1. Themes In American Literature

2. Theme  Theme refers to universal views on life and society that can be discerned from the reading of a text.

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Theme: The American Dream  Generally, the American dream includes achieving a certain level of prosperity through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Theme: Cultural Diversity  Whether you are a melting pot or a salad bowl believer, you cannot deny that American literature reflects this cultural diversity

13. 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.