Exploring What Makes American Literature American

Introduction

American literature is a genre of writing that has developed over centuries, encompassing a wide range of styles, themes, and topics. Defining American literature is not an easy task, as it has been shaped by numerous influences, from the nation’s political and social history to the writers who have contributed to its development. This article will explore what makes American literature unique and discuss the major elements that define it.

Analyzing Literary Movements that Define American Literature

The development of American literature can be traced through various literary movements that have emerged throughout the country’s history. These include Puritan writing, Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modernism and Postmodernism.

Puritan Writing

Puritan writing emerged in the 17th century and was heavily influenced by religious beliefs. It focused on self-examination and moral reform, and often featured autobiographical works such as journals and sermons. Puritan writing was characterized by plain language and a focus on morality and personal salvation.

Transcendentalism

Transcendentalism was a 19th-century movement that emphasized individualism and spiritual exploration. Writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau focused on nature and the search for inner truth and higher understanding. They believed in the power of the individual to transcend materialistic values and find a connection with the divine.

Realism and Naturalism

Realism and Naturalism were literary movements that developed in the late 19th century. Realism focused on depicting everyday life in a realistic manner, while Naturalism focused on presenting life as determined by biological and social forces beyond an individual’s control. Notable authors of the time included Mark Twain and Stephen Crane.

Modernism and Postmodernism

Modernism and Postmodernism are two related literary movements that developed in the 20th century. Modernism focused on experimentation, fragmentation, and subjectivity, while Postmodernism rejected traditional forms of narration and embraced irony, parody, and metafiction. Examples of modernist authors include Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner, while postmodernists include Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo.

Tracing the Development of American Identity Through Historical Contexts

The development of American literature is closely linked to the nation’s political and social history. Major historical events such as the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and immigration all had a major impact on the development of American identity and literature.

Colonial Times

The colonial period saw the emergence of the first distinctly American literature, marked by a focus on religious themes and the celebration of the New World. Notable authors of the time included Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards.

Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War was a major turning point in American history, and it had a significant impact on the development of American literature. Writers of the time wrote about freedom, patriotism, and the struggle for independence. Notable authors of the period included Thomas Paine and Phillis Wheatley.

Civil War

The Civil War had a profound effect on American literature. Writers of the time explored the conflict between North and South and tackled issues of slavery and racial injustice. Notable authors of the period included Walt Whitman and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Immigration

Immigration has played a major role in shaping American literature. Writers of different backgrounds and cultures have brought their own perspectives to the American experience. Notable authors of the time include Emma Lazarus and Langston Hughes.

Examining Notable Figures in American Literature

Throughout its history, American literature has been shaped by notable figures who have left an indelible mark on the genre. The following are some of the most influential authors in the history of American literature.

Washington Irving

Washington Irving is widely considered to be the first great writer in American literature. He wrote extensively about the early days of America, often focusing on the traditions and folklore of the region. His works include “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a major figure in the Transcendentalist movement. He wrote extensively about the importance of individualism and the power of nature. His works include “Nature” and “The American Scholar.”

Mark Twain

Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated authors in American literature. He is known for his wit and humor, and his works often addressed the hypocrisy and racism of the time. His works include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was a major figure in the Modernist movement. He wrote about the horrors of war and the struggles of the human spirit. His works include “The Sun Also Rises” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

Exploring the Influences of Immigration on American Literature

Immigration has played a major role in shaping American literature. Writers from different backgrounds and cultures have brought their own perspectives to the American experience. Here are some of the major influences of immigration on American literature.

Immigration from Europe

Immigrants from Europe have played a major role in shaping American literature. They have brought their own cultural traditions and languages, which have enriched the American literary landscape. Notable European immigrants include German poet Carl Sandburg and Irish playwright Eugene O’Neill.

Immigration from Asia

Immigrants from Asia have also had a major impact on American literature. Writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston and Amy Tan have addressed issues of identity and assimilation, often exploring the struggles of being both Asian and American. Their works have helped to create a more diverse and inclusive literary landscape.

Immigration from Latin America

Latin American immigration has also had a major impact on American literature. Writers such as Sandra Cisneros, Junot Diaz, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez have explored the complexities of the Latin American experience in the United States. Their works have helped to broaden the scope of American literature.

Investigating the Impact of Race and Gender on American Literature

Race and gender have had a major influence on American literature. Writers of color and women writers have challenged traditional notions of identity and explored the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in their works.

African-American Influence

African-American writers have made major contributions to American literature. From slave narratives to contemporary works, African-American writers have explored the complexities of African-American identity and culture. Notable authors include Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison.

Native American Influence

Native American writers have also made major contributions to American literature. Authors such as N. Scott Momaday and Louise Erdrich have explored the struggles of Native Americans and the complexities of their identities. Their works have helped to open up conversations about Native American history and culture.

Women Writers

Women writers have also had a major impact on American literature. From Abigail Adams to Emily Dickinson to Toni Morrison, women writers have challenged traditional notions of gender and explored the complexities of female identity. Their works have helped to broaden the scope of American literature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American literature is a vibrant and diverse genre that has been shaped by numerous influences, from the nation’s political and social history to the writers who have contributed to its development. This article has explored the major elements that define American literature, from its literary movements to its historical contexts to its influences of immigration, race, and gender. American literature is a powerful and ever-evolving genre that reflects the nation’s rich and varied culture.