Periods of American Literature

American literature has evolved through distinct periods, each reflecting the nation's changing identity and values. From early settlers' writings to contemporary voices, these eras showcase the diverse themes and styles that shape our understanding of American culture.

1. Colonial Period (1607-1765)

   • Focused on the experiences of early settlers and their interactions with Native Americans.
   • Predominantly religious and didactic literature, including sermons and diaries.
   • Notable works include "The Bay Psalm Book" and writings by Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards.

2. Revolutionary Period (1765-1790)

   • Literature served as a tool for political change, emphasizing liberty and independence.
   • Key figures include Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet "Common Sense" inspired revolution.
   • The period saw the emergence of foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.

3. Early National Period (1790-1828)

   • Marked by the establishment of a national identity and the exploration of American themes.
   • Notable authors include Washington Irving and the emergence of the American short story.
   • The period also saw the rise of Romanticism and the influence of European literature.

4. Romantic Period (1828-1865)

   • Emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often in reaction to industrialization.
   • Key writers include Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Walt Whitman.
   • The period also featured transcendentalism, with figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

5. Realism and Naturalism (1865-1914)

   • Focused on depicting everyday life and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
   • Prominent authors include Mark Twain, Henry James, and Stephen Crane.
   • Naturalism often portrayed a more deterministic view of life, influenced by scientific thought.

6. Modernism (1914-1945)

   • Characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new perspectives and techniques.
   • Key themes include disillusionment, fragmentation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
   • Notable writers include F. Scott Fitzgerald, T.S. Eliot, and Ernest Hemingway.

7. Contemporary Period (1945-present)

   • Diverse voices and styles, reflecting a wide range of cultural and social issues.
   • The rise of postmodernism, questioning narratives and embracing irony and playfulness.
   • Important authors include Toni Morrison, Don DeLillo, and Jhumpa Lahiri, exploring identity and globalization.