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A distinctive feature of American literature lies in its diverse and dynamic evolution over the centuries, shaped by the cultural, social, and philosophical currents of each era. This essay explores key literary movements in American history, from the Puritanism of the 17th century to the post-modernism of the present day.
In the 17th century, Puritanism emerged as a dominant literary style, embodying five fundamental tenets of religious life: original sin, limited atonement, irresistible grace, perseverance of the saints, and predestination.
Puritans, staunch believers in God's divine control over the universe, asserted the equality of all humans in God's sight, irrespective of social or economic status. The ethos of extreme self-determinism within Puritanism has left an enduring mark on American idealism.
Key literary figures of this period include William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards, John Smith, and Edward Taylor. Their works reflect the profound influence of Puritan values on the early American literary landscape.
The 18th century witnessed the rise of Classicism, also known as the Neoclassical Age, characterized by a reverence for reason, rational thought, and traditional formalism.
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This literary movement, often referred to as the Age of Reason or the Enlightenment, sought inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art and literature. Notable writers of this era include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine, whose works exemplify the intellectual currents of the time.
Transitioning into the early 19th century, Romanticism emerged as a reaction against Classicism. This new form of literature prioritized emotion over reason and encompassed characteristics such as a focus on the self, a fascination with the supernatural, a love for nature, and a yearning for the exotic.
Key literary figures of Romanticism include Edgar Allan Poe, William Cullen Bryant, James Fenimore Cooper, and Washington Irving.
During the 19th century, Transcendentalism took root in New England, advocating the belief that intuition and individual conscience surpass sensory experience and logical reasoning in guiding individuals to truth. Transcendentalists, including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, blended elements of Classicism and Romanticism. Their philosophy embraced the concept of the "Over-Soul," a divine presence in all things.
Some historians designate the years 1850-1855 as the American Renaissance, a period marked by a proliferation of significant literary works recording the events of the time. Noteworthy figures such as Abraham Lincoln and John Greenleaf Whittier contributed to the rich tapestry of Civil War Literature, primarily consisting of nonfiction accounts and diaries.
Realism, emerging in the mid to late 19th century, aimed to portray ordinary life as experienced by real people. Rooted in the aftermath of war, frontier experiences, and urban life, Realism sought objective depictions of characters and events. Prominent Realist writers include Willa Cather, Kate Chopin, Emily Dickinson, Bret Harte, William Dean Howells, and Stephen Crane.
Building on Realism, Naturalism, influenced by the French novelist Emile Zola, sought to objectively examine people and society. Naturalist writers believed in the inescapable influence of natural forces on human destiny, with heredity, environment, physical drives, and economic circumstances shaping individuals. Pessimism prevailed in their worldview. Key figures of Naturalism include Stephen Crane, Jack London, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser.
As the 19th century transitioned into the 20th century, Regionalism emerged, emphasizing the portrayal of local color. This writing style captured the unique dialects, customs, beliefs, and history of specific geographic areas. Notable Regionalist writers include Bret Harte, Mark Twain, Sarah Orne Jewett, Eudora Welty, and Willa Cather, who went beyond mere local color to provide a sociological and anthropological treatment of regional culture.
Entering the early to mid-20th century, Modernism manifested as a rejection of tradition and a critical stance toward the immediate past. This international movement, dominating Western arts from the early 1900s until around 1950, produced groundbreaking works by writers such as William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck.
Post-Modernism, emerging after World War II and persisting to the present, has brought a heightened interest in diverse literary genres and critical approaches. The movement encompasses stories of optimism, despair, cynicism, violence, abnormality, anger, absurdity, and mysticism. It also features revivals of religion, folklore, and myth, with a significant influence from minority literature. Prominent Post-Modernist writers include Maya Angelou, Allen Ginsberg, Arthur Miller, Toni Morrison, Flannery O'Connor, J. D. Salinger, John Updike, Alice Walker, and Tennessee Williams.
In conclusion, the evolution of American literature reflects the nation's dynamic history, diverse cultural influences, and evolving philosophical perspectives. From the religious fervor of Puritanism to the introspective musings of Transcendentalism, the stark realism of Naturalism, and the avant-garde expressions of Post-Modernism, each literary movement has contributed to the rich tapestry of American letters. As we navigate the vast landscape of American literature, we witness the continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation, shaping the literary legacy of the United States.
By exploring these literary movements, we gain insight into the cultural and intellectual currents that have shaped American identity. The evolution of American literature is a testament to the nation's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances, producing a kaleidoscope of voices that resonate through time.
The Unfolding Tapestry: Evolution of American Literature. (2016, Sep 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/american-literary-movements-summary-essay
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