The American literary culture is a part of the significant literary heritage of the English language, and many American authors have made ripples across the world as their words captivate imaginations everywhere.
The literary journey of America is unique, and scattered with influential figures such as Hemingway, and more modern icons like Stephen King (you'll probably know versions of his stories if you've watched television or movies at all in the last 40 years!) So what makes American Literature great, and what is the history of literature in the country?
Definition and Scope of American Literature
American literature results from various cultures, geographical areas, philosophical perspectives, and lifestyles of other American people.
Literature portrays life in a variety of ways and makes various assertions about the world. Poems, essays, diaries, tales, and the people in those narratives are all full of human sentiments.
The study of American literature allows a deeper understanding of the true essence of the American experience. Reading a variety of authors from different eras offers a more thorough knowledge of American history, its transformation, and its building connections.
The characters, stories, themes, events, and genres of American literature play a significant role in shaping its culture. Therefore, studying American literature will make you a culturally literate person with a broader perspective on a cultural society.
It's clear that American literature has a significant impact on individual life but what is American literature in college? In schools, American literature is taught as an independent subject. Due to its significance in the field of literature, linguistics, and culture, many colleges and educational institutions offer courses and degrees in this discipline. After completing the required credits and classes, students build a textual connection and a thorough insight into the subject, how it has evolved, and its impact on future generations. Additionally, it enables students to identify contemporary issues and suggest practical solutions.
"The Power of Sympathy" by William Hill Brown
The Importance of American Literature
In America, the fondness and appreciation for short stories have been well-recognized. From the beginning, the core focus of American literature has been the representation of American society, its principles, and values.
The literature represents American ideals and promotes the region's landscape.
In American literature, essential literary elements are explained, including characters, narratives, settings, pictures, and themes.
Since it reflects American culture and traditions, American literature plays a crucial role in the country's education system.
American literature classes help students with their language skills and capacity to think creatively and communicate across cultural boundaries, which is a crucial foundation for humanistic education.
The literary works this country has produced reflect both the cultural identity and civilization of the United States. The thriving literary environment demonstrates the constant rebuilding and regeneration of the nation.
After understanding the significance of literature, you might want to learn how to study American literature. With specified courses, literature students can learn more about American culture, background, and the great literary works of the country. People taking English courses online or at college study the American greats as some of the finest examples of fiction.
The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.
Mark Twain
What Is the History of American Literature?
American literature is difficult to categorize into different periods. Frequently, numerous literary movements occur concurrently due to the scope and diversity in the United States.
Below are the frequently cited periods in American literature.
During the Colonial Era (1607–1775)
The colonial era includes Jamestown's foundation and the decade leading up to the Revolutionary War. Most of the works were of religious, practical, or historical nature. Cotton Mather, Phillis Wheatley, John Winthrop, Anne Bradstreet, and William Bradford are a few authors from this era that you shouldn't miss.
The Age of Revolution (1765–1790)
This period covers the writings of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine and ends approximately 25 years after the American Revolutionary War.
"The Federalist Papers," "Declaration of Independence," and Joel Barlow and Philip Freneau's poetry are significant works of this time. It is considered the most prolific era for political writing until ancient antiquity.
This is a collection of articles and novels from a very different time in literature, that was published under the collective pseudonym "Publius" and made to promote the Constitution of the United States.
First National Period (1775–1828)
The literary progress of this period comprises the first American story, "The Power of Sympathy," by William Hill, published in 1789, and "The Contrast," by Royall Tyler, the very first comedy produced for the stage.
The poems of William Cullen Bryant and Edgar Allan Poe started to differ significantly from the English literature and take up a unique tone in the National period of American literature.
William Hill's novel is widely considered to be the "big bang" moment in American Literature – its first work of fiction.
The Renaissance in America (1828–1865)
This era, also known as the American Romantic Era and the Time of Transcendentalism, is regarded as the peak of American literature. Literary criticism also began during this time, with James Russel Lowell, William Gilmore Simms, and Poe as its pioneers.
In this era, emotions and ideas are valued in American literature. In 1853 and 1859, the first books by authors of African American descent were published, respectively. The time also focuses on horror and death themes, producing some of the most revered horror and thriller novels and short stories.
One of the greatest works of fiction. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is the tale of sailor Ishmael's diary of the quest of Ahab for vengeance against Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg.
The Realistic Era (1865–1900)
American literature responded to the enormous changes in American ideals and consciousness brought about by the Reconstruction, American Civil War, and the industrial age.
