American Literature

American literature has ever been the literature of rebellion. The writings of the Neoclassic writers of the pre-Revolutionary and Revolutionary War list the logical and philosophical mindset of its patriots, even against accusations of treason. The birth of the American Romantic and Transcendental writers mirrored the themes and images of British and German Romanticism, but carved their own meaning and purpose from their environs, just as the country carved its own place in the continent, and on the world stage. The Victorian Age furthered the voice of the United States, and writers and poets both commented and created American culture with their works in a circle of action and reaction, creation and inspiration. With the turn of the 20th century, the United States of America was rising to the forefront of technology and business and politics, and, with the advent of WWI and WWII, continued to take steps ahead in culture, both for its own and for that of the world.

The United States has a tumultuous and storied history, and its literary voice is no less experienced and varied. In class, follow along as we travel, study, and read alongside some of the most seminal writers and poets and artists of each age: from slave to free, from rich to poor, from life to death, from peace to war, and from the successes and mistakes of the United States of America.

Each major Unit of study in American Literature will feature elements about the historical time period, the genre, and several small works that are included within the time period itself. Each major Unit of study will also feature an anchor text, which will suffice to focus students' attention as a paragon example of the time period, and as a piece of classic literature.

American Literature - Colonial America and the Revolutionary War

American Literature - American Romanticism and Transcendentalism

American Literature - American Victorianism and the Gilded Age

American Literature - American Modernism and the Lost Generation