The document provides an overview of major American authors and literary periods from the colonial era to postmodernism. It discusses early colonial writers like John Smith and William Bradford and the influence of Puritanism. Major 19th century authors covered include Poe, Hawthorne, Melville, Whitman, Dickinson, Twain, and Hemingway. Modernist writers like Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Frost, and Pound are also summarized. The document concludes with a brief description of postmodern literature.
This will help students out there understand American Literary periods better. I created for our reporting in our LIT 201 class. I am a student from Central Philippine University. Aspiring to be a teacher someday.
In linguistics, X-bar theory is a model of phrase-structure grammar and a theory of syntactic category formation[1] that was first proposed by Noam Chomsky in 1970[2] reformulating the ideas of Zellig Harris (1951,[3]) and further developed by Ray Jackendoff (1974,[4] 1977a,[5] 1977b[6]), along the lines of the theory of generative grammar put forth in the 1950s by Chomsky.[7][8] It attempts to capture the structure of phrasal categories with a single uniform structure called the X-bar schema, basing itself on the assumption that any phrase in natural language is an XP (X phrase) that is headed by a given syntactic category X. It played a significant role in resolving issues that phrase structure rules had, representative of which is the proliferation of grammatical rules, which is against the thesis of generative grammar.
In linguistics, X-bar theory is a model of phrase-structure grammar and a theory of syntactic category formation[1] that was first proposed by Noam Chomsky in 1970[2] reformulating the ideas of Zellig Harris (1951,[3]) and further developed by Ray Jackendoff (1974,[4] 1977a,[5] 1977b[6]), along the lines of the theory of generative grammar put forth in the 1950s by Chomsky.[7][8] It attempts to capture the structure of phrasal categories with a single uniform structure called the X-bar schema, basing itself on the assumption that any phrase in natural language is an XP (X phrase) that is headed by a given syntactic category X. It played a significant role in resolving issues that phrase structure rules had, representative of which is the proliferation of grammatical rules, which is against the thesis of generative grammar.
X-bar theory was incorporated into both transformational and nontransformational theories of syntax, including government and binding theory (GB), generalized phrase structure grammar (GPSG), lexical-functional grammar (LFG), and head-driven phrase structure grammar (HPSG).[9] Although recent work in the minimalist program has largely abandoned X-bar schemata in favor of bare phrase structure approaches, the theory's central assumptions are still valid in different forms and terms in many theories of minimalist syntax.
This will help students out there understand American Literary periods better. I created for our reporting in our LIT 201 class. I am a student from Central Philippine University. Aspiring to be a teacher someday.
In linguistics, X-bar theory is a model of phrase-structure grammar and a theory of syntactic category formation[1] that was first proposed by Noam Chomsky in 1970[2] reformulating the ideas of Zellig Harris (1951,[3]) and further developed by Ray Jackendoff (1974,[4] 1977a,[5] 1977b[6]), along the lines of the theory of generative grammar put forth in the 1950s by Chomsky.[7][8] It attempts to capture the structure of phrasal categories with a single uniform structure called the X-bar schema, basing itself on the assumption that any phrase in natural language is an XP (X phrase) that is headed by a given syntactic category X. It played a significant role in resolving issues that phrase structure rules had, representative of which is the proliferation of grammatical rules, which is against the thesis of generative grammar.
In linguistics, X-bar theory is a model of phrase-structure grammar and a theory of syntactic category formation[1] that was first proposed by Noam Chomsky in 1970[2] reformulating the ideas of Zellig Harris (1951,[3]) and further developed by Ray Jackendoff (1974,[4] 1977a,[5] 1977b[6]), along the lines of the theory of generative grammar put forth in the 1950s by Chomsky.[7][8] It attempts to capture the structure of phrasal categories with a single uniform structure called the X-bar schema, basing itself on the assumption that any phrase in natural language is an XP (X phrase) that is headed by a given syntactic category X. It played a significant role in resolving issues that phrase structure rules had, representative of which is the proliferation of grammatical rules, which is against the thesis of generative grammar.
