more content...
As America continued to grow and developed so did its writers. A major changed came with writers such asRalph Waldo Emersonand Henry David
Thoreau. Emerson was an American philosopher, poet and the leader of the Transcendentalist movement. This movement started as a protest against
the current state of the society and culture; and was based on a fundamental belief in the unity of the world and God. "Emerson declared literary
independence in the United States and urged Americans to create a writing style all their own and free from Europe" (Ralph). This type of
methodology is easily portrayed in his two stories, The American Scholar, and Self Reliance. Thoreau was a nonconformist and attempted to live his
life at all times according to his rigorous principles, which became the subject of many of his writings. In "Walden", Thoreau not only tests the theories
of Transcendentalism, he re–enacts the collective American experience of the 19th century, living on the frontier. The overall story of "Walden" is in
fact a view on Thoreau's radical and controversial perspective of society. Many of Thoreau's repeated, irrelevant details can be traced to his description
of what is wrong with the American society. He believed that the society is extremely overwhelmed with material things and they often seem to think
that is what matters
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Literary Characteristics Of American Literature
What qualifies an author's written work as American Literature? Throughout the American Literature class, this past semester, I have learned that in
order to classify a book as American Literature there are more requirements necessary than the book simply being written in America. According to the
article "What Defines American Literature?" by Maddi Burns, "American Literature, as a whole, depicts the diverse and revolutionary forthcoming of a
nation to what it is today". After reading numerous books that are classified as American Literature, I have come to the realization that American
Literature does indeed encompass key events, important viewpoints, and writing styles that helped to shape America into what we know it to be today;
however, American Literature means so much more. American Literature is the essentially the essence of America. It is evident through many written
works, that American Literature captures the characteristics of America and the nature of the American people, through written work that contains
important events, definitive opinions, as well as distinctive forms of writing, all of which, helped to shape America into the nation it is today.
Throughout the history of the United States, achievements as well as sufferings have been documented in American Literature. Important events that
pertain to such accomplishments, obstacles, and discoveries are a key part of American Literature because it is the actions of the American people that
make up
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The Evolution of American Literature
The Evolution of American Literature
Early American literature may be said to begin with the Colonial period. John Smith and John Winthrop are two examples of the types of writing at
this period: the former kept a romantic journal of his adventures in the New World; the latter kept a journal (or history) of life in New England, where
religious matters were of utmost importance. The Puritans had come seeking a life free from religious persecution (which, they ironically brought with
them however, as their descendent Nathaniel Hawthorne would show in The Scarlet Letter).
Religious topics continued to dominate early American literature in the 18th century, for example, in the works of Jonathan Edwards and Cotton
Mather. Their strict Calvinistic, Puritanical views gave their writings a "fire–and–brimstone" type of style a inflammatory rhetoric meant to rouse
religious fervor (Baym 103). Both Hawthorne and Herman Melville (another later generation New Englander) would focus some of their most
important works of literature on their Calvinist roots. In contrast to these fiery preachers, however, were the mid–17th century poems of Anne
Bradstreet, the first published female New England poet. Her poems are dominated by a steady calm and loving confidence in Providence and are
much sweeter in tone.
The Romantic period developed in America in the 19th century, with the Gothic/Romantic stories of Edgar Allan Poe and the quasi–religious,
transcendentalist poetry of Ralph Waldo
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The Portrayal of Women in American Literature
Throughout American Literature, women have been depicted in many different ways. The portrayal of women in American Literature is often
influenced by an author's personal experience or a frequent societal stereotype of women and their position. Often times, male authors interpret
society's views of women in a completely different nature than a female author would. While F. Scott Fitzgerald may represent his main female
character as a victim in the 1920's, Zora Neale Hurston portrays hers as a strong, free–spirited, and independent woman only a decade later in the 1930's.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's, The Great Gatsby, the main female character, Daisy Buchanan, is portrayed by, Nick,...show more content...
As seen in society today as well as in Fitzgerald's time, men will have affairs outside of their marriages, and the wife, falls victim to this violation of
faith. Daisy falls victim to Tom's affair with Myrtle: "Daisy's affection for Tom...was soon shattered by his breech of her trust" (Fryer 51). Matters take
an abrupt turn in the novel however, when Daisy's sudden insistence for honesty emerges. At the hotel in the city, when Gatsby pressures her into
proclaiming that she never loved Tom she can no longer bear the anxiety. She refuses to deny her love of Tom.
