A Review of American A Review of American Literature – from the Literature – from the

beginning to Nowbeginning to NowAP English ReviewAP English Review

Mrs. DibbleMrs. Dibble

A New Land, A New LiteratureA New Land, A New Literature The PuritansThe Puritans

- not essential to American Literary tradition however, the American - not essential to American Literary tradition however, the American character was shaped by the moral, ethical, and religious convictions of character was shaped by the moral, ethical, and religious convictions of the Puritansthe Puritans- the 1- the 1stst Puritans arrived in 1620 and by 1640, 20,000 Puritans had arrived Puritans arrived in 1620 and by 1640, 20,000 Puritans had arrived- who were the Puritans? Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church - who were the Puritans? Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church of England. Wanted simpler form of worship – for them religion was a of England. Wanted simpler form of worship – for them religion was a personal, inner experiencepersonal, inner experience

Cont.Cont.

- - Believed in predestination and the Believed in predestination and the ideas of original sin. Believed that ideas of original sin. Believed that Jesus was sent to earth to save a select Jesus was sent to earth to save a select group (the elect).group (the elect).- They believed you could feel grace - They believed you could feel grace arriving and that after receiving grace, arriving and that after receiving grace, you were rebornyou were reborn- valued self-reliance, industriousness, - valued self-reliance, industriousness, temperance, and simplicitytemperance, and simplicity- Bible was guiding force and most - Bible was guiding force and most literature referred to and paid reverence literature referred to and paid reverence to Godto God- Anne Bradstreet – 1- Anne Bradstreet – 1stst published poet published poet- Edward Taylor – America’s best - Edward Taylor – America’s best Puritan poetPuritan poet- John Smith – helped lay foundation - John Smith – helped lay foundation for American Literaturefor American Literature

The American Revolutionary The American Revolutionary Period 1750-1800Period 1750-1800

Writing was meant for a public Writing was meant for a public audienceaudience

Consisted of letters, pamphlets, Consisted of letters, pamphlets, declarations, speeches, and essaysdeclarations, speeches, and essays

Abigail Adams’ letters were an early Abigail Adams’ letters were an early campaign for women’s rightscampaign for women’s rights

Hector St. Jean de Crevecoeur’s Hector St. Jean de Crevecoeur’s Letters helped establish national Letters helped establish national identity and coined the term “melting identity and coined the term “melting pot”pot”

Ben Franklin became symbol for Ben Franklin became symbol for success gained by hard work and success gained by hard work and common sense – known for his common sense – known for his autobiography and autobiography and Poor Richard’s Poor Richard’s AlmanacAlmanac

Thomas Jefferson considered finest Thomas Jefferson considered finest writer of the erawriter of the era

Thomas Paine’s Thomas Paine’s The CrisisThe Crisis helped helped propel us into warpropel us into war

True American Literature – the True American Literature – the Romantic Period 1800-1840Romantic Period 1800-1840

Values feeling and intuition over reasonValues feeling and intuition over reason Places faith in inner experience and the power of the Places faith in inner experience and the power of the

imagination imagination Shuns the artificiality of civilizations and seeks unspoiled Shuns the artificiality of civilizations and seeks unspoiled

naturenature Prefers youthful innocence to educated sophisticationPrefers youthful innocence to educated sophistication Champions individual freedom and the worth of the individualChampions individual freedom and the worth of the individual Contemplates nature’s beauty as a path to spiritual and moral Contemplates nature’s beauty as a path to spiritual and moral

developmentdevelopment Looks backward to the wisdom of the past and distrusts Looks backward to the wisdom of the past and distrusts

progressprogress Finds beauty and truth in exotic locales, the supernatural realm, Finds beauty and truth in exotic locales, the supernatural realm,

and the inner world of the imaginationand the inner world of the imagination Sees poetry as the highest expression of the imaginationSees poetry as the highest expression of the imagination Finds inspiration in myth, legend, and folk cultureFinds inspiration in myth, legend, and folk culture

Time Line of EventsTime Line of Events 1803 Louisiana Purchase extends 1803 Louisiana Purchase extends

nation’s territory to Rockies.nation’s territory to Rockies. 1804 Lewis and Clark begin 1804 Lewis and Clark begin

exploring and mapping West.exploring and mapping West. 1807 Fulton’s steamboat makes 11807 Fulton’s steamboat makes 1stst

rip from NYC to Albany.rip from NYC to Albany. 1812 US declares war on Great 1812 US declares war on Great

Britain; early battles are at sea.Britain; early battles are at sea. 1814 Bombardment of Fort 1814 Bombardment of Fort

