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American Literature. - Coggle Diagram
American Literature.
Characteristics
plot of decline, indifferent of nature, 3rd person omniscient reaction to romanticism and surrealism.
American Literature reflects beliefs and traditions that come from the nation’s frontier days. The pioneer ideals of self-reliance and independence appear again and again in American writings.
American writers have always had a strong tendency to break with literary tradition and to strike out their own directions. Writers of other countries seem to absorb their national literary traditions.
The lively streak of humor runs thorough American literature from earliest times to present. In many cases a dash of salty humor saves serious theme from becoming too sentimental. American humor tends to be exaggerated rather than subtle. It reflects the people’s ability to laugh at themselves even during the most difficult times.
Modern themes:
Alienation, an important theme in modern literature, responds to the impact of World War I. Modernist writers describe the effects of war in terms of disconnection. Ex.: T. S. Eliot's famous poem
Theme of Trasformation, emphasizes the importance of changing the modernist aesthetic.Modernist artists are known for refashioning classical or mythic forms.
Another important theme in modern fiction is consumption. In the twentieth century, capitalism expanded across the globe, and fiction reflects this expansion by portraying the excesses of consumer culture. Don DeLillo's ''White Noise'' is famous for its critique of consumer culture.
The theme of relavility of the truth. Presented in several novels in times of WW1 and WW2, and how society became less trustful and lies increased. Ex.: All my sons: Crimes comited by Joe Keller, burried under lies, and going out with it.
History
In its earliest days, during the 1600s, American literature consisted mostly of practical nonfiction written by British settlers who populated the colonies that would become the United States. These histories, published in 1608 and 1624, are among the earliest works of American literature.
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Focus
American literature helps readers to understand the ways Americans have changed over time and the ways that all Americans, regardless of time or place, are the same. American literature allows readers to become more intimately aware of the totality of the American experience.
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