Themes In American Literature
Theme Theme refers to universal views on life and society that can be discerned from the reading of a text.
Theme The theme is not the same as the main idea, which focuses strictly on the content. The theme is also not the same as the plot. Most literary works have one or more themes that are expressed through the plot.
Theme To help you identify a work’s theme or themes, you might ask yourself: Why did the author have this happen? What point do you think the author was trying to make? What greater significance might this event have?
Themes in American Literature There are certain themes that are characteristic of American literature. Let’s take a look at them so we will be aware of them as we start learning the literary movements.
Theme: Individualism American individualism is one of the most pervasive (enveloping, all- encompassing) themes in American literature. self-reliance, depend on one’s self, independent, unique The colonists who first arrived in North America came seeking freedom to practice their individual religion.
Theme: Individualism Others came looking for opportunities that they could not get in closed, class-based societies. Since those early days, Americans have celebrated individual ambition and achievement. The self-made man is a common theme in American literature.
Theme: The American Dream American individualism is closely linked to the American dream, the idea that anyone in the United States can become whatever he or she wants to become.
Theme: The American Dream Generally, the American dream includes achieving a certain level of prosperity through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Theme: Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity is also a universal theme in American literature. Although there are examples to the contrary, America has always welcomed individuals of diverse backgrounds to the United States.
Theme: Cultural Diversity A central metaphor for the United States is that of the milting pot, where different groups of people come together to become Americans. Some people argue that the United States is more like a salad bowl, where each element retains its separate identity while making up part of the whole
Theme: Cultural Diversity Whether you are a melting pot or a salad bowl believer, you cannot deny that American literature reflects this cultural diversity
Theme: Tolerance Tolerance is another theme found in American literature. Religious tolerance was one of the earliest principles in American life. Much of American literature discusses how well America and its citizens have done in their quest for tolerance for many things other than just religion.