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The Evolution of American Literature

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Exploring the development of American literary nationalism post-1812, this overview highlights key figures like Irving, Bryant, and Cooper, and movements such as Dark Romanticism and Transcendentalism. It delves into the contributions of ethnic writers, the rise of realism, the Jazz Age's Lost Generation, and post-WWII literary themes.

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Outline

The Rise of American Literary Nationalism

In the aftermath of the War of 1812, a sense of cultural and literary independence began to take root in the United States. Key figures such as Washington Irving, William Cullen Bryant, and James Fenimore Cooper emerged, each playing a significant role in defining an American literary identity. Irving's "A History of New York, by Diedrich Knickerbocker" (1809) showcased his satirical humor and marked a move away from European literary models. Bryant's poetry, influenced by romanticism and the natural world, also sought to establish a unique American voice. Cooper's "Leatherstocking Tales," especially "The Last of the Mohicans" (1826), embraced American landscapes and themes, gaining popularity across the Atlantic as well as at home.
Stack of hardback books in dark tones on mahogany table with quill pen and antique inkwell, next to round glasses.

John Neal's Advocacy for American Literary Independence

John Neal was a critical voice in advocating for a distinct American literary tradition. He critiqued contemporaries like Irving and Cooper for their adherence to British literary forms and championed the creation of a unique American literary voice. Neal's call for "another Declaration of Independence, in the great Republic of Letters" highlighted his vision for American writers to forge their own path. His own writing style, which he called "natural writing," represented a significant break from the refined style of Irving and others, positioning Neal as a pioneer in American literary style.

The Emergence of Dark Romanticism and Transcendentalism

The literary movement known as Dark Romanticism surfaced in this period, with authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville examining the darker aspects of the human experience and societal issues. Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is often recognized as the forerunner of detective fiction. Hawthorne's works, including "Twice-Told Tales" and "The Scarlet Letter," explored themes of sin and societal norms, while Melville's "Moby-Dick" was a profound inquiry into obsession and the human spirit. Simultaneously, the Transcendentalist movement, led by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, promoted individualism and a deep connection with nature, challenging established religious and cultural conventions.

Contributions of Ethnic Writers and Abolitionist Literature

The literary scene was further diversified by the contributions of ethnic writers and the proliferation of abolitionist literature. Slave narratives, such as Frederick Douglass's "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845), and works by African-American and Native American authors, introduced new perspectives on race and identity. The political turmoil over slavery inspired influential works like Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852), which became a cornerstone of the anti-slavery movement, and the writings of William Lloyd Garrison, whose newspaper "The Liberator" served as a powerful abolitionist voice.

The Advent of Realism and the Social Novel

By the late 19th century, realism had become a prominent genre in American literature, with authors such as Mark Twain and William Dean Howells depicting American society with unprecedented detail and verisimilitude. Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1884) is noted for its authentic characters and use of dialect. This period also saw the rise of the social novel, with Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward" (1888) addressing social and political issues through a utopian narrative.

Diversification of American Prose in the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century saw a broadening of American prose, with authors like Edith Wharton and Upton Sinclair exploring diverse experiences and social concerns. Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" critically examined the mores of upper-class society, while Sinclair's "The Jungle" brought to light the brutal conditions of industrial workers. This era also welcomed the voices of African-American and immigrant writers, who added to the rich mosaic of American literature with their distinctive cultural narratives.

The Jazz Age and the Lost Generation

The 1920s, also known as the Jazz Age, brought about a transformation in American literature with the emergence of the Lost Generation. Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway captured the post-World War I disillusionment. Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" became a symbol of the times, while Hemingway's succinct prose and exploration of themes such as bravery and loss were influenced by his wartime experiences. William Faulkner's innovative storytelling in "The Sound and the Fury" and other works adeptly portrayed the intricacies of life in the American South.

Literature of the Great Depression and Post-World War II Era

The economic hardships of the Great Depression gave rise to literature that offered poignant social commentary, as seen in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," which depicted the plight of the working class. The post-World War II period featured a variety of literary themes and styles, from Norman Mailer's realistic "The Naked and the Dead" to the beatnik movement's celebration of nonconformity in works like Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and Allen Ginsberg's "Howl." This era also saw the rise of Jewish-American writers such as Saul Bellow, whose narratives provided insights into Jewish-American experiences and enriched the American literary landscape.

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    The Evolution of American Literature

  • Literary Nationalism

  • Key Figures

  • Washington Irving, William Cullen Bryant, and James Fenimore Cooper emerged as key figures in defining an American literary identity

  • Irving's "A History of New York"

  • Satirical Humor

  • Irving's "A History of New York" showcased his satirical humor and marked a move away from European literary models

  • Bryant's Poetry

  • Romanticism and Nature

  • Bryant's poetry, influenced by romanticism and the natural world, sought to establish a unique American voice

  • Literary Independence

  • John Neal's Advocacy

  • John Neal was a critical voice in advocating for a distinct American literary tradition

  • Neal's Writing Style

  • Natural Writing

  • Neal's own writing style, which he called "natural writing," represented a significant break from the refined style of his contemporaries

  • Literary Movements

  • Dark Romanticism

  • The literary movement of Dark Romanticism surfaced in this period, with authors exploring the darker aspects of the human experience and societal issues

  • Transcendentalism

  • The Transcendentalist movement promoted individualism and a deep connection with nature, challenging established religious and cultural conventions

  • Diversification of American Literature

  • Ethnic Writers and Abolitionist Literature

  • The literary scene was further diversified by the contributions of ethnic writers and the proliferation of abolitionist literature, introducing new perspectives on race and identity

  • Realism and the Social Novel

  • By the late 19th century, realism had become a prominent genre in American literature, with authors depicting American society with unprecedented detail and addressing social and political issues through the social novel

  • Diversification in the Early 20th Century

  • The early 20th century saw a broadening of American prose, with authors exploring diverse experiences and social concerns, including the voices of African-American and immigrant writers

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00

Significance of Irving's 'A History of New York'

Marked shift from European models; introduced satirical humor in American literature.

01

Bryant's poetic influence

Introduced romanticism and nature themes; aimed for distinct American literary voice.

02

Impact of Cooper's 'Leatherstocking Tales'

Popularized American landscapes/themes; 'The Last of the Mohicans' acclaimed in US and Europe.

03

Neal criticized writers like ______ and ______ for following British literary models.

Irving

Cooper

04

Neal advocated for 'another Declaration of Independence' in the ______ of Letters to encourage American writers' originality.

great Republic

05

His '______ writing' was a departure from the polished style of contemporaries like ______.

natural

Irving

06

As an advocate for American literary independence, Neal was seen as a ______ in developing a new ______ style.

pioneer

literary

07

Dark Romanticism key authors

Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville

08

Poe's contribution to detective fiction

'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' as detective fiction forerunner

09

Transcendentalist leaders and principles

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau; individualism, nature connection

10

The book ______ by Harriet Beecher Stowe, published in ______, played a pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

1852

11

______'s autobiography, released in ______, was a significant addition to the genre of slave narratives.

Frederick Douglass

1845

12

The newspaper titled ______, edited by ______, was a key publication advocating for the abolition of slavery.

The Liberator

William Lloyd Garrison

13

Key characteristics of Twain's 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'

Authentic characters, extensive use of dialect, exemplifies realism.

14

Significance of Bellamy's 'Looking Backward'

Addresses social/political issues via utopian narrative, critiques industrial society.

15

Wharton's novel, 'The ______ of Innocence,' critically scrutinized the customs of the ______-class society, while Sinclair's 'The ______' exposed the harsh realities faced by industrial workers.

Age

upper

Jungle

16

The era also embraced contributions from ______-American and ______ writers, enhancing the diversity of American literature with their unique cultural stories.

African

immigrant

17

Significance of 'The Great Gatsby'

Symbol of 1920s America's opulence and moral decline; reflects Jazz Age's disillusionment.

18

Hemingway's writing style influence

Influenced by WWI; used succinct prose to convey themes of bravery, loss, and stoicism.

19

Faulkner's narrative technique

Used stream of consciousness and complex structure to depict Southern life's depth and decay.

20

During the ______, literature with sharp social critiques emerged, exemplified by Steinbeck's '______ ______ ______'.

Great Depression

The Grapes of Wrath

21

Post-______ ______ II literature varied widely, including Mailer's '______ ______ ______' and beatnik works like Kerouac's '______ ______ ______'.

World War

The Naked and the Dead

On the Road

22

The beatnik movement praised ______ through texts such as Ginsberg's '______'.

nonconformity

Howl

23

Saul Bellow, a ______-______ writer, contributed narratives that delved into their experiences in America.

Jewish-American

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