What Makes American Literature So Special? Essay Example

American Literature Definition

American literature is the collection of literary and written works that have been shaped by the history of the United States (britannica.com). If you look back at America's history, America was once ruled by Britain. Therefore, its literary institution is linked to the extensive tradition of English literature. American literature, however, is considered an independent course and institution due to its unique American characteristics and its production.

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This paper will provide a more detailed definition of American Literature. This paper will examine the history of American Literature, how it came to be, and the writing style of American authors. Finally, the paper will provide arguments that explore the notion of American Literature.

The History of American Literature

The native Americans were not able to write an alphabet before Columbus and other European colonizers found them. However, they did have a way to express their artistic talents and pass on their knowledge through songs, chants and spoken narratives.

Contrary to Western literature's belief that they must be primarily a result of written words (Baym and Franklin, Gura and Krupat, Levine), scholars consider these verbal genres to be "literary" as they reflect the creative and arousing responses of Native peoples to their culture.

The primary function of writing was to press policy makers at the overseas colonies' home base to justify actions taken without their consent or to bear witness to the unintentional and direct cost of European invasion of Americas.

The dreadful consequences of European colonization in the Americas, where there was unintentional contamination with Old World diseases like small pox and measles to the Natives. This caused strong reactions from the public.

Writing was also a way for people to make a difference in their lives. New England was able to publish more than other colonies due to its population. In 15th century, Puritan literature was produced in New England. Harvard University was established in 1636. It also has a printing press and independent college.

Despite these efforts, the initial English language supremacy was not evident. However, political events changed the course of history and English became the preferred language for writing literature. Between 1696 and 1700, the American literature was limited to 250 works. These works dealt mainly with religious, security, and cultural concerns related to colonial life (Baym and Franklin, Gura and Krupat, Levine).

American Literature: Themes and Style

The war of 1812, which was a quarrel among the United States of America (Hickey 56–58), forced American merchant sailors to join the Royal Navy. British support for American Indian tribes against American expansion (Hickey101-104) and uphold British honour in the face of British insults. This opened the way for the American's aspiration to create an American culture and literature that is unique from the English (Risjord 196-210).

Some of the pioneers wrote humor about America's frontiers, while others wrote poetry that was inspired by nature and departed from English roots.

Stories that explore hidden levels of human psychology were created to help readers understand the limits of fiction and allow them to move beyond fantasy and mystery. In response to the desire for American literary originality, the movement of transcendentalism was created. This movement saw the birth of radical writings that advocated individualism within the American character.

Native American autobiographies were also created, and minorities began to publish fictions. Literary romances were filled with philosophical assumptions and allegories. American literature embraced Dark Romanticism, which depicted the characters as being prone to self-destruction and sin. "The Dark Romantics used images of anthropomorphized evil to depict satan and devils, ghosts werewolves, vampires and ghouls." (Thompson 6).

What makes American Literature so special?

American literature was developed by the many influences of Native American traditions, before European conquerors introduced them to writing.

In the beginning, American literature consisted of documentations and reports about complaints and the status quo of people in the New World. Writing and literature were used to influence policy makers and help them develop the civilization, explore the natural resources, and understand the cultures and traditions of Native Americans.

American literature developed over time into a variety of forms, including fiction and nonfiction. These categories illustrate writers' thoughts on politics, economy, culture, and social statuses through artistic imagery or factual sources. American literature developed further, moving away from English literature's initial influence in the 17th century, creating an American characteristic and encouraging individualism.

It produced writers who experimented with philosophy, psychology, and emotions. It gave rise to dark romanticism, which depicts humans as prone to self-destruction and sin. American literature was a force for creativity and imagination. They experimented with emotions and thoughts constantly, which can be attributed in part to contemporary writers' freedom and attitude towards artistic expression.

Conclusion

We can understand the meaning of American literature by studying literary works in class. This will allow us to identify the early origins of American literature as a collection of works that chronicle the acquisition and discovery of Native Americans.

Literature in America evolved slowly with the times, influencing the writers and readers with socio-economic norms that were in place at the time. American literature can be seen as a reflection of America's history and well-being.

Because it reflects not only America's history but also the creative minds and imaginations of its inhabitants, it is considered part of American culture. American literature is the result of both European colonizers and subtle Native American traditions. It is also an important defining tool for American characteristics like liberalism and individualism.

Works Cited

Baym, Nina, Franklin, Wayne, Gura, Philip, Krupat, Arnold and Levine, Robert. Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th ed. Boston: W.W. Norton & Company, 2007. Print.

Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc. American Literature. Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., 2011. Web.

Hickey, Donald. The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1989. Print.

Risjord, Norman. “1812: Conservatives, War Hawks, and the Nation’s Honor.” William And Mary Quarterly18.2 (1961): 196-210. Print.

Thompson, Gary., ed. Gothic Imagination: Essays in Dark Romanticism. Washington: Washington State University Press, 1974. Print.