All about American Literature

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American literature encompasses the body of written and literary works produced within the geographical bounds of the United States and its preceding colonies. This rich tradition has evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences that have shaped the nation. For more focused explorations of American poetry and theater, one might turn to dedicated studies on the Poetry of the United States or Theater in the United States, which delve into these specific genres in greater detail.

In the early stages of its development, American literature was deeply intertwined with the broader tradition of English literature. This connection is rooted in the fact that the United States began as a collection of British colonies situated along the eastern seaboard of what is now the present-day United States. As a result, much of the literary output from this period was heavily influenced by English literary forms, themes, and styles.

However, as America began to forge its identity as an independent nation, its literature gradually took on distinctive characteristics that set it apart from its British origins. The unique experiences, landscapes, and cultural dynamics of the American people gave rise to a literary tradition that, while initially linked to English literature, eventually diverged and blossomed into a separate and distinct path. Today, American literature is recognized for its unique voice and contribution to the global literary canon, standing as a testament to the country's complex and multifaceted history.

Table of Contents

All About American Literature
Table of Contents
Introduction
Colonial Literature
Post-Independence
First American Novels
Unique American Style
American Poetry
Poetry in the Colonies
Postcolonial Poetry
Whitman and Dickinson
Modernism and After
World War II and After
American Poetry Today
Realism, Twain and James
Turn of the 20th Century
Theater of the United States
Early History
Pre-War Theatre
Post-War Theatre
The 20th Century Theatre
Drama
American Theatre Today
Depression-Era Literature
The Postwar Novel
Short Fiction and Poetry
Contemporary American Literature
Minority Literatures
Nobel Prize in Literature winners (American authors)