目录
Abstract.............................................................................1
1. Colonial and early American literature........................................... 4
(1). Travelers and Explorers........................................................ 4
(2) Pilgrim settlements .............................................................4
2. 18th century—the Age of reason ..................................................5
(1) The Age of reason ...............................................................5
(2) Early National Literature .......................................................6
3. The flourishing of American literature in 19th century ...........................6
(1) Early Romantics ................................................................7
(2) The Transcendentalism............................................................7
(3) High Romantics ..................................................................7
4. Local Color and Realism: A New Flavor to American Literature .....................8
(1) Local Color Fiction and Mark Twain ..............................................8
(2) Rise of Realism .................................................................9
5. Modern American Literature.......................................................9
(1) Modern poetry ................................................................10
(2) Modern novels.................................................................10
Epilogue............................................................................10
Abstract:
America’s history of literature began with the swarming in of immigrants with different background and cultures. After that, American literature had been greatly influenced by the European culture for a long period. It was not until America’s independence, did Americans realize that they need national literature strongly, and American literature began to develop. The Civil War was a watershed in the history, after which American literature entered a period of full blooming. Romantics, which emphasized individualism and intuition and Tnscendentalism represented by Emerson came out into being. This was an exciting period in the history of American literature. Like the flowers of spring, there were suddenly many different kinds of writing at the same time. They have given depth and strength to American literature, and accelerated the forming of High Romantics. But due to the influence of Civil War, the American society was in a turbulent situation. The writings about local life, critical realism and unveiling the dark side of the society were increased. After The First World War, Americans were at a loss postwar, and the Modern American literature began.
My piece of paper is written in chronological order as these periods developed in order to have a clear outline of its progress.
Keywords: National Literature, Romanism, Transcendentalism, Local Color, Realism, Modern literature
