American literature is the written or literary work produced in the area of the United States and its preceding colonies. During its early history, America was a series of British colonies on the eastern coast of the present-day United States. Therefore, its literary tradition begins as linked to the broader tradition of English literature. However, unique American characteristics and the breadth of its production usually now cause it to be considered a separate path and tradition.
This course covers selected works in American literature from its beginnings to 1865. Emphasis is placed on historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in their historical and cultural contexts.
Bittle, Jade. "American Literature I." Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, 2013. PDF.
American Literature from 1600 Through the 1850s by Fiercely nationalistic in their espousal of independence and, later, their critique of democracys shortcomings and faith in their newfound nations potential, the first prominent American writers exhibited a profound pride in the territory that would come to be known as the United States. Predating even the Declaration of Independence, much early American writing entailed commentary on the newly developing American society. As it evolved from political to literary in nature, American writing increasingly began to distinguish itself on the world stage. This volume examines the literature of the country in its nascence and writers such as Poe, Hawthorne, and Emerson, who helped cultivate a uniquely American voice.
American Literature by As part of the Penguin Academic series, American Literature offers a wide array of authors from Christopher Columbus to Rebecca Harding Davis. In addition to many poems, stories, and essays, it includes the complete texts of Mary Rowlandson's captivity narrative, Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," Frederick Douglass's salve narrative, and Herman Melville's "Benito Cereno."
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