X-bar theory was incorporated into both transformational and nontransformational theories of syntax, including government and binding theory (GB), generalized phrase structure grammar (GPSG), lexical-functional grammar (LFG), and head-driven phrase structure grammar (HPSG).[9] Although recent work in the minimalist program has largely abandoned X-bar schemata in favor of bare phrase structure approaches, the theory's central assumptions are still valid in different forms and terms in many theories of minimalist syntax.
It is a short PPT presentation about one period of American Literature. It also features a set of questions after each sub-topic to foster in-class discussion.
Time Travel in Kindred (guest lecture by Shannon Brennan)Patrick Mooney
Guest lecture kindly prepared and given by the wonderful Shannon Brennan.
Seventeenth lecture for my students in English 192, "Science Fiction," summer 2013 at UC Santa Barbara.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
How libraries can support authors with open access requirements for UKRI fund...
Literature American
1. H. Bloom – ‘strong author’, need to be different, liberate from previous generation, freedom
against heritage.
E. Hemingway – each book should be different, original, write above the times they live in, there
is no escape from the past.
Melville – not intend to be writer, was on ship, 2 adventure novels ‘Typee’, ’Omoo’, ‘Moby
Dick’ > 1851, character Ishmael – young man, captain – Ahab (hidden), navy leg, is famous for
his abstract thinking like Shakespeare; writing become profitable.
Major American Themes vs. universal themes
Individualism vs. democracy
Civilization vs. nature
Materialism vs. idealism (spiritual election)
North vs. South
East vs. West
The Age of Discovery (16th) and The Age of Book
No written records of Indian literary forms – until 19th century (based on oral tradition); 350
languages spoken by Indian native tribes (but they don’ understand each other); great diversity
Textualisation – started in 19th (euro Americans and native Americans)
1992 – Jubilee of discovery of America (at that time native tribes were put into reservations)
1636 – Harvard was established.
1707 – Jamestown
First written records of colonization were in Spanish, French & Italian.
American colonial literature:
Captain John Smith – explorer, author of the first book about settlement, ‘A true relation’ ; ‘The
General history of Virginia, New England & summer Isles’ > story of Pocahontas; he promote
colonization, some of his ideas were democratic; his work may be treated as propaganda –
pamphlet; ‘Description of New England’ > instead of gentlemen’s the first colonist should be
farmers, fishermen etc., practical aspect, but also writes about pleasures of coming to America
(Arcadian delight), makes a list of people who are needed in the colonies. In 1614 he visited
America for the last time.
Literature of colonies had roots in religious reformation of Martin Luther and John Calvin.
First Puritan colonists who settled New England came in 1620 to Plymouth (also Pilgrims). Next
come to America in 1630 and settled around Boston and then to other areas. They wanted spiritual
freedom; God punished the nation and the officials. They were influenced by J.Calvin’s dogmas >
2. predestination and grace; symbolic signs; link between Puritanism and Catholicism; certain aspects
were forbidden like: doming, gambling, theatre, (hunting but not for pleasure). Family (father) was
for them very important and education also. They writing tends to be practical and simple.
1636 – First printing press
1st book printed in America is ‘The Bay Psalm Book’ (translated from Latin into English); no
ornamentation needed, text was meant to serve community.
William Bradford – self-educated man, ‘instrument of God’. A governor of Plymouth; his
language refers to the Bible; looks for signs of God’s prominence, writes about the hardship,
thankfulness to the God, of prominence.
‘Of Plymouth Plantation’- tells the story of non-conformists, pilgrims from their beginning in
England until 1466; the history of their journey.
The Mayflower Compact > 1st document signed in America in the democratic system.
John Winthrop - 1st governor of Massachusetts Bay. ‘A model for Christian Charity’ ??? ‘A
city upon a hill’ > refers to the words from the Bible (to Matthew), creating community that would
be in harmony with God.
Thomas Morton – not that interested in religion, practical aspect, started May Pole (celebrate the
spring); invited Indians, he was an outsider, twice arrested, angered by Puritans; ‘New English
Canaan’
Roger Williams – he did not accept puritan beliefs; defended tolerance diversity; expelled from the
community, he lived with Indians than; returned and establish his own community on Rode Island
(all people accepted there); ‘A key into the languages of America’ > gives description of Indian
life from time he lived with them.
