American Literature

Definition

American Literature refers to the body of written or literary works produced in the United States and its preceding colonies. This literary tradition encompasses a variety of genres, themes, and voices that reflect the complexities of American identity, history, and culture. From early colonial writings to contemporary novels, American Literature has played a crucial role in shaping and expressing the nation's values, struggles, and aspirations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. American Literature began to take shape during the colonial period, with works such as sermons, diaries, and religious writings reflecting the early settlers' experiences and beliefs.
2. The American Renaissance (1830-1860) was a significant period that produced influential authors like Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mark Twain, who explored themes of identity, democracy, and the human condition.
3. The Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s marked a flourishing of African American literature and arts, bringing forward voices such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston that addressed racial identity and social justice.
4. Modernist literature emerged in the early 20th century as writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway experimented with form and style while grappling with themes of disillusionment following World War I.
5. Contemporary American Literature continues to evolve by incorporating diverse perspectives, including multicultural narratives that reflect the nation's complex social fabric.

Review Questions

• How did early American Literature reflect the cultural and social values of colonial society?
  • Early American Literature was heavily influenced by religious beliefs and communal values prevalent among colonists. Works from this period often included sermons and diaries that emphasized moral guidance, faith, and community life. These writings not only documented daily experiences but also served to instill a sense of purpose and identity among settlers as they navigated their new environment.
• Discuss how the American Renaissance contributed to the development of a unique American literary identity.
  • The American Renaissance was pivotal in establishing a unique literary identity by producing works that explored themes central to American culture, such as individuality, democracy, and the tension between civilization and nature. Authors like Whitman celebrated the democratic spirit while others like Hawthorne examined moral complexity. This period marked a shift toward valuing American experiences and stories that were distinct from European influences.
• Evaluate how contemporary American Literature reflects current social issues through diverse narratives.
  • Contemporary American Literature is characterized by its diversity, often addressing pressing social issues such as race, gender, class, and immigration through a variety of voices. Authors from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives to traditional narratives, allowing for a richer understanding of America’s multifaceted identity. This literature not only reflects societal challenges but also engages readers in dialogues about justice, equity, and cultural understanding.

Related terms

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical and literary movement in the 1830s and 1840s that emphasized individualism, nature, and self-reliance, with notable figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Realism: A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century focused on depicting everyday life and society as it truly is, often highlighting social issues and human experiences.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century emphasizing emotion, imagination, and the beauty of nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.