Daisy's sudden, simple respect for the truth is startling to the reader because Nick's perceptions of her throughout the novel are so very limited to her
superficial manner ... her stubborn honesty ... is a logical outgrowth of her inner struggle to resolve conflicting needs. It is a brief, futile attempt to
declare emotional independence (Fryer 54).
Of course after this unpleasant, yet necessary upheaval, Daisy retreats into her melancholy and monotonous life of superficiality, leaving behind her
lover as well as a mangled body in the streets of an unforgiving city. "[Daisy] is a victim of a complex network of needs and desires: she deserves more
pity than blame" (Fryer 55). Daisy's perplexity over her relationships with both Gatsby and Tom reflect the gender confusion in Fitzgerald's time.
Fitzgerald portrays Daisy as a victim
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Literature In American Literature
American Literature started in the seventeenth century, beginning with the arrival of English speaking Europeans in what would become the
United States. Authors throughout history have shaped the way we look at literature in the present time. Authors have created works of art that
inspired social change in the American States. Literature was being made based on what was happening in the country at the time. Authors
wanted people to read their stories, poems and magazines and then look at life from a different perspective. Authors expressed their beliefs
through their work. Authors have used works of literature to inspire social change in America with pieces including The Fall of the House of
Usher as well as I Hear America Singing and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. The Fall of the House of Usher was a storied created by a
highly respected author, Edgar Allen Poe. The story came out in the 1830's. Poe was known for his dark, eerie and gloomy writings. He inspired
Americans to notice the darkness in the world, and not take life for grandit. In his writing of The Fall of the House of Usher he wrote, "and in her
violent and now final death agonies, bore him to the floor a corpse, and a victim to the terror he had anticipated (Allan Poe 326)." Poe put fear of
death in the hearts of many americans, but he also put the fear of darkness in their hearts too. In another section of the story, it reads, "of the dark and
tattooed drapes, which, tortured into motion by the breath of
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Influences that Have Shaped American Literature
There have been a number of influences that have shaped American literature. From the time that Western Europeans founded the country to the
inclusion of Native American lore to the contributions of such literary giants as Mark Twain and Carol Sandburg, the composition ofAmerican
Literature has been both constant and ever changing. In deed as much as America, itself, is a melting pot of diversity within a cultural concern, so too
is this considerable diversity a significant aspect of its emerging literature.
Grantland S. Rice, author of The Transformation of Authorship in America, contends that the ultimate composition of American literature is
fundamentally based upon a combination...show more content...
(Rice 12) Inasmuch as Rice attributes life's influences as an integral component of American literature, so too does one of America's greatest authors:
Mark Twain. His Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, thought to be too racy for its own period, has always been received with mixed acceptance even in
contemporary times. Capturing the American soul at its utmost depths, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn touches upon a number of unprecedented
issues because of the shock value such a book portrays, it has been both embraced and banned for its content. However, it is this very content that has
made it one of the most essential aspects of American
Literature, as Twain was not afraid to depict America without rose–colored glasses. It has been called offensive, unpatriotic, racist and a whole host of
other uncomplimentary terms; however, it has been – and continues to be – instrumental in describing the sometimes unsavory truth, As the author so
eloquently stated to America: "This is how you are, like it or not" (Smith). As difficult as it has been for Americans to accept the fact that Twain's
account mirrors a harsh reality, the implications of such social atrocities as racism are painfully clear both in written representation as will as in real
life. In fact, it can be argued that Adventures of Huckleberry Finn not only symbolizes what it means to be part of the American
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We can decide how "American" a piece of writing is by seeing if it is written about America or makes reference to America. Also, was it written by
an American? America contains people of so many different backgrounds, cultures, etc. America's values and morals have changed over the years. If
you read American literature, you can see how much it has changed. You can also learn about the history of America. The language has changed
from formal and now is more modern. The form has changed over the years. Some of the writings like the poems were very deep that it can be
difficult for somebody in this age to decipher the poem. They are very deep and had meaning, but the meaning may not be even close to what we think
without doing some research
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A Brief Introduction to American Literature
Introduction
American literature, to my eyes, like American history, although short, however, still full of glories and shining masterpieces and writers. Those
American writers, while conquering this wild America, also had conquered the great field of American literature. From its first imitative activities to
innovative attempts nowadays, American literature gradually gains its unique style, theme and form, and IВЎВЇm always excited to see their works
are more and more America in its true sense. American literature is part of worldВЎВЇs literature, however, it always has its unique flavor that cannot
be easily ignored.
Most critics hold that the history of American literature can be divided into six parts, orderly, colonial period,...show more content...