1692 – crisis (neighbour turned against neighbour, witchcraft)
Cotton Masher – he saw trials; ‘Magnalia Christi Americana’ ; ‘Wonders of the invisible
world’
Arthur Miller ‘Salem Witch’ > metaphor of witches to the situation in USA in 1950’s, accusation
of innocent people, McCarthy & his supporters; the crusade. His later poems describe nature.
Edward Taylor – physician (doctor), minister; he did not want to publish, wasn’t puritan; very
ornamental style, rich figures of speech, metaphors etc.; really emotional in his poetry; his poetry
published in 1931 (leading poet of the Puritan period)
Michael Wigglesworth – ‘The Day of Doom’ > 1662, one of the best example of Calvinistic
dogmat of sin, punishment; vision in the form of ballad; internal rhymes within the poem, about
destruction of the world; memorized by children in the colonies.
3. Jonathan Edwards – about angry God, uses different images, addressing members of the
congregation, everything’s God’s will, tone, gesture, mimics.
Benjamin Franklin – scientist, politic & writer, he wrote ‘Autobiography’ > about his life from
the point of view of success; it was to show how to behave to his son; made a list of 13 virtues:
silence, order etc. His models > Jesus & Socrates
Enlightenment > Oświecenie
Washington Irving –first American short story writer; recognized internationally; anticipate Mark
Twain’s humour; spent much time in Europe (17 years); collecting fairytales, studying customs etc;
his stories are set in America but relate to Europe; published his stories in sketchbook; ‘The
Legend of sleepy Hollow’; ‘Rip Van Winkle’> story about a lazy guy who spends time drinking,
in the forest (mountains) he meets a group of dwarfs, he goes to sleep and sleep for 20 years
( wake up after revolution).
James Cooper –‘The last of the Mohicans’; ‘The Leather – Stocking Tales’; ‘The Deerslayer’,
‘The Pathfinder’, ‘The Pioneers’, ‘The Prairie’ > common character white man Natty Bumppo >
frontier man, trapper, scout; his function was to open up the territory for Indians; expert in tracking
and shooting animals – not for fun( at the same time Christian code of nature), innocent, unspoilt,
like Adam ; different Indian names: Hatcheye, Leather Stocking, Deerslayer & Pathfinder.
Edgar Allan Poe – he was romantic but also rational and pragmatic, addicted to drugs and alcohol;
mathematical mind and poetic imagination; ‘Ligeia’, ‘The pleasure of the Red death’, ‘The Cask
of Amontillado’, ‘The Philosophy of Composition’ > rules for a poet to follow in order to be
successful in writing, ‘The Poetic principle’, ‘The Rationale of Verse’ > all about poetry, max
length 100 lines, music very important; ‘The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym’ > 80 pg, , mood
– melancholy & gloom, believed in life after death, interested in human mind, ‘The House of The
Usher’ > sexual unity of twins’, forerunner of psychoanalytical approach; dream and
wakefulness, life & death, sanity & madness, pleasure & horror, perversity & love., house is like a
human mind, Roderick – who is mad, ‘The Purloined Letter’ > detective Auguste Dupin, sb is
blackmailed him and he must find the letter.
Detective story writers – Oscar Wilde ‘The Portray of Dorian Gray’; Dostojewski, Wilson.