McHenry – “The Star Spangled McHenry – “The Star Spangled Banner”Banner”

1820 Missouri Compromise – No 1820 Missouri Compromise – No slavery in new territoriesslavery in new territories

1825 Erie Canal success – canal 1825 Erie Canal success – canal building spurred throughout USbuilding spurred throughout US

1837 Samuel Morse patents 1837 Samuel Morse patents telegraph.telegraph.

1838 Cherokee “Trail of Tears” – 1838 Cherokee “Trail of Tears” – Georgia to OklahomaGeorgia to Oklahoma

1846 Mexican War begins1846 Mexican War begins 1848 California Gold Rush begins1848 California Gold Rush begins 1848 Women’s Rights Convention 1848 Women’s Rights Convention

held in Seneca Falls, NYheld in Seneca Falls, NY

Historical BackgroundHistorical Background In 1800, the US consisted In 1800, the US consisted

of 16 states, all clustered of 16 states, all clustered on the east coaston the east coast

L.P. doubled the size of the L.P. doubled the size of the USUS

This rapid growth = This rapid growth = national pride and self-national pride and self-awarenessawareness

Canals, turnpikes, and Canals, turnpikes, and railroads boomed.railroads boomed.

Steamboats and sailing Steamboats and sailing packets helped speed packets helped speed people and goods to people and goods to destinations.destinations.

Writers to KnowWriters to Know

Washington Irving – Father of Washington Irving – Father of American RomanticismAmerican Romanticism

Nathaniel Hawthorne – a dark Nathaniel Hawthorne – a dark RomanticRomantic

Edgar Allen Poe – a dark RomanticEdgar Allen Poe – a dark Romantic Herman Melville – a dark RomanticHerman Melville – a dark Romantic James Fennimore Cooper – creator of James Fennimore Cooper – creator of

the Romantic herothe Romantic hero

Washington Irving 1783-1859Washington Irving 1783-1859 Father of American Literature Father of American Literature

- featured American settings - featured American settings and American “types”and American “types”

11stst American writer to achieve American writer to achieve international reputation and international reputation and was the central figure in the was the central figure in the American lit scene til Civil American lit scene til Civil War.War.

Wrote short stories, travel Wrote short stories, travel books, and satires. books, and satires.

His most famous works – His most famous works – “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Rip Van Winkle,” and “The “Rip Van Winkle,” and “The Devil and Tom Walker”Devil and Tom Walker”

Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804-1864Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804-1864

The dark RomanticThe dark Romantic Cornered the market on sin and Cornered the market on sin and

guilt, including consequences of guilt, including consequences of pride, selfishness, and concealed pride, selfishness, and concealed culpabilityculpability

Known for endings that are Known for endings that are ambiguousambiguous

Almost all of his work, including Almost all of his work, including The Scarlet LetterThe Scarlet Letter, deals with , deals with people who are torn between tragic people who are torn between tragic evil of human nature and a human evil of human nature and a human sympathy for our natural passionssympathy for our natural passions

Showed keen psychological Showed keen psychological insights that paved the way for his insights that paved the way for his friend Melville and the 20friend Melville and the 20thth century century novelist William Faulknernovelist William Faulkner

Edgar Allen Poe 1809 - 1849Edgar Allen Poe 1809 - 1849

Despite a lousy childhood and some Despite a lousy childhood and some serious substance abuse problems, serious substance abuse problems, Poe wrote landmark criticism and Poe wrote landmark criticism and memorable poetrymemorable poetry

Created the modern short story, with Created the modern short story, with its unity of character, detail, and its unity of character, detail, and moodmood

Created the detective storyCreated the detective story His psychotic murder stories paved His psychotic murder stories paved

the way for such pop-culture icons the way for such pop-culture icons as Norman Bates and Freddy as Norman Bates and Freddy Kruger.Kruger.

Famous works include “The Tell-Famous works include “The Tell-tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” “The Raven,” “The Gold Bug,” and Raven,” “The Gold Bug,” and “Murders in the Rue Morgue”“Murders in the Rue Morgue”

Comments by his Comments by his ContemporariesContemporaries

Uneasy with Poe’s strong use of rhythm, the famous 19Uneasy with Poe’s strong use of rhythm, the famous 19 thth century philosopher Emerson called him “the Jingle century philosopher Emerson called him “the Jingle Man”Man”

Novelist Henry James though an enthusiasm for Poe was Novelist Henry James though an enthusiasm for Poe was “the mark of a decidedly primitive stage of reflection”“the mark of a decidedly primitive stage of reflection”

Poet T.S. Eliot said Poe’s intellect was that of a “highly Poet T.S. Eliot said Poe’s intellect was that of a “highly gifted young person before puberty gifted young person before puberty

Writer James Russell Lowell characterized Poe as Writer James Russell Lowell characterized Poe as “three-fifths genius and two-fifths sheer fudge”“three-fifths genius and two-fifths sheer fudge”

““To me, Poe’s prose is unreadable – like Jane Austen’s,” To me, Poe’s prose is unreadable – like Jane Austen’s,” Mark Twain said. “No, there is a difference. I could Mark Twain said. “No, there is a difference. I could read his prose on salary, but not Jane’s.”read his prose on salary, but not Jane’s.”

