The Evolution of American Literature
Concept Map
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.
Summary
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.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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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
The Evolution of American Literature
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Significance of Irving's 'A History of New York'
Marked shift from European models; introduced satirical humor in American literature.
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Bryant's poetic influence
Introduced romanticism and nature themes; aimed for distinct American literary voice.
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Impact of Cooper's 'Leatherstocking Tales'
Popularized American landscapes/themes; 'The Last of the Mohicans' acclaimed in US and Europe.
