Exploring the World of American Literature in the Classroom

Overview of American Literature Class: What to Expect

American Literature classes provide students with a comprehensive overview of the works, themes, and authors that have shaped the literary history of the United States. From classic works by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau to modern-day writing by Ernest Hemingway and Toni Morrison, these classes explore the variety of American Literature and its influences on culture and society.

Definition of American Literature

American Literature is a broad term encompassing all written works produced in the United States or by writers of American heritage. It includes fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and other forms of literature. It is often divided into two main categories: pre- and post-Civil War literature. Pre-Civil War literature typically refers to works written before 1865, while post-Civil War literature usually encompasses writings after 1865.

Major Themes of American Literature

American Literature is known for its exploration of a wide range of topics, including freedom and individualism, nature and wilderness, social criticism, immigration and assimilation, and race and gender. These themes are often reflected in the works of famous authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway.

Examining the Major Themes of American Literature

Freedom and individualism are among the most common themes explored in American Literature. Authors often examine the idea of personal autonomy and the ability to make independent choices. This theme can be seen in works such as Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” and Henry David Thoreau’s novel Walden.

Nature and wilderness are also recurring topics in American Literature. Authors often write about the beauty and power of nature, as well as its potential to both liberate and confine us. Examples of this theme include Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of Myself” and Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Social criticism is another prominent theme in American Literature. Authors often use their works to comment on the current state of society and call for reform. Notable examples of this theme include Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle.

Immigration and assimilation are also common topics in American Literature. Authors often explore the struggles of immigrants and their attempts to assimilate into a new culture. Examples of this theme include Willa Cather’s My Ántonia and Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club.

Exploring Notable Authors from American Literary History

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an influential American philosopher, poet, and essayist who wrote extensively on the topics of individualism and nature. His most famous works include Nature and Self-Reliance.

Henry David Thoreau was an American author, naturalist, and transcendentalist best known for his book Walden, which explores the idea of living simply in harmony with nature. He is also remembered for his essay “Civil Disobedience”, which inspired the civil rights movement.

Walt Whitman was an American poet and journalist who helped define the American style of poetry. His most famous works include Leaves of Grass and Song of Myself.

Mark Twain was an American writer and humorist best known for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which explore themes of freedom, adventure, and morality.

Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist whose works explore themes of war, death, love, and courage. His most famous works include The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Old Man and the Sea.

Analyzing Literary Movements in American Literature

Transcendentalism was an American literary movement of the mid-19th century that focused on the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Prominent authors associated with this movement include Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Realism was a late 19th century literary movement that focused on everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people. Notable authors associated with this movement include Mark Twain and Stephen Crane.

Naturalism was a literary movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that focused on the harsh realities of life. Notable authors associated with this movement include Jack London and Kate Chopin.

Modernism was a 20th century literary movement that focused on experimentation with form and language. Notable authors associated with this movement include Ernest Hemingway and T.S. Eliot.

Understanding the Role of Race & Gender in American Literature

African American Literature is a genre of writing that focuses on the experiences of African Americans throughout history. Notable authors in this genre include Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison.

Native American Literature is a genre of writing that explores the experiences of Native Americans throughout history. Notable authors in this genre include N. Scott Momaday, Louise Erdrich, and Leslie Marmon Silko.

Women’s Literature is a genre of writing that focuses on the experiences of women throughout history. Notable authors in this genre include Emily Dickinson, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Alice Walker.

Comparing American Literature to Other Cultural Writings

American Literature can be compared and contrasted with European, Asian, and Latin American literature. While all four genres have distinct characteristics, they also have many similarities in terms of themes, styles, and techniques.

Applying Critical Thinking to American Literary Texts

In addition to exploring the major themes and authors of American Literature, students should also be prepared to apply critical thinking skills when analyzing literary texts. This includes analyzing characters, making connections between texts, interpreting symbols, motifs, and metaphors, and creating arguments based on evidence from the text.

American Literature classes are a great way for students to gain a deeper understanding of the works, themes, and authors that have shaped the literary history of the United States. By studying American Literature, students will gain an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of this genre, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret literary texts.