History of American Literature | American Literature | American Literary Periods and Movements

Summary

In this video, the speaker provides an engaging overview of the key periods and movements in American literature. From the Colonial Period through to the Contemporary Period, viewers learn about significant historical events and influential writers like Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Toni Morrison. The video also covers literary movements such as Transcendentalism, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and the Beat Generation, offering a comprehensive look at how American literature evolved over the centuries. This summary is perfect for those looking to understand the major themes and authors in American literary history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Colonial Period (1607–1776) marks the beginning of American literature with early works influenced by British colonization, featuring authors like Benjamin Franklin and Cotton Mather.
• 😀 The Early National Period (1776–1830) follows America’s independence, with writers like Thomas Jefferson, Washington Irving, and James Fenimore Cooper shaping the nation's literary identity.
• 😀 The Romantic Age (1830–1865) emphasizes emotion, individualism, and nature, with key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Herman Melville defining the era.
• 😀 The Realistic Period (1865–1900) emerges after the Civil War, with literature focusing on the harsh realities of life, as seen in works by Mark Twain and Edith Wharton.
• 😀 The Naturalist Period (1900) is influenced by Darwin's theories of survival, with writers like Theodore Dreiser and Jack London exploring human struggle and fate.
• 😀 The Modernist Period (1914–1945) responds to the disillusionment following WWI, introducing fragmented storytelling and new forms of expression with authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.
• 😀 The 1920s, known as the Jazz Age and Roaring 20s, is marked by prosperity and cultural change, which F. Scott Fitzgerald captures in *The Great Gatsby*.
• 😀 The Lost Generation (1920s) refers to American writers who emigrated to Europe after WWI, feeling alienated from the post-war American society, including authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
• 😀 The Contemporary Period (1945–Present) reflects post-WWII America with a focus on issues of race, identity, and social change, highlighted by authors like Toni Morrison and Alice Walker.
• 😀 The Beat Generation of the 1950s challenges societal norms through formless poetry, colloquial language, and jazz-inspired style, with writers like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac leading the movement.

Q & A

What was the first permanent British colony in America, and when was it established?

The first permanent British colony in America was established in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

Which two figures are highlighted as pioneers of the American Revolution in the Colonial Period?

Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine are highlighted as pioneers of the American Revolution during the Colonial Period.

What significant event occurred on July 4, 1776, and what change followed it?

On July 4, 1776, America gained independence from Britain, and the nation's name changed from the United Colonies of America to the United States of America.

What is transcendentalism, and who were its key proponents during the Romantic Age?

Transcendentalism was a literary and philosophical movement emphasizing individual intuition and the connection between humans and nature. Key proponents included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman.

How did the American Civil War influence the Realistic Period of American literature?

The American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865, marked the beginning of the Realistic Period. This period was characterized by a focus on the harsh realities of life, contrasting with the idealism of earlier literary movements.

What are the key characteristics of the Realistic Period in American literature?

The Realistic Period, which followed the Civil War, focused on realism, portraying the everyday struggles and hardships of life. It was also known as the Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, which highlighted economic growth and consumerism.

What is naturalism, and which famous authors are associated with it?

Naturalism was a literary movement influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, focusing on survival and the impact of environment on human beings. Notable naturalist authors include Theodore Dreiser and Jack London.

What major cultural and literary shifts occurred during the Modernist Period (1914-1945)?

The Modernist Period saw a shift toward new styles and themes, influenced by the aftermath of World War I. Poets like Ezra Pound and Robert Frost, as well as novelists like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, explored modern themes of disillusionment, individualism, and experimentation in form.

What was the 'Lost Generation,' and which authors were associated with it?

The 'Lost Generation' refers to a group of American writers who were disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and often lived in Europe. Notable authors from this generation include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and John Dos Passos.

What is the Beat Generation, and what are its defining characteristics?

The Beat Generation was a literary movement in the 1950s that rejected traditional societal norms, using unconventional language and focusing on themes of alienation and spiritual exploration. Notable writers include Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs.

How did African American writers contribute to American literature during the Contemporary Period?

During the Contemporary Period, African American writers like Toni Morrison and Alice Walker gained prominence, producing influential works such as 'Beloved' and 'The Color Purple' that explored racial identity, history, and social struggles.

What were some of the key literary movements and authors of the Contemporary Period in American literature?

The Contemporary Period (post-1945) saw the rise of the Beat Generation and significant contributions from authors such as Jack Kerouac, Norman Mailer, and Philip Roth. It also included influential poets like Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, as well as playwrights like Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams.