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Assignment About American Literature

American literature has evolved from early oral traditions and religious writings by Native Americans and European settlers in the 1600s to a diverse body of work reflecting the nation's history and cultural shifts. Key developments include Colonial and Puritan literature, Revolutionary literature, Romanticism, and movements like the Harlem Renaissance and Modernism. Prominent writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, and Toni Morrison have significantly contributed to this rich literary tradition.

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Reema Ahmed
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18 views5 pages

Assignment About American Literature

American literature has evolved from early oral traditions and religious writings by Native Americans and European settlers in the 1600s to a diverse body of work reflecting the nation's history and cultural shifts. Key developments include Colonial and Puritan literature, Revolutionary literature, Romanticism, and movements like the Harlem Renaissance and Modernism. Prominent writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, and Toni Morrison have significantly contributed to this rich literary tradition.

Uploaded by

Reema Ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Beginning of American Literature Prepared

by :- Rawan Ayman Rashad


Introduction
American literature is a rich and diverse body of work that has evolved over centuries, reflecting the nation’s
history, values, and cultural shifts. It began as a collection of writings by early settlers, explorers, and Native
Americans before growing into a distinct literary tradition influenced by social and political changes.
1) How Did American Literature Begin ?
American literature began as a mix of oral traditions , religious writings, and historical accounts. Before
European colonization , Native American tribes had their own literary traditions , passing down stories, myths,
and legends through oral storytelling. When European settlers arrived in the 17th century , they introduced
written literature , primarily focused on religious themes , survival stories , and personal experiences .The
earliest American literature was deeply influenced by Puritan values , with works such as William Bradford’s
Of Plymouth Plantation (1620) and Anne Bradstreet’s poetry . Other early writers , such as Jonathan
Edwards , wrote religious sermons that shaped the moral and philosophical outlook of the colonies .
2) When Did American Literature Begin?
American literature can be traced back to the early 1600s when English settlers arrived in North America. The
first notable works were written in the early 17th century by Puritans and colonists, with a focus on religious
themes , historical accounts , and personal experiences. The publication of The Bay Psalm Book in 1640
marked the first book printed in North America , symbolizing the beginning of written American literature.As the
18th century progressed, American literature started incorporating political and philosophical themes,
particularly during the American Revolution. Writers like Thomas Paine (Common Sense , 1776) and Benjamin
Franklin (The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1791) played a significant role in shaping the nation’s
identity through their works .
3) Developments in American Literature Early Development (1600s – 1800s)
• Colonial and Puritan Literature (1600s) : Focused on religious beliefs , survival , and exploration .
• Revolutionary Literature (1700s) : Influenced by political independence and Enlightenment ideals .
• Romanticism and Transcendentalism (1800s) : Writers like Edgar Allan Poe , Nathaniel Hawthorne , and
Ralph Waldo Emerson explored emotions, nature, and individualism . Modern Development (1900s – Present)
• Realism & Naturalism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century) : Focused on real-life experiences, struggles, and
social issues . Writers like Mark Twain and Henry James played a key role in this era.
• Harlem Renaissance (1920s) : A movement led by African American writers such as Langston Hughes and
Zora Neale Hurston, highlighting Black culture and experiences .
• Modernism & Postmodernism (20th Century) : Experimented with literary styles , themes of alienation , and
fragmented storytelling . Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald , Ernest Hemingway , and William Faulkner were
influential in this period .
• Contemporary Literature (21st Century) : Focuses on themes like identity, diversity, and technology . Writers
such as Toni Morrison and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have contributed to this literary evolution.
• My Opinion on These Developments
I believe these developments have enriched American literature by making it more diverse and reflective of
different voices and perspectives . The shift from Puritan writings to modern storytelling techniques shows the
progress of American culture. I personally appreciate the innovations of the Harlem Renaissance and
Modernist movements , as they brought new depth and experimentation to literature.
4) Prominent American Writers
Classic Writers
• Washington Irving (1783–1859) – Known for The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.
• Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) – Famous for The
Scarlet Letter, which explores sin and morality.
• Herman Melville (1819–1891) – Wrote Moby-Dick, a
masterpiece of American literature.
19th-Century Writers
• Mark Twain (1835–1910) – Known for The Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer.
• Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) – A poet famous for her
unique style and introspective themes.
• Walt Whitman (1819–1892) – Wrote Leaves of Grass,
a collection of poetry celebrating democracy and
individualism.
20th-Century Writers
• F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) – Author of The Great Gatsby, a novel about the American Dream.
• Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961) – Known for The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms.
• Toni Morrison (1931–2019) – A Nobel Prize-winning author famous for Beloved .
Contemporary Writers
• Stephen King (b. 1947) – A master of horror and thriller novels, including The Shining.
• Jhumpa Lahiri (b. 1967) – Known for her stories about Indian-American experiences (Interpreter of
Maladies) .
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (b. 1977) – A Nigerian-American writer famous for Americanah and Half of a
Yellow Sun .

Conclusion
American literature has grown from early religious texts and colonial writings to a vibrant and diverse field that
reflects the changing society of the United States . With each era , new voices and styles have shaped its
evolution , making it one of the most influential literary traditions in the world . The contributions of authors
from different backgrounds and genres have enriched the landscape of American storytelling , offering deep
insights into the nation’s history , culture , and human experience .

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