2. Development
Romanticism developed from its early stage to its high stage with changes both in style and theme.
Early romanticism was more or less imitative of British literature of Romanticism. They were experimental and conformist. At that time, the new
United States of America was in a period of development, growth, experimentation and search. Above all, it was a time of extension of the American
nation and the American identity. During this period, some American writers did begin to attract notice abroad and their books drew attention of
important foreign figures. Although English literary models were still admired, the American writers soon turned to the American civilization and
found their materials in the culture and history of their native land.
American Romanticism reached its peak with some literary giants in Romantics ©в‚¬ Poe, Whitman, Dickinson, Hawthorn and Melville. They created
for themselves a new personality. High Romantists lived in a period of vast commercial expansion when Americans had more opportunities, more
freedom and believed that United States was the greatest nation on earth. However, romantic writers, otherwise, tended to depict the darkness of the
country, and therefore, their works endure deeper power.
3.Characteristics
The characteristic of romanticism can be summed up
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The Importance Of American Literature
The term literature can be defined as creative and artistic writings that can be found in books, poetry, novels, and other works that contain value and
recognition. English colonists and voyagers are the key foundation of American writing in the colonial period. For example, voyagers such as Captain
John Smith would keep a journal to record daily events of his surroundings and discoveries. Also, literature became a second scripture to the colonist to
form a layout to direct them to become an ideal model of themselves. American writing bloomed during this period and allowed writers to reveal their
perspective of religion, national destiny, and other concerns.
Puritan writers such as Roger Williams, Thomas Hooker, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Johnson, Edward Taylor, and Michael Wigglesworth are highly
significant. Puritans were neglected for their religion in New England that caused their diaspora to the New World. "The first work published in the
Puritan colonies was the Bay Psalm Book (1640) (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. "American Literature" Pg. 1)." Many Puritan poetry is written to
promote the services of God. Famous poetry within the Puritan colonies include Day of Doom, Magnalia Christi Americana, and The Tenth Muse
Lately Sprung Up in America.
"The approach of the American Revolution and the achievement of the actual independence of the United States was a time of intellectual activity as
well as social and economic change. (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.
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Colonial American Literature Essay

  • 1. literature in America Essay When I think of America, I think of freedom. We live in a country where we can do what we choose. We can express our opinions and live our own lives. Individuals can form their own individual beliefs and they can do what they want and pursue what they wish. They can play basketball, go to school, get a job, have a family, buy a house, or go to church. We are free. We have opportunity to be whatever we want to make ourselves. When you ask, what is an American? I find it no different to ask, what is freedom? America and freedom are intertwined and this relationship is evident in American literature. The notion of freedom and everything relating to freedom unites all of the American literature we have read. In Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Huck...show more content... In Self Reliance, Emerson explains that our freedom to choose and our ability to think what we want to think define what America is. I believe it is characteristic of Americans to strive for what they think is right. In Poe's the House of Usher, Usher decided to bury his sister alive. I think this story can relate to us today. Many people would say that America is known for persevering through rough times. I'd say the last few years have been a rough time for America, from 9/11 to now––the war in Iraq. Sometimes situations may seem unbeatable, like being trapped in a coffin, but if you fight hard enough, like we are against the terrorists and in Iraq, you can overcome anything. American's can overcome anything. Usher's sister was buried alive and finally broke from the coffin after a week of struggle. Also, many of the authors we have studied describe nature in riveting detail. To them and to me, our beautiful nature represents something more then just what you see with your eye–it represents America's freedom. In Emerson's Nature, Thorpe's The Big Bear of Arkansas, Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Bryant's Thanatopsis, and Edwards' Shadows of Divine Things, we see an apparent love and lust of nature by the authors. The great aspects of nature represent the great aspects of America–freedom. The mountains and trees scatter in nature in pure harmony just like the American people live freely in America. The authors had a fascination Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. Colonial American Literature When a teacher asks a student to think about the Colonial Period, most students think of PIlgrims coming to America on the Mayflower. In reality, the Mayflower is really only a small piece of the puzzle. The colonial time period starts in 1492 and goes through 1763. In the two hundred and seventy–one years, Europeans came to America, Native Americans began to focus on the fur trade, and by the end of the time period the "population of the thirteen colonies was over two million people." (Colonial Time Period NP) All of those events helped shape the American Literature that is still read in High Schools to this day. American Literature from the colonial period was influenced by many historical events. It shares common characteristics and its...show more content... For example, the interaction with "David Cusick, from the Oneida Reservation in Madison County, New York, provides the "Iroquois Creation Story," (Snyder, Nancy NP). Historical events played an important part in early American Literature. There are many