Formation of American Literary Identity

Definition

The formation of American literary identity refers to the development of a distinct body of literature that reflects the unique cultural, social, and political experiences of the American people. This identity emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, shaped by influences from British literature as well as the distinct American landscapes, philosophies, and historical contexts that contributed to a growing sense of nationalism among writers and their audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The early American literary identity was heavily influenced by British authors like Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth, whose styles and themes were adapted by American writers.
2. Key figures such as Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe helped define a uniquely American narrative voice through their stories and poems, moving away from British literary conventions.
3. The Revolutionary War inspired a sense of national pride among American writers, who began to explore themes of freedom, democracy, and individualism in their works.
4. The publication of works like Ralph Waldo Emerson's essays and Walt Whitman's poetry marked significant moments in the emergence of a distinct American literary identity.
5. American literature started to focus more on local themes, folklore, and regional dialects as writers sought to represent the diverse experiences across the vast nation.

Review Questions

• How did British literature influence early American writers in shaping their literary identity?
  • British literature provided early American writers with stylistic elements and thematic inspiration. Authors such as Shakespeare and Milton served as benchmarks for quality and creativity. However, as American writers adapted these influences, they began to incorporate distinctly American themes and settings, thereby forging a unique literary voice that reflected their own cultural context and societal experiences.
• In what ways did the Revolutionary War contribute to the development of an American literary identity?
  • The Revolutionary War played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of national pride among American writers. As authors responded to the ideals of freedom and democracy inherent in the war's rhetoric, they began to craft narratives that celebrated individualism and liberty. This shift not only helped distinguish their works from British literature but also inspired a collective consciousness centered around a shared national experience.
• Evaluate how movements like Transcendentalism and Romanticism shaped the formation of American literary identity during the 19th century.
  • Transcendentalism and Romanticism significantly shaped American literary identity by emphasizing personal experience and emotion over rationalism. Writers such as Emerson and Thoreau promoted ideas about nature, spirituality, and individualism that resonated with a growing sense of nationalism. These movements encouraged authors to break away from European conventions and embrace themes rooted in American landscapes, cultural values, and social issues, thus establishing a rich tapestry of literature that defined America during this period.

Related terms

Transcendentalism: A philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature, which influenced the American literary identity.

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that prioritized emotion, nature, and the glorification of the past, significantly impacting American writers' approach to literature during the 19th century.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation, which played a crucial role in shaping American literature as writers sought to express their national identity.