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Semester 2: AMERICAN LITERATURE-I
Growth of American literature, historical context
Colonial Period
American literature began with the oral traditions of Native Americans and evolved during the colonial period when settlers from Europe brought their literary traditions. This era saw a blend of religious writings, diaries, and poetry that reflected the hardships and religious fervor of the time.
The Revolutionary Era
The Revolutionary War brought about themes of independence and individual rights. Writers like Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin used pamphlets and essays to inspire and unify the colonies against British rule.
Romanticism
In the early 19th century, Romanticism emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's focus on reason. American authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson emphasized emotion, nature, and the individual.
Realism and Naturalism
By the late 19th century, Realism and Naturalism became prominent. Writers such as Mark Twain and Henry James portrayed everyday life and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Modernism
Modernism, emerging in the early 20th century, reflected the disillusionment of post-WWI America. Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway explored themes of alienation and existentialism.
Postmodernism
Postmodernism arose after WWII, characterized by a questioning of narratives and conventions. Writers like Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo embraced fragmentation and metafiction.
Poetry: Walt Whitman, Sherman Alexie, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson
Poetry: Walt Whitman, Sherman Alexie, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson
Walt Whitman
Known for his innovative free verse and celebration of the individual and the collective American spirit. Major work includes Leaves of Grass, which emphasizes themes of nature, democracy, and the human experience.
Sherman Alexie
A contemporary Native American poet whose work reflects on identity, culture, and urban life. His poetry often mixes humor and poignancy, addressing the struggles and resilience of indigenous people.
Edgar Allan Poe
Famed for his dark romanticism and exploration of the macabre, Poe's poetry often delves into themes of death and the supernatural. His notable works include The Raven and Annabel Lee, reflecting his fascination with beauty and despair.
Emily Dickinson
A prominent figure in American poetry known for her unique style and unconventional punctuation. Her work often explores themes of mortality, nature, and the inner self, with famous poems reflecting personal introspection and existential questions.
Prose: Martin Luther King Jr. (I have a Dream), Abraham Lincoln (Gettysburg Address)
Historical Context
Both speeches come from pivotal moments in American history. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was delivered during the Civil War, emphasizing the principles of equality and the necessity of preserving the Union. King's I Have a Dream was part of the Civil Rights Movement, calling for racial equality and an end to discrimination.
Themes
Common themes in both speeches include liberty, equality, and justice. Lincoln spoke of a nation conceived in liberty, while King envisioned a future where his children would live in a nation free from racial injustice.
Rhetorical Devices
Lincoln used brevity and poignant imagery to effectively convey his message. He called on the sacrifices made by soldiers at Gettysburg, reinforcing the importance of unity. King employed repetition, notably with the phrase 'I have a dream', to emphasize his vision for a better future and engage his audience emotionally.
Impact and Legacy
Both speeches have become cornerstones of American rhetoric. Lincoln's address is widely studied for its eloquence and its role in redefining the purpose of the Civil War. King's speech is regarded as a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring generations to continue the fight for equality.
Style and Tone
Lincoln's tone in the Gettysburg Address is solemn and reflective, appropriate for a memorial service. King's tone is passionate and hopeful, aimed at rallying people toward a common cause.
Drama: Tennessee Williams (The Glass Menagerie), Eugene O’Neill (Emperor Jones)
Drama: Tennessee Williams and Eugene ONeill
Tennessee Williams and The Glass Menagerie
The Glass Menagerie is a poignant memory play that explores themes of memory, loss, and the struggles of personal dreams. Set in St. Louis during the 1930s, it revolves around the Wingfield family: Amanda, the overbearing mother; Tom, the aspiring poet and narrator; and Laura, the introverted daughter with a disability. The play is rich in symbolism, with Laura's collection of glass animals representing fragility and beauty, and the character of Tom is an embodiment of the conflict between familial obligation and the yearning for freedom.
Eugene ONeill and The Emperor Jones
The Emperor Jones is a one-act play that centers on Brutus Jones, a Black man who declares himself emperor of a Caribbean island after escaping from a chain gang. The play delves into themes of power, guilt, and the psychological effects of colonialism. It utilizes a blend of expressionist techniques and realism to depict Jones's descent into madness as he confronts his past and the consequences of his tyrannical rule. ONeill explores racial identity and the complexities of leadership through Jones's character, making it a profound commentary on the human condition.
Comparative Analysis
Both The Glass Menagerie and The Emperor Jones showcase the struggles of individuals against their circumstances. While Williams focuses on the fragility of human connections and dreams within a familial context, ONeill addresses the themes of power and existential crisis within a broader societal framework. The use of symbolism in both plays enhances their thematic depth, with Williams employing the glass animals and ONeill using the jungle and the sound of drums to signify internal conflict and the haunting presence of the past.
Novels and Stories: Harriet Beecher Stowe (Uncle Tom’s Cabin), Herman Melville (Billy Budd), Washington Irving (The Legend of the Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle), Leslie Marmon Silko (Ceremony)
Novels and Stories in American Literature
Harriet Beecher Stowe - Uncle Tom's Cabin
Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852 and became a significant anti-slavery novel that depicted the harsh realities of slavery in America. Stowe aimed to humanize enslaved individuals, showcasing their suffering and moral integrity. The book contributed to the abolitionist movement and caused widespread discussion on slavery.
Herman Melville - Billy Budd
Billy Budd was published posthumously in 1924 and tells the story of a young sailor who is wrongfully convicted of mutiny. The novella explores themes of good versus evil, innocent suffering, and the nature of justice. Melville's complex narrative structure and philosophical undertones reflect the struggles between morality and the law.
Washington Irving - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Published in 1820, this short story is set in a small town near the Tarry Town of New York. The story features Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the legendary Headless Horseman. Irving's tale reflects themes of superstition, folklore, and the contrast between the rational and the supernatural.
Washington Irving - Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle, published in 1819, follows a man who falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up 20 years later to a changed America. This story highlights themes of change, the passage of time, and the American Revolution's impact on society.
Leslie Marmon Silko - Ceremony
Published in 1977, Ceremony is a novel that addresses the struggles of a young Native American man returning to his community after World War II. Silko weaves together tradition and modernity, exploring themes of identity, healing, and the importance of cultural heritage.
