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Semester 3: AMERICAN LITERATURE-II
Poetry: The Meadow Mouse (Roethke), Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Chief Dan George
Poetry: The Meadow Mouse, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Chief Dan George
Roethke's poem explores the small yet significant life of a meadow mouse, embodying themes of nature, existence, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Nature
Existential Reflection
Interconnectivity
Imagistic and lyrical, emphasizing sensory details of the natural world.
Whitman's poetry celebrates democracy, individuality, and the collective experience of humanity. His free verse style breaks traditional poetic structures.
Democracy
Individuality
Nature
Free verse with a rhythmic and expansive quality.
Dickinson's poems often delve into themes of death, immortality, and the inner self, using concise language and slant rhyme.
Death
Immortality
Isolation
Short, compact lines with unexpected capitalization and punctuation.
Angelou's works reflect on identity, racism, and resilience. Her poetry often serves as a powerful voice of strength and defiance.
Identity
Racism
Resilience
Accessible and impactful, blending lyrical language with autobiographical elements.
As a poet and actor, Chief Dan George's work addresses Indigenous identity and cultural heritage, emphasizing connection to nature and ancestral wisdom.
Indigenous Identity
Cultural Heritage
Nature
Simple yet profound, often reflecting oral tradition and storytelling.
Drama: Lorraine Hansberry (Raisin in the Sun)
Drama: Lorraine Hansberry (Raisin in the Sun)
Historical Context
Raisin in the Sun premiered in 1959, during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. The play highlights the struggles of African American families in a racially segregated society, reflecting the societal issues of the time.
Character Analysis
The play features a range of characters including Walter Lee Younger, Beneatha Younger, and Lena Younger. Each character represents different aspirations and conflicts within the African American experience, showcasing their desires for a better life.
Themes
Major themes in the play include dreams and aspirations, identity and race, family and generational conflict, and the impact of societal pressures. The characters' dreams often clash with external realities, leading to tension and conflict.
Symbolism
The title itself is a metaphor for aspirations and the struggle for a better life. The house the family wishes to purchase symbolizes their hopes for a future free from racial discrimination.
Literary Techniques
Hansberry employs various literary techniques including realism, symbolism, and rich character development. The dialogue reflects the cultural and social backgrounds of the characters, providing depth to their experiences.
Impact and Legacy
Raisin in the Sun was groundbreaking as it was one of the first plays to portray African American family life on Broadway. It has influenced numerous works and remains relevant in discussions of race, class, and identity in America.
Prose: Emerson (The American Scholar), Poe (Philosophy of Composition)
Prose: Emerson (The American Scholar), Poe (Philosophy of Composition)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson was a transcendentalist who emphasized individuality and self-reliance. In The American Scholar, he advocates for the intellectual independence of Americans. He critiques the influence of literature from Europe and encourages a distinctly American voice. Emerson believes in the power of nature and the human mind to develop new ideas, urging scholars to engage with their environment.
The American Scholar
Emerson's speech defines the role of the American scholar as a thinker and creator. He outlines the importance of action and practical engagement with the world. He stresses the need for scholars to draw from three sources: nature, books, and actions of men. This work is considered a foundational text in American literature as it establishes the notion of the self-reliant intellectual.
Edgar Allan Poe
Poe is renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly in horror and mystery. His essay, Philosophy of Composition, provides insight into his creative process. Poe examines the mechanics of writing, focusing on the effect of a poem or story on readers. He emphasizes unity of effect, where every element of a story should contribute to its overall emotional response.
Philosophy of Composition
In this essay, Poe argues that writers should carefully plan their works, prioritizing an emotional response over a narrative. He highlights the significance of the title, the setting, and character development in achieving a singular effect. Poe's analytical approach to writing contrasts with Emerson's more intuitive views, showcasing a debate between creation and method.
Comparative Analysis
Both Emerson and Poe address the nature of American literature but from different perspectives. Emerson champions individualism and the importance of personal experience, while Poe focuses on structured creativity and emotional impact. Their works reflect the diverse landscape of 19th-century American thought, highlighting the tension between philosophy and practical writing.
Novels: Hawthorne (Young Goodman Brown), Toni Morrison (Beloved), Mark Twain (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
Novels: Hawthorne (Young Goodman Brown), Toni Morrison (Beloved), Mark Twain (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)
Nathaniel Hawthorne - Young Goodman Brown
Young Goodman Brown is a short story that explores themes of faith, temptation, and the duality of human nature. The protagonist, Goodman Brown, embarks on a journey into the forest, where he encounters figures that challenge his perception of reality and morality. The story reflects Hawthorne's fascination with Puritanism and the inherent darkness in mankind.
Toni Morrison - Beloved
Beloved addresses the complex legacy of slavery and its impact on identity and memory. Set after the Civil War, the novel follows Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman haunted by her past. It delves into themes of motherhood, trauma, and the struggle for self-ownership. Morrison's use of magical realism adds depth to the emotional and psychological struggles faced by her characters.
Mark Twain - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a novel focusing on childhood and the adventures of a young boy in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Through the eyes of Tom, Twain explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and morality. The novel captures the essence of boyhood with humor and critique of societal norms, as well as the quest for adventure and the innocence of youth.
