Overview of American Literature

Overview of American Literature

Period Timeline Characteristics Representative Works Authors Colonial Period 1620s–1750s Religious and moral themes, exploration of wilderness “Of Plymouth Plantation” by William Bradford William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet Revolutionary Era 1760s–1780s Patriotic themes, political writings “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, “The Federalist Papers” Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison Romanticism Early 19th century Emphasis on individualism, nature, and emotion “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe Transcendentalism 1830s–1850s Spiritual exploration, self-reliance “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau, “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman Realism Mid to late 19th century Depiction of everyday life, social issues “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain Mark Twain, Henry James, Kate Chopin Naturalism Late 19th to early 20th century Pessimistic view of human nature, determinism “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London Jack London, Stephen Crane Harlem Renaissance 1920s–1930s Celebration of African-American culture “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston Modernism Early to mid 20th century Experimentation with form and style “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway Postmodernism Mid 20th century to present Fragmentation of narrative, metafiction “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, “Infinite Jest” by David Foster Wallace Toni Morrison, David Foster Wallace...

American Literature History

American literature history encompasses various periods, each characterized by distinct themes, styles, and contributions. Here’s an overview:...

American Literature Authors and their work

Here is a table of American literature authors and their notable works:...

American literature characteristics

American literature encompasses a wide range of characteristics that reflect the diversity of American culture, history, and society. Here are some key characteristics:...

FAQs on American Literature

What is the concept of American literature?...