Authors influenced by PoeAuthors influenced by Poe

New England poet E.A. New England poet E.A. RobinsonRobinson

Novelist Frank NorrisNovelist Frank Norris Novelist Theodore DreiserNovelist Theodore Dreiser Southern writer William Southern writer William

FaulknerFaulkner British mystery writer Sir British mystery writer Sir

Arthur Conan DoyleArthur Conan Doyle Irish playwright and critic Irish playwright and critic

George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw Horror master Stephen KingHorror master Stephen King

Herman Melville 1819-1891Herman Melville 1819-1891 Though recognized now as one Though recognized now as one

of America’s top novelists, of America’s top novelists, Melville was not recognized by Melville was not recognized by many of his peers for his geniusmany of his peers for his genius

Born into a distinguished family Born into a distinguished family but due to his father going but due to his father going bankrupt when he was young, bankrupt when he was young, finances went sour – he ended up finances went sour – he ended up going out to sea when he was 20 going out to sea when he was 20 as a cabin boy. Later was out on as a cabin boy. Later was out on whaling boats, spent time on whaling boats, spent time on islands inhabited by cannibals, islands inhabited by cannibals, roamed the South seas, ended up roamed the South seas, ended up in US Navyin US Navy

Moby DickMoby Dick is considered is considered America’s greatest prose epic – a America’s greatest prose epic – a tale of man’s pursuit of revengetale of man’s pursuit of revenge

James Fenimore Cooper James Fenimore Cooper 1789-18511789-1851

America’s first successful America’s first successful novelist – although he wrote novelist – although he wrote about both the sea and novels of about both the sea and novels of manners, his most famous are a manners, his most famous are a series of 5 novels about Natty series of 5 novels about Natty Bumppo (1Bumppo (1stst American hero) – American hero) – The Pioneers, The Last of the The Pioneers, The Last of the Mohicans, The Prairie, The Mohicans, The Prairie, The Pathfinder, and The DeerslayerPathfinder, and The Deerslayer

He raised the American frontier He raised the American frontier experience to epic proportions experience to epic proportions and helped define the American and helped define the American character as we know it todaycharacter as we know it today

His prose was laden with His prose was laden with description of truly American description of truly American places – much centered around places – much centered around upstate NYupstate NY

Characteristics of the American Characteristics of the American Romantic HeroRomantic Hero

Is young or possesses youthful Is young or possesses youthful qualitiesqualities

Is innocent and pure of purposeIs innocent and pure of purpose Has a sense of honor based not on Has a sense of honor based not on

society’s rules but on some higher society’s rules but on some higher principleprinciple

Has a knowledge of people and of Has a knowledge of people and of life based on deep, intuitive life based on deep, intuitive understanding, not on formal understanding, not on formal learninglearning

Loves nature and avoids town lifeLoves nature and avoids town life Quests for some higher truth in the Quests for some higher truth in the

natural worldnatural world

The Transcendentalists – Part of The Transcendentalists – Part of Romanticism but to a New LevelRomanticism but to a New Level

Also known as the American RenaissanceAlso known as the American Renaissance A reaction to a too rational Unitarian religious A reaction to a too rational Unitarian religious

movementmovement Consider all characteristics of Romanticism and Consider all characteristics of Romanticism and

remember that no movement “just happened” - remember that no movement “just happened” - also remember that Romanticism was also going also remember that Romanticism was also going on in Europeon in Europe

Nature is always going to be keyNature is always going to be key Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson Henry David ThoreauHenry David Thoreau Walt WhitmanWalt Whitman Emily Dickinson Emily Dickinson Louisa May AlcottLouisa May Alcott Harriet Beecher StoweHarriet Beecher Stowe

Characteristics of Characteristics of Transcendentalism (to go beyond)Transcendentalism (to go beyond)

Everything in the world, including human beings, is a Everything in the world, including human beings, is a reflection of the Divine Soulreflection of the Divine Soul

The physical facts of the natural world are a doorway The physical facts of the natural world are a doorway to the spiritual or ideal worldto the spiritual or ideal world