3 Great American prose writers – Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville (1819 – 1891)
Edgar Allan Poe:
1. The Fall of the House of Usher
2. Manuscript Found in a Bottle
3. The Purloined Letter > Dupin
4. The Murder in the Rue Morgue > Dupin
5. The Mystery of Marie Roget > Dupin
6. The Black Cat
7. The Pit and the Pendulum > in Spain (tortures)
8. The Premature Burial > buried alive
9. The Masque of the Red Death > Medieval Italy
4. 10. The Oval Portrait
Oscar Wilde
1. Portrait of Dorian Gray
2. The Tell-Tale Heart > man kill man ( inspired by Dostojewski)
3. Ligua > master of logical thinking, her mind is more important than body
4. The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether > doctors ill, patients no
5. The Power of Words > physical power of words
6. Berenice > female figures
7. William Wilson
Melville
1. Mardi
1. Moby Dick
2. Pierre
3. Confidence – Man
4. Benito Cereno
5. Bertleby, the Scrivener
6. Billy Budd > about a sailor
N. Hawthorne – his characters turn into demon
1. The Scarlet Letter > about Puritans
1. The House of Seven Gables > Puritan notion of sin
2. The Marble Faun
3. The Blithedale Romance > highly romantic, utopia vision
4. Twice – Told Tales
5. Mosses from an old Manse
6. Young Goodman Brown
7. Rapacini’s Daughter
8. The Minister Black Veil
9. Ethan Brand
10. Wakefield
11. My Kinsman, Major Molineux
Emerson
1. Nature
1. Self Reliance
2. American Scholar > intellectual declaration of independence
3. The Poet
4. The Over – Soul > instead of God
5. Experience
Transcendentalism – spiritual principle in every aspect of reality, nature is the symbol of spirit
Henry David Thoreau
1. Walden
1. Civil Disobedience > rebellious spirit, refusal to pay taxes
5. Margaret Fuller – 1st feminine voice, female right
Whitman Walt – (1819-1892)
1. Leaves of Grass
1. A woman wits for me
2. To a prostitute
3. Song of myself
4. Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking
5. Crossing Brooklyn Ferry
6. When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d
Henry Longfellow (1807-1882)
1. The Song of Hiawatha
1. The Secret of The Sea
Emily Dickinson – personal writing, few poems, writes about madness, truth
M. Twain
1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Ernest Hemingway – main character Nick Adams, uses the iceberg technique > believed that, like
an iceberg, which only reveals one-eighth of itself above water, a story should also only reveal the
most essential information and the reader completes the story with its own phantasy.
1. Indian Camp
1. Big Two – Hearted River > themes of initiation
2. The Sun Also Rises > people living in Paris, main character Jake Barnes
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls > about Spanish Civil War
4. A Farewell to Arms
William Faulkner - 1897-1962 Nobel Prize Winner in 1949, his novels are set in a country called
Yohnapatawpha > Mississippi; interested in Stream of Consciousness
1. Soldier’s Pay
1. Flags in The Dust
2. The Sound and The Fury > Stream of Consciousness; Campson family, 4 sections and
narrators; Benjy – idiot, his sister Caddy, brother Quentin, Jason – represents pragmatism
3. As I Lay Dying > about Bundren family, cemetery far away in Jefferson, mother – Addie
Francisco Fitzgerald
1. The Great Gatsby
1. The Value of The Ushes ???
2. Tender is the Night
John Dos Passos
1. Three Soldiers
1. Manhattan Transfer
2. The 42nd Parallel
6. 3. 1919
4. The Big Money
Newsreel – gives his novel a sense of unity & historical & social context
Camera eye – uses stream of consciousness
Robert Frost – 1874-1963, His work frequently employed themes from the early 1900s rural life
in New England, using the setting to examine complex social and philosophical themes. A popular
and often-quoted poet, Frost was honored frequently during his lifetime, receiving four Pulitzer
Prizes for Poetry.
Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869-1935)
1. Richard Cory
1. Miniver Cheery > showing life of a child
2. Luke Harergal
3. Richard Cory > rich, gentleman, killed himself
4. The Road Not Taken > new landscape,
5. MendingWall > spring time, 2 people, 2 contrasting viewpoints
William Carlos Williams
1. The Red Wheelbarrow
Ezra Pound – creator of the term ‘imagism’
1. The Cantos
Imagism – reliance on image, that has ability to express feelings of three human life.
John Barth
1. The Floating Opera
1. Lost in The Funhouse
Donald Barthelmy
1. Snow White
Thomas Pynchon
1. V
1. Gravity’s Rainbow
Features of postmodernism:
• Playfulness
• Used for purposes of parody
• Literary models of expressions re exhausted
• Fiction is self-conscious, direct allusion to the process of writing
• Theme of mirror – self-reflexivity
• Labyrinth / Maze – reader may feel lost
7. • Lack of the structure
Literature of Exhaustion – analyses writing of American writers