similar characteristics in the novels that were written in the Colonization period. One common characteristic that can be found in many novels during this time is the narrative focus. Most narratives tell a first–hand story of an event or a trip the author has experienced. Example of literary works in this genre include memoirs, journals, letters, and biographies. Another common characteristic is the topic of religion. Writings about religion were very prominent in Puritan writings. Since book publication was expensive, religious writings and most often the bible was the most common literature for a household to own. Puritan writers had a very strong influence on colonial society. Religion was not a topic only for the Puritans as seen by the writings of non–puritan authors. Non–Puritan writers used religion "to help show the religious tension between the colonial settlers and Native Americans." (Knight, Vanessa NP) A characteristic that was common in early Native American literature was the topic of "changing the political and social status of their people." (Early Native American Literature NP) Literature that was written in the colonial period has Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. Reflection Paper On American Literature This line from the Declaration of Independence has been quoted and restated many different ways, by a number of different people. The Declaration, along with the hundreds of years of American texts that came after it, have been very impactful, not only in the United States but all across the world. However, what qualifies as an American text? What is American literature? I believe that American literature is comprised of texts that are written by an American or are about a specifically American experience. My definition of an American is anyone who identifies as an American which includes citizens from birth, and immigrants with or without citizenship. An American experience is also very broad and includes anything that the author and /or reader believes is an American experience. In this course, students will focus on defining American literature and examining how impactful American literature has been around the world. This broad range of texts will help students create their own ideas of what American literature is and what should be included in American literature. Some of the texts that we read will be controversial, and students will be able to decide for themselves whether or not they should actually be in a class like this. Throughout this course, I will be focusing discussion on three main questions. First, what is American literature? In order to answer this broad question, the class will discuss when American literature came about, what should be included in Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. The American Literary Canon Analysis In the late sixteenth century, a religious reform arose among the church of England. The puritanism reform brought foundation to the religious, intellectual, and social structure in New England. Puritanism closely relates to the Amish which is a christian church that connects to the protestant reformation also in the sixteenth century Europe. The puritanism and Amish both are hundreds of years old as is the American Literary Canon. This canon consists of american literature from different authors at different times. The Judgement by Beverly Lewis should be a part of the literary canon because it opens deeper perceptions about the lives of the Amish women. It also provides insight for readers to the complex struggles Amish women faced with religion, society, culture and the self. Amish and Puritan cultures both are tested by experiences that cause them to rely on God's judgement. The Amish community are based on God. The families within the community have strict rules that which they must abide by. Hen's experience brings her closer to God than she was before. She states to her father '"And sometimes the prayers we pray help change us most of all"'(Lewis 264). Hen's experience with her husband shows the struggle she had with her religion. In resemblance, the Puritan book of Mary Rowlandson shows her journey and all of the challenges...show more content... Through Hen's journey She is challenged with thinking of her young daughter as well as herself. Hen struggles as she says '"I can't blame him – Mattie Sue's his daughter, too" (Lewis 18). Hen is not a selfish person but she does want the best for Mattie. She also has to think about what is best for her and her marriage. Hen and Rowlandson both struggle with the challenge of self. Rowlandson also has a child along with her through her experience. She thinks nothing of herself but of the child. "I sat much alone with a poor wounded child in my lap" (Rowlandson Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. The Beginning Of American Literature Essay The beginning of American literature started in the 17th century when pirated, adventurers, and explorers started to write about the new continent. These people became permanent colonists. The writing during this time varied in terms of quality and subjects. This early literature was made up of creation myths, travel journals, history writing, poetry, religious writing, and personal narratives. Creation myths are some one of the six genres we see in the beginning of American literature. They are a symbolic narrative of how the world began and how people first came to inhabit it. Many of the Native American creation myths show a strong resemblance to Genesis. Percy Bullchild, a Blackfeet Indian from Browning, Montana, describes the beginning of his people as stated: "This story is about a lone spirit that lived in this spiritual place before there was a world of any kind of life ... He has been alive from ever and will continue to live forever ... Life is given to all of us humans and to all the creations of the earth ..." (Bullchild). This tribe describes the Creator God as the Creator Sun. The first beings were snakes that rebelled against their creator and were punished. Then describes the Creator Sun making people in his image. This is an example of part of a creation story. The majority of stories indicate that a creation where people are given, along at the time of creation, awareness that they were created. Similar to Genesis, the stories follow how we will be judged at Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. The Colonial Period Of American Literature