American Literature

American Literature

melissa bello

In the beginning...

The history of American literature begins in the 17th century, with the arrival of English-speaking Europeans in what would become the United States. At first American literature was naturally a colonial literature, by authors who were Englishmen.John Smith, a soldier of fortune, is credited with initiating American literature.

Themes

The 17th-century American literary landscape was dominated by religious and historical narratives, with writers focusing on Puritan values, survival, and interactions with Native Americans. These authors laid the foundation for American literature, influencing later themes of faith, identity, and individualism.

Authors

- William Bradford:Of Plymouth Plantation is one of the earliest and most detailed accounts of Pilgrim life and the challenges of colonization.

- Anne Bradstreet:The first published poet in colonial America and one of the earliest women in English literature. She wrote about the gap between Puritan religious devotion and personal emotions.

- Cotton Mather:A major historian and religious figure. His works, such as Magnalia Christi Americana, documented the Puritan legacy in America.

The 18th century

The 18th century was a transformative period in American literature, shaped by the Enlightenment and the American Revolution.

Themes

Literature during this time focused on reason, democracy, political change, and personal self-improvement. The major genres included political pamphlets, autobiographies, essays, poetry, and early novels.

Authors

- Benjamin Franklin:A key figure of the Enlightenment, Franklin promoted self-improvement, and civic responsibility.His Autobiography became a model of the American Dream, emphasizing hard work and virtue.

- Thomas Paine:His pamphlet Common Sense was a crucial influence on the American Revolution, inspiring colonists to seek independence from Britain. His writings championed democracy and individual rights, influencing American political thought.

- Phillis Wheatley:The first African American and enslaved woman to publish a book of poetry. Her work demonstrated the intellectual capabilities of African Americans, challenging racist assumptions.

The 19th century

The 19th century was a golden age of American literature, as the nation developed its own unique literary voice. It was a period of Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism, and the birth of modern American fiction and poetry.

Themes

19th-century American literature revolves around individualism, the American Dream, and the quest for national identity. Writers explored issues like slavery, social justice, and gender roles, while also delving into nature, morality, and the supernatural.

Authors

- Edgar Allan Poe:A master of the Gothic and supernatural, Poe's works such as The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven have had a profound influence on American horror and detective fiction.

- Herman Melville:Known for Moby-Dick, Melville's work explores human nature, obsession, and the struggle between man and nature, making him a key figure in American literature. Moby-Dick is considered one of the greatest American novels.

- Walt Whitman:Known for his groundbreaking poetry collection Leaves of Grass, Whitman revolutionized American poetry with free verse and themes of democracy, individualism, and the human spirit.

The 20th century

The 20th century marked a period of rapid social, political, and cultural change, and American literature evolved accordingly, becoming more experimental and diverse.This era saw the emergence of new literary movements and the voices of minorities, as well as an exploration of disillusionment following the World Wars.

Themes

20th-century American literature explores the disillusionment of the American Dream, alienation, race, and social justice. The period also saw the rise of postmodernism, with a focus on fragmentation, irony, and the blurring of reality and fiction.

Authors

- F. Scott Fitzgerald:Known for The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald explored themes of the American Dream, wealth, and disillusionment during the Jazz Age.

- Ernest Hemingway:Famous for his spare, direct prose and works like The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway captured themes of war, isolation, and the human condition.

- William Faulkner:A key figure in Southern literature, Faulkner's works like The Sound and the Fury examined themes of race, identity, and the complexities of the Southern United States.

How did American literature impacted the world?

American literature has had a profound impact on the world by shaping global perceptions of individualism, democracy, and the American Dream. Works by authors like Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Toni Morrison have offered powerful insights into issues of race, identity, and social justice. American literary movements, such as Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance, influenced writers worldwide, and themes of freedom and human resilience resonate universally, inspiring readers and writers across cultures.