Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Intro to American Literature

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Intro to American Literature"— Presentation transcript:

1 Intro to American Literature

2 What does it mean to be American?

3 Native American Period pre-1620-1840
Primary Characteristics: Oral tradition songs and stories that are later written down Focus is primarily on the natural and sacred world Literary Styles/Forms: Creation myths Oral Histories

4 Colonial Period 1620-1750 Primary Characteristics:
Puritanical (focuses heavily on Christian ideologies) Outlines political ideas Literary Styles/Forms: Sermons Political Texts

5 Revolutionary Period and Nationalism 1750-1815
Primary Characteristics: Focus is on nationalism and patriotism Literature is designed to justify the American Revolution and define the American Literary Styles/Forms: Political writings Poems/Songs

6 Romanticism and Transcendentalism 1800-1855
Philosophical ‘Rebelliousness’ from previous thinking Literary Styles/Forms: Novels/Poetry Romanticism: Primary Characteristics: Celebrates individualism, nature, imagination, creativity, and emotion Focuses on intellect and culture

7 Romanticism and Transcendentalism 1800-1855, cont’d.
Primary Characteristics: Stresses respect for the individual Focuses on the intuitive (instinctual) pursuit of a greater truth

8 Realism 1850-1900 Primary Characteristics: Literary Styles/Forms:
Conveys the harsh realities of life Protagonists are ‘real’ people that have positive and negative traits Literature accurately portrays people and regions Literary Styles/Forms: Novels Poetry

9 Naturalism 1880-1940 Primary Characteristics: Literary Styles/Forms:
Focus is on grim realities Authors search to discover natural laws that govern humans (nature is indifferent, not noble) Characters are often victims Literary Styles/Forms: Novels

10 Modern 1900-1950 Primary Characteristics:
Writers use new techniques combined with extensive symbolism, irony, and understatement Works display themes of disconnectedness and alienation Readers have to make inferences to understand character and theme Emergence of multi-cultural texts (Harlem Renaissance)

11 Modern 1900-1950, cont’d. Literary Styles/Forms: Novels Poetry
Short Stories Speeches

12 Which era does Pudd’nhead Wilson fit into?


Download ppt "Intro to American Literature"

Similar presentations


Ads by Google