The Colonial Period in American Literature Blake Quickel The Colonial Period of American Literature was vital not only to the timeline of literature in our country, but it shaped the values and tradition that we identify America with. Literature from this period gives us a look into the beginnings of our country from different views such as Poems and stories from Native culture, Puritans, and the founding fathers. These writings give us an honest view of the way of life during this time. The Puritan writings we read in this class were very interesting in how they showed the early stages of America's religion. Although religion in our government and our country's values has become less and less extreme over time, it is amazing knowing how much control it had over society in our country's beginnings; and many of the morals exorcised in the Puritan culture are still values relevant to our society today. In a reading from the "Introduction: Puritan Voices" assignment (a), the writer refers to the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a "man's world", describing the limited roles of women in society and how men were portrayed in the church as superior. Puritan ministers often preached that the soul had two parts, the immortal masculine half, and the mortal feminine half. Gender inequality is an enormous part of American Literature throughout all periods, and here you can see where these values originated in our country. Puritan society exists as a valid demonstration for why the first Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 7. Essay about Early American Literature Early American Literature (1620–1820) In the first half of the 17th century the New World found two groups of people colonizing. The first group, the Puritans, had left England after years of exile due to their lack of faith in the Church of England. With the reading and understanding of the Bible almost completely laid in the hands of the preacher, the congregation was forced to believe all the words that the preacher said. This all came to an end with John Calvin. His ideas were that God likes certain people better than others and those "chosen" ones would get more land and more money. This idea took off with the Puritans as they seeked religious freedom, a chance to start new churches...show more content... All education was basedon religion and through that there was no questioning of God. Along with this, their faith was based of that of the super natural world. They could not see God, but saw him through thingslike a prosperous harvest or a winter blizzard, both of these in reaction to actions taken by the Puritans.
  • 8. With this lack of deductive reasoning the Puritans would find themselves thinking about things done wrong if there was a life threatening winter blizzard or reflect the things that were done right in the event of a bountiful harvest. In my eyes the Putians were did not just leave England in search of religious freedom, they were casually asked to leave the country and were used to colonize land that England was interested in. Much like religious cults of today, they were against major religious beliefs of the church and looked upon as radicals in their beliefs. "Then, coming out, beheld a space the flame consume my dwelling place. And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took." A quote of this nature in modern day society would be followed by the thought of radical nature in the person saying it. Things may have changed as far as social acceptance goes, but I see the Puritans as outcasts of the society in England. The other group of Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 9. Literature Influence On American Literature We study American Literature to remain aware of how the culture chooses to identify itself. Literature reflects the culture it was created in and will often time tell a different story due to the nation's shifting nature. Early American literature shares similar stories that show how this country struggled with freedom, religion and empowering individualism. One group that laid the foundation still has an influence on modern culture today. Puritan literature is a dominant factor in American life and was a powerful cause in shaping American thought and in American literature. Puritan writers and scholars such as John Winthrop and Roger Williams presented ideas that were new at the time that stayed with the American consciousness. Ideas of freedom, authority, and the role of religion within the state have been an important argument among national debates. When the Puritans considered such ideas, their thoughts and writings on the matter were modified to suit the taste of modern concerns. The ideas put forth by these Puritans offered ways of thinking that are still ingrained in our culture today. Although many of the thoughts of Puritans have gradually dissipated, Puritan writers and thinkers such as John Winthrop and Roger Williams offered ideas that were new at the time that affected America culturally, socially, and even politically. Puritanism is not only a religious belief, but a combination of life styles and values. It has put a great influence on American culture, and Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 10. Themes in Early American Literature Essays Themes of Early American Literature Early American literature does a tremendous job of revealing the exact conditions and challenges that were faced by the explorers and later by the colonists of the New World. From early shipwrecks to the later years of small colonies barely surviving through dreadful winters, the literary works of the time period focus on some very recognizable themes. The theme of any given work – being simply the unifying subject or idea – is a very important element of any piece of writing. As one reviews some of this early literature, it becomes obvious that several themes appear repeatedly, and it is these subjects that were clearly very common among people from all over the New World. While a number of themes...show more content... The explorer narratives, however, were not the only ones which described a dark and forbidding quality of the New World. The colonists at Jamestown and all along the eastern coast suffered through harsh winters with minimal supplies, causing many deaths and making life in the New World extremely challenging. For example, in William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation he remarks that 50 of the 102 Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth had died within the first year (Perkins and Perkins 50). The reasons for the high number of deaths in the colonies vary, but disease and harsh winters certainly claimed their share. In addition, the colonies struggled to establish crops and solid dwellings for months or years after they first landed, and supply ships proved to be unreliable at best. John Smith of the Jamestown Colony is responsible for writing The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles in which he depicted the grievous condition of the colonists only days after the ships departed and left them to the mercy of the land (Reuben 6). He wrote, "Being thus left to our fortunes, it fortuned that within ten days scarce ten amongst us could either go, or well stand, such extreme weakness and sickness oppressed us." (Perkins and Perkins 36). In the same piece of literature, Smith also noted another very ominous threat to the well–being of the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 11. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by the pseudonym Mark Twain, has been central to American literature for over a century. His seemingly effortless diction accurately exemplified America's southern culture. From his early experiences in journalism to his most famous fictional works, Twain has remained relevant to American writing as well as pop culture. His iconic works are timeless and have given inspiration the youth of America for decades. He distanced himself from formal writing and became one of the most celebrated humorists. Mark Twain's use of the common vernacular set him apart from authors of his era giving his readers a sense of familiarity and emotional connection to his characters and himself. Mark Twain is world...show more content... He was one of the first to descriptively verbalize southern speech in writing. Not only was it uncommon for people of Twain's era to write in vernacular, it was new–fangled for him to write about the subject of vernacular itself. It is a difficult task to write about, much less in, a dialect to which one is foreign without appearing foolish. Twain's ability to both with ease marked him as an authority on the subject. Thus, Twain's early experiences in life helped him to flesh out a well–rounded vocabulary and sparked his interests in adventure and traveling. Twain spent his boyhood in the riverside town of Hannibal, Missouri where he, "experienced the excitement of the colorful steamboats that docked at the town wharf, bringing comedians, singers, gamblers, swindlers, slave dealers, and assorted other river travelers" (Gribben). His exposure to much of the world at a young age opened his eyes to people groups, travel, and differences in dialect that would all become subject matter of his later writing. Twain wrote in Life on the Mississippi that he became acquainted with all the "different types of human nature that are to be found in fiction, biography, or history" while he worked as a steamboat apprentice (128). The diverse people and places he met during his time on the river all became awe–inspiring to him and served as the foundation for his works to come. Countless Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 12. Early American Literature Essay As the new world struggled to gain impendence from its mother country, Britain, native authors also try to develop their own style of writings. It quickly became evident that the search for a native literature became a national obsession. Then with the triumph of American independence, many at the time saw this as a divine sign that America and her people were destined for greatness. Greatness came with a strong nation and thousands of poems and stories that still shape our nation. The recent revolution greatly expressed the heart of the American people. However, it would take another fifty years of development throughout American before it produced the first great generation of American writers such as, Washington Irving, Ralph ...show more content... As America continued to grow and developed so did its writers. A major changed came with writers such asRalph Waldo Emersonand Henry David Thoreau. Emerson was an American philosopher, poet and the leader of the Transcendentalist movement. This movement started as a protest against the current state of the society and culture; and was based on a fundamental belief in the unity of the world and God. "Emerson declared literary independence in the United States and urged Americans to create a writing style all their own and free from Europe" (Ralph). This type of methodology is easily portrayed in his two stories, The American Scholar, and Self Reliance. Thoreau was a nonconformist and attempted to live his life at all times according to his rigorous principles, which became the subject of many of his writings. In "Walden", Thoreau not only tests the theories of Transcendentalism, he re–enacts the collective American experience of the 19th century, living on the frontier. The overall story of "Walden" is in fact a view on Thoreau's radical and controversial perspective of society. Many of Thoreau's repeated, irrelevant details can be traced to his description of what is wrong with the American society. He believed that the society is extremely overwhelmed with material things and they often seem to think that is what matters Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 13. Literary Characteristics Of American Literature What qualifies an author's written work as American Literature? Throughout the American Literature class, this past semester, I have learned that in order to classify a book as American Literature there are more requirements necessary than the book simply being written in America. According to the article "What Defines American Literature?" by Maddi Burns, "American Literature, as a whole, depicts the diverse and revolutionary forthcoming of a nation to what it is today". After reading numerous books that are classified as American Literature, I have come to the realization that American Literature does indeed encompass key events, important viewpoints, and writing styles that helped to shape America into what we know it to be today; however, American Literature means so much more. American Literature is the essentially the essence of America. It is evident through many written works, that American Literature captures the