During this era, certain romanticized conceptions about the American Revival became outdated for accurate depictions of American life. Regional writing also developed at this time. Moreover, the industrial revolution comes into the spotlight with its effect on society.
A perfect example of a novel about the Civil War in America. The Red Badge of Courage has been called one of the most influential books of all time.
The Era of Naturalists (1900–1914)
Novels by American Naturalist authors like Theodore Dreiser, Frank Norris, and Jack London are a few of the most profoundly moving stories in the history of American literature.
This short era is distinguished by its emphasis on depicting life as it truly is, far more than the realists did in previous decades. The main characters are often helpless victims who surrender to their psychic thoughts as well as societal and economic forces.
Sister Carrie is a novel that follows a young woman looking to follow the real American Dream in the big city.
The Modern Era (1914–1939)
The Modern Period, which came following the American Renaissance, is a significant and aesthetically productive period in American literature.
Major movements like the Lost Generation, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Jazz Age occurred during the Modern Period.
The depression during the first World War and the emigration of the beat generation, in particular, had an impact on several contemporary writers.
The New Deal and the Great Depression gave rise to a new genre of literature that focused on social issues in American society at this time.
This era promoted experimentalism, and people believed that they had the capacity to change many things, even the government.
The Sun Also Rises is the first novel by the iconic writer Ernest Hemingway and follows a group American and British tourists as they visit the Festival of San Fermín.
Beat Generation (1944–1962)
For best writers, producing anti-traditional works and anti-establishment ideologies was important. Growth in the discussions of sexuality in literature during this time gave rise to legal disputes and controversies about censorship. Additionally, the counterculture movements in the following two decades were majorly inspired by the writers of this era.
Kerouac was one of the defining writers of the Beat Generation and On The Road is his autobiographical and irreverant account of a journey across America.
The Contemporary Era (1960s-Present)
Americans have made a huge impact in recent decades, too. This is an era where consumers have more choices than ever, but there are some true classics. It is also a time where female authors are often given more of a platform compared to historic periods, and this has given rise to icons like Marilynne Robinson and Toni Morrison.
You can check for some of the best English classes near me for adults to fully understand American literature and its periods, plus contemporary writers working today.
Possibly the best American novel of recent years, this tells the emotional story of a pastor in his final months as he knows he is dying. Robinson has since been named one of the most influential people in the world in Time Magazine.
Characteristics of American Literature
Literature is a broad category of published works found in almost every country, rather than just one. However, the literature of every country or region is different and possesses specific characteristics. When people learn about American literature, they may also learn a lot about the country itself in the way it differs from other literary forms.
All the literary works from the United States are recognized as American Literature. It is vast, comprehensive, and unique. As a result, one might be curious about what characterizes American literature.
Several factors distinguish American literature from other types of literature. Some of these aspects are discussed below.
Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.
Edgar Allen Poe
Beliefs and Traditions
American literature preserves traditions and beliefs from the country's early years. The innovative notions of self-sufficiency and freedom have appeared repeatedly in these beliefs.
In American literature, authors place a high value on the individual's worth and significance. They tend to reject power in favor of a democratic republic or explore these themes in detail.
Theme
American literature provides a unique perspective on the world. People examine various themes such as The American Dream, Coming of Age, Justice and Injustice, The Pursuit of Happiness, and Freedom and Dignity when documenting the progression of American literature.
The emphasis lies on distinguishing American ideals of rationality and power from what is frequently portrayed as Europe's outcast social conservatism.
Style
American literature is more logical and skeptical, with diverse styles. The common styles in American literature are politics, economics, and social status. However, American writers' works also contain elements of parody, humor, sarcasm, and pessimism.
Genre
The genre of American literature includes topics related to religion and politics in the early literature. American writers in the 17th and 18th centuries focused on revolutionary themes, American history, and social issues to provoke fundamental morals. Through the decades and especially in modern times, American literature covers a wider array of genres, from nonfiction and fiction novels, to poetry, essays, drama, and more.
American Dream
Another feature associated with American Literature is the exploration of the American Dream. Numerous stories are associated with and depict the American dream in both prose and poetry. American literature in other countries allows foreign people to understand the American culture, heritage, and the accomplishments of the great writers.
Major Themes in American Literature
The changing social, political, and cultural landscape of America means that themes change regularly, but a few themes in particular seem to transcend the different periods of American literature. These themes and the authors' approaches give them the distinct American style.
