Eine Zusammenfassung in Stichpunkten zur Klausurvorbereitung im Fach "American Literary History 1". Aus dem Inhalt: Major turning points in US-American History, Colonial period 1607-1760s, Colonial Literature, Revolutionary Period (1760s-80s), Literature of the Early Republic (1790s-1820s)/ Early American Drama, Transcendentalism 1830s-150s, American Renaissance 1850s-70s, Early African American Novelists, Female Poets, Realism 1870s-1918, Naturalism 1890s-1900, Pre-Modernism/ Early Modernism 1900-1918, (...)
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Major turning points in US-American History
- Colonial Period (1607-1760s)
- Colonial Literature
- Revolutionary Period (1760s-80s)
- 18th Century American Literature
- Literature of the Early Republic (1790s-1820s) / Early American Drama
- Transcendentalism (1830s-1850s)
- Early American Short Story
- American Renaissance (1850s-1870s)
- The Early US-American Novel
- Early Feminist Novel
- Slave Narratives
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to provide an overview of major periods and literary movements in early American literature, tracing the evolution of American national identity and its reflection in various literary forms. The analysis explores the influence of historical events, social structures, and philosophical currents on the development of American literature.
- The formation of American national identity
- The representation of Native Americans in early American literature
- The impact of slavery and the abolitionist movement on literary production
- The development of distinct literary genres in America
- The role of women in early American literature
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Major turning points in US-American History: This section provides a brief overview of significant historical events in early American history, from the establishment of Jamestown in 1607 to the American Revolution, setting the stage for understanding the socio-political context of the subsequent literary periods. It highlights the presence of diverse groups, including various Native American tribes and European settlers, and notes the early development of racialized slavery.
Colonial Period (1607-1760s): This period encompasses the early settlement of the American colonies and the development of an early American literary tradition. The literature reflects the encounter between European settlers and Native Americans, often portraying the latter through stereotypical lenses as seen in John Smith's account of Pocahontas. The emergence of captivity narratives, exemplified by Mary Rowlandson's account, showcases the brutal realities of colonial conflict and shapes the justification for colonial policies.
Revolutionary Period (1760s-80s): This section examines the literature produced during the American Revolution, highlighting the influence of Enlightenment ideals on political thought and writing. Authors like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson are discussed, emphasizing their contributions to the burgeoning American identity and their involvement in shaping the nation's political discourse.
18th Century American Literature: This chapter analyzes the literary landscape of the 18th century, emphasizing the impact of Enlightenment thought on the development of American literature and the emergence of a unique American literary style distinct from its European counterparts. The chapter discusses the evolution of American drama, highlighting the popularity of melodrama and the social segregation within early American theaters.
Literature of the Early Republic (1790s-1820s) / Early American Drama: This section focuses on the literature of the early republic, highlighting the ongoing quest for a distinct American national identity. It explores the characteristics of early American drama, its relationship to European theatrical traditions, and the themes it addressed concerning national identity and social structures.
Transcendentalism (1830s-1850s): This chapter examines the Transcendentalist movement, a philosophical and literary movement that emphasized individualism, intuition, and the inherent goodness of humanity. Key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are discussed, emphasizing their critique of materialism and their celebration of nature as a source of spiritual insight, exemplified in Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government" and its arguments for individual conscience over state law.
Early American Short Story: This section explores the development of the short story in America, discussing Edgar Allan Poe's significant contributions to its theory and practice. Poe's emphasis on unity of effect, economy of language, and the evocation of specific emotions through carefully crafted narratives is highlighted. The analysis includes examples of Poe's masterful use of atmosphere, psychological tension, and symbolism in stories such as "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."
American Renaissance (1850s-1870s): This section delves into the American Renaissance, a period marked by significant literary achievements, including the rise of the sentimental novel, the popularity of slave narratives, and the emergence of early feminist voices. The chapter examines the influence of social and political movements, particularly the abolitionist movement, on literary production, illustrated by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and its impact on public opinion regarding slavery.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American literature, national identity, colonial literature, Native Americans, slavery, abolitionism, Transcendentalism, short story, sentimental novel, American Renaissance, feminism, slave narratives, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Gothic literature, political literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Overview of Early American Literature
What is the scope of this text?
This text offers a comprehensive overview of major periods and literary movements in early American literature. It traces the evolution of American national identity as reflected in various literary forms, exploring the influence of historical events, social structures, and philosophical currents on the development of American literature from the Colonial Period to the American Renaissance.
What historical periods are covered?
The text covers the following key periods: the Colonial Period (1607-1760s), the Revolutionary Period (1760s-80s), the 18th Century, the Early Republic (1790s-1820s), the Transcendentalist movement (1830s-1850s), and the American Renaissance (1850s-1870s).
What literary movements are discussed?
The text analyzes several significant literary movements, including Colonial Literature, Early American Drama, Transcendentalism, and the development of the American short story and novel. It also explores the influence of Enlightenment and Romantic ideals on American literary production.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the formation of American national identity, the representation of Native Americans, the impact of slavery and the abolitionist movement, the development of distinct literary genres, and the role of women in early American literature.
Which authors and works are mentioned?
The text mentions key figures such as John Smith, Mary Rowlandson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Edgar Allan Poe, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, among others. Specific works referenced include John Smith's account of Pocahontas, Mary Rowlandson's captivity narrative, Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government," and Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin," as well as Poe's short stories like "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Tell-Tale Heart".
How are the chapters structured?
The text includes an introduction outlining major turning points in US-American history. Subsequent chapters delve into each literary period, providing summaries of key works and authors, analyzing their socio-political contexts, and highlighting significant themes. A final section lists key words for further research.
What is the intended audience?
This text is intended for academic use, supporting the analysis of themes in early American literature in a structured and professional manner.
What are the key objectives of the text?
The main objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of early American literature, allowing for an understanding of its evolution and its reflection of the nation's historical, social, and philosophical development. The text aims to facilitate scholarly analysis of major literary periods and movements.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: American literature, national identity, colonial literature, Native Americans, slavery, abolitionism, Transcendentalism, short story, sentimental novel, American Renaissance, feminism, slave narratives, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Gothic literature, and political literature.
- Quote paper
- Lea Lorena Jerns (Author), 2013, American Literary History 1, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278071