characteristics of America and the nature of the American people, through written work that contains important events, definitive opinions, as well as distinctive forms of writing, all of which, helped to shape America into the nation it is today. Throughout the history of the United States, achievements as well as sufferings have been documented in American Literature. Important events that pertain to such accomplishments, obstacles, and discoveries are a key part of American Literature because it is the actions of the American people that make up Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 14. The Evolution of American Literature The Evolution of American Literature Early American literature may be said to begin with the Colonial period. John Smith and John Winthrop are two examples of the types of writing at this period: the former kept a romantic journal of his adventures in the New World; the latter kept a journal (or history) of life in New England, where religious matters were of utmost importance. The Puritans had come seeking a life free from religious persecution (which, they ironically brought with them however, as their descendent Nathaniel Hawthorne would show in The Scarlet Letter). Religious topics continued to dominate early American literature in the 18th century, for example, in the works of Jonathan Edwards and Cotton Mather. Their strict Calvinistic, Puritanical views gave their writings a "fire–and–brimstone" type of style a inflammatory rhetoric meant to rouse religious fervor (Baym 103). Both Hawthorne and Herman Melville (another later generation New Englander) would focus some of their most important works of literature on their Calvinist roots. In contrast to these fiery preachers, however, were the mid–17th century poems of Anne Bradstreet, the first published female New England poet. Her poems are dominated by a steady calm and loving confidence in Providence and are much sweeter in tone. The Romantic period developed in America in the 19th century, with the Gothic/Romantic stories of Edgar Allan Poe and the quasi–religious, transcendentalist poetry of Ralph Waldo Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 15. The Portrayal of Women in American Literature Throughout American Literature, women have been depicted in many different ways. The portrayal of women in American Literature is often influenced by an author's personal experience or a frequent societal stereotype of women and their position. Often times, male authors interpret society's views of women in a completely different nature than a female author would. While F. Scott Fitzgerald may represent his main female character as a victim in the 1920's, Zora Neale Hurston portrays hers as a strong, free–spirited, and independent woman only a decade later in the 1930's. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's, The Great Gatsby, the main female character, Daisy Buchanan, is portrayed by, Nick,...show more content... As seen in society today as well as in Fitzgerald's time, men will have affairs outside of their marriages, and the wife, falls victim to this violation of faith. Daisy falls victim to Tom's affair with Myrtle: "Daisy's affection for Tom...was soon shattered by his breech of her trust" (Fryer 51). Matters take an abrupt turn in the novel however, when Daisy's sudden insistence for honesty emerges. At the hotel in the city, when Gatsby pressures her into proclaiming that she never loved Tom she can no longer bear the anxiety. She refuses to deny her love of Tom. Daisy's sudden, simple respect for the truth is startling to the reader because Nick's perceptions of her throughout the novel are so very limited to her superficial manner ... her stubborn honesty ... is a logical outgrowth of her inner struggle to resolve conflicting needs. It is a brief, futile attempt to declare emotional independence (Fryer 54). Of course after this unpleasant, yet necessary upheaval, Daisy retreats into her melancholy and monotonous life of superficiality, leaving behind her lover as well as a mangled body in the streets of an unforgiving city. "[Daisy] is a victim of a complex network of needs and desires: she deserves more pity than blame" (Fryer 55). Daisy's perplexity over her relationships with both Gatsby and Tom reflect the gender confusion in Fitzgerald's time. Fitzgerald portrays Daisy as a victim Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 16. Literature In American Literature American Literature started in the seventeenth century, beginning with the arrival of English speaking Europeans in what would become the United States. Authors throughout history have shaped the way we look at literature in the present time. Authors have created works of art that inspired social change in the American States. Literature was being made based on what was happening in the country at the time. Authors wanted people to read their stories, poems and magazines and then look at life from a different perspective. Authors expressed their beliefs through their work. Authors have used works of literature to inspire social change in America with pieces including The Fall of the House of Usher as well as I Hear America Singing and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. The Fall of the House of Usher was a storied created by a highly respected author, Edgar Allen Poe. The story came out in the 1830's. Poe was known for his dark, eerie and gloomy writings. He inspired Americans to notice the darkness in the world, and not take life for grandit. In his writing of The Fall of the House of Usher he wrote, "and in her violent and now final death agonies, bore him to the floor a corpse, and a victim to the terror he had anticipated (Allan Poe 326)." Poe put fear of death in the hearts of many americans, but he also put the fear of darkness in their hearts too. In another section of the story, it reads, "of the dark and tattooed drapes, which, tortured into motion by the breath of Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 17. Influences that Have Shaped American Literature There have been a number of influences that have shaped American literature. From the time that Western Europeans founded the country to the inclusion of Native American lore to the contributions of such literary giants as Mark Twain and Carol Sandburg, the composition ofAmerican Literature has been both constant and ever changing. In deed as much as America, itself, is a