Here are some of the most common features of American literature to look out for.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Maya Angelou
Race and Social Justice
American literary works regularly examine race, identity, and social inequality in America. You can find examples from classic to contemporary American literature from any era. Author messages are as ranged as can be; the message will depend on the era and the author.
The American Dream
According to the American Dream, anyone can succeed through hard work and determination. The classic The Great Gatsby is just one example of American literature that deals with the theme of the American Dream. Deeper examination of such novels often reveal more nuanced messages.
Individualism and Self-Reliance
For writings on the power of the individual to shape their own life and destiny, look no further than Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, who regularly wrote about self-reliance and independence. Whether examining rugged individualism, gentle freedom, or hedonism, many American novels depart from the idea that community is good and necessary. This reflects interesting aspects that have been flowing in the undercurrent of the American psyche for generations.
Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Henry David Thoreau
War
American authors, including Walt Whitman and Ernest Hemingway, have explored war, loss, trauma, and resilience in their writing. It's interesting to compare American writers and British writers, who both often write directly about or draw inspiration from experiences in WWI and WWII.
This is one of the topics that students learning more about American literature at a collegiate level will cover heavily.
Nature and the American Frontier
Look no further than authors like James Fenimore Cooper and Jack London for works on opportunity, freedom, and danger, as well as the fine line between civilization and wilderness that was and is ever-present throughout America's history. Messages in these works often examine ideas like man versus nature, struggle, and promise (á la Manifest Destiny). The ever-present question remains: does man conquer nature, get conquered by it, or live in harmony with it, and what is the American way?
Notable Authors and Works
American literature mainly comprises works from authors who are well-known for their contributions to the literary landscape. These authors are revered for their works and have profoundly affected society on both individual and collective levels. Some key examples include:
- F. Cooper
- Jack London
- J.D. Salinger
- E.A. Poe
- Toni Morrison
- Maya Angelou
- Harper Lee
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Mark Twain
- Ernest Hemmingway
- Stephen King
- Kurt Vonnegut
- Louisa May Alcott
- Emily Dickinson
Looking for some novels to get started on a journey with American literature? There are more books out there than you could ever read, so let's go through some essentials for your collection.
| Title | Author | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of the Mohicans | James Fenimore Cooper | 1826 |
| Moby-Dick | Herman Melville | 1851 |
| Uncle Tom’s Cabin | Harriet Beecher Stowe | 1852 |
| The Scarlet Letter | Nathaniel Hawthorne | 1850 |
| Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | Mark Twain | 1884 |
| The Awakening | Kate Chopin | 1899 |
| My Ántonia | Willa Cather | 1918 |
| The Great Gatsby | F. Scott Fitzgerald | 1925 |
| The Sun Also Rises | Ernest Hemingway | 1926 |
| As I Lay Dying | William Faulkner | 1930 |
| Their Eyes Were Watching God | Zora Neale Hurston | 1937 |
| The Grapes of Wrath | John Steinbeck | 1939 |
| Native Son | Richard Wright | 1940 |
| Invisible Man | Ralph Ellison | 1952 |
| Fahrenheit 451 | Ray Bradbury | 1953 |
| On the Road | Jack Kerouac | 1957 |
| To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee | 1960 |
| Slaughterhouse-Five | Kurt Vonnegut | 1969 |
| Beloved | Toni Morrison | 1987 |
| The Road | Cormac McCarthy | 2006 |
Learn American Literature with Superprof
American literature is a wide diversity of prose and narrative techniques impacted by different social traditions. People who are looking to find English classes nearby can find the help they need through Superprof.
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I have a doubt. You have said in the “belief and tradition” as “They tend to reject power in favor of a democratic republic, equality, and human rights, which distinguishes American literature from other forms of literature”. But in lessing’s novel, I find that the character named Mary is disgusting the black man and his way of speaking English. It shows that till 20th century, the equality and the human rights are missed at some point . And what is your opinion. Can you let me know. Also Margaret Atwood, in her work ” thematic guide to Canadian literature, she says that American literature is full of supremacy and ‘the hunter killing it’s prey’. What is your opinion about it?
Hi! Thank you for your article. It is very useful indeed. It gîves an overall view of the basic important aspects of American littérature.. Thanks.
Can you please tell me about American picture novels and provide me with some examples of this genre ?
Thanks
Hello Mariam! Thank you for the comment. If you are interested in learning more about American picture novels, please reach out to one of our expert English tutors to schedule a lesson today.