melting pot of diversity within a cultural concern, so too is this considerable diversity a significant aspect of its emerging literature. Grantland S. Rice, author of The Transformation of Authorship in America, contends that the ultimate composition of American literature is fundamentally based upon a combination...show more content... (Rice 12) Inasmuch as Rice attributes life's influences as an integral component of American literature, so too does one of America's greatest authors: Mark Twain. His Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, thought to be too racy for its own period, has always been received with mixed acceptance even in contemporary times. Capturing the American soul at its utmost depths, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn touches upon a number of unprecedented issues because of the shock value such a book portrays, it has been both embraced and banned for its content. However, it is this very content that has made it one of the most essential aspects of American Literature, as Twain was not afraid to depict America without rose–colored glasses. It has been called offensive, unpatriotic, racist and a whole host of other uncomplimentary terms; however, it has been – and continues to be – instrumental in describing the sometimes unsavory truth, As the author so eloquently stated to America: "This is how you are, like it or not" (Smith). As difficult as it has been for Americans to accept the fact that Twain's account mirrors a harsh reality, the implications of such social atrocities as racism are painfully clear both in written representation as will as in real life. In fact, it can be argued that Adventures of Huckleberry Finn not only symbolizes what it means to be part of the American Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 18. We can decide how "American" a piece of writing is by seeing if it is written about America or makes reference to America. Also, was it written by an American? America contains people of so many different backgrounds, cultures, etc. America's values and morals have changed over the years. If you read American literature, you can see how much it has changed. You can also learn about the history of America. The language has changed from formal and now is more modern. The form has changed over the years. Some of the writings like the poems were very deep that it can be difficult for somebody in this age to decipher the poem. They are very deep and had meaning, but the meaning may not be even close to what we think without doing some research Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 19. A Brief Introduction to American Literature Introduction American literature, to my eyes, like American history, although short, however, still full of glories and shining masterpieces and writers. Those American writers, while conquering this wild America, also had conquered the great field of American literature. From its first imitative activities to innovative attempts nowadays, American literature gradually gains its unique style, theme and form, and IВЎВЇm always excited to see their works are more and more America in its true sense. American literature is part of worldВЎВЇs literature, however, it always has its unique flavor that cannot be easily ignored. Most critics hold that the history of American literature can be divided into six parts, orderly, colonial period,...show more content... 2. Development Romanticism developed from its early stage to its high stage with changes both in style and theme. Early romanticism was more or less imitative of British literature of Romanticism. They were experimental and conformist. At that time, the new United States of America was in a period of development, growth, experimentation and search. Above all, it was a time of extension of the American nation and the American identity. During this period, some American writers did begin to attract notice abroad and their books drew attention of important foreign figures. Although English literary models were still admired, the American writers soon turned to the American civilization and found their materials in the culture and history of their native land. American Romanticism reached its peak with some literary giants in Romantics ©в‚¬ Poe, Whitman, Dickinson, Hawthorn and Melville. They created for themselves a new personality. High Romantists lived in a period of vast commercial expansion when Americans had more opportunities, more freedom and believed that United States was the greatest nation on earth. However, romantic writers, otherwise, tended to depict the darkness of the country, and therefore, their works endure deeper power. 3.Characteristics
  • 20. The characteristic of romanticism can be summed up Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 21. The Importance Of American Literature The term literature can be defined as creative and artistic writings that can be found in books, poetry, novels, and other works that contain value and recognition. English colonists and voyagers are the key foundation of American writing in the colonial period. For example, voyagers such as Captain John Smith would keep a journal to record daily events of his surroundings and discoveries. Also, literature became a second scripture to the colonist to form a layout to direct them to become an ideal model of themselves. American writing bloomed during this period and allowed writers to reveal their perspective of religion, national destiny, and other concerns. Puritan writers such as Roger Williams, Thomas Hooker, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Johnson, Edward Taylor, and Michael Wigglesworth are highly significant. Puritans were neglected for their religion in New England that caused their diaspora to the New World. "The first work published in the Puritan colonies was the Bay Psalm Book (1640) (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. "American Literature" Pg. 1)." Many Puritan poetry is written to promote the services of God. Famous poetry within the Puritan colonies include Day of Doom, Magnalia Christi Americana, and The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America. "The approach of the American Revolution and the achievement of the actual independence of the United States was a time of intellectual activity as well as social and economic change. (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Get more content on HelpWriting.net