People can use their intuition to behold God’s spirit People can use their intuition to behold God’s spirit revealed in Nature or in their own soulsrevealed in Nature or in their own souls

Self-reliance and individualism must outweigh Self-reliance and individualism must outweigh external authority and blind conformity to custom and external authority and blind conformity to custom and traditiontradition

Spontaneous feelings and intuitions are superior to Spontaneous feelings and intuitions are superior to deliberate intellectualism and rationalitydeliberate intellectualism and rationality

Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson Born in Boston in 1803 to a family that Born in Boston in 1803 to a family that

was cultured but poorwas cultured but poor Dad died when he was eight, but Mom Dad died when he was eight, but Mom

took in boarders to make moneytook in boarders to make money Family decided he would follow the Family decided he would follow the

eight generations of Emersons before eight generations of Emersons before him – he would be a minister. He him – he would be a minister. He reluctantly obeyed.reluctantly obeyed.

Entered Harvard at fourteenEntered Harvard at fourteen An indifferent student , read widely An indifferent student , read widely

(philosophy and religion)(philosophy and religion) With hesitance, became a ministerWith hesitance, became a minister

Cont. Cont. Married his love – 17 year old Ellen Tucker Married his love – 17 year old Ellen Tucker

who was already sick with T.B.who was already sick with T.B. When she died, his skepticism in religion When she died, his skepticism in religion

increased, he quit the church, went to Europe, increased, he quit the church, went to Europe, and observed life.and observed life.

Came back to US in 1833, remarried, and Came back to US in 1833, remarried, and supplemented his income by lecturing – “Let us supplemented his income by lecturing – “Let us unfetter ourselves of our historical associations unfetter ourselves of our historical associations and find a pure standard in the idea of man.”and find a pure standard in the idea of man.”

Believed individual souls were part of Believed individual souls were part of something bigger – the Over-Soulsomething bigger – the Over-Soul

Due to his growing fame, Concord, Mass. Due to his growing fame, Concord, Mass. became a Mecca for intellectuals who became a Mecca for intellectuals who considered Emerson their guru. considered Emerson their guru.

Although his lectures are optimist, the death of Although his lectures are optimist, the death of his five year old son, Waldo, caused him to fall his five year old son, Waldo, caused him to fall into depression and later he started to lose his into depression and later he started to lose his memorymemory

Most Famous WorksMost Famous Works

NatureNature “…“…the currents of the Universal Being circulate through the currents of the Universal Being circulate through

me, I am part and parcel of God.”me, I am part and parcel of God.” ““If the single man plant himself indomitably on his If the single man plant himself indomitably on his

instincts, and there abide, the huge world will come round instincts, and there abide, the huge world will come round to him.”to him.”

Self-RelianceSelf-Reliance ““To be great is to be misunderstood.”To be great is to be misunderstood.” ““There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives There is a time in every man’s education when he arrives

at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide.”suicide.”

Henry David ThoreauHenry David Thoreau

Born in Concord; dad was a pencil-Born in Concord; dad was a pencil-maker; mom took in boarders; he spent maker; mom took in boarders; he spent his free time in the woods, often with a his free time in the woods, often with a fishing pole, seldom with a gun.fishing pole, seldom with a gun.

Went to Harvard; was eccentric (it was Went to Harvard; was eccentric (it was required to wear a black coat to chapel, required to wear a black coat to chapel, so he wore a green one). so he wore a green one).

Got mediocre grades but read lots and Got mediocre grades but read lots and was into the ideas of transcendentalismwas into the ideas of transcendentalism

On Walden PondOn Walden Pond Emerson offered Thoreau some of his land on Emerson offered Thoreau some of his land on

Walden Pond and that is where he went to find a Walden Pond and that is where he went to find a simple life.simple life.

Thoreau’s most famous work – Thoreau’s most famous work – WaldenWalden – spoke of – spoke of his view that man’s most “vital facts of life” lay his view that man’s most “vital facts of life” lay literally in their own back yards. literally in their own back yards.

He protested the Mexican War, which he saw as He protested the Mexican War, which he saw as an attempt to extend American slaveholding an attempt to extend American slaveholding territory, Thoreau refused to pay taxes.territory, Thoreau refused to pay taxes.

He helped escaped slaves make it to Canada and He helped escaped slaves make it to Canada and was a supporter of John Brown, the radical was a supporter of John Brown, the radical abolitionist who staged a raid at Harper’s Ferry.abolitionist who staged a raid at Harper’s Ferry.

His essay “Resistance to Civil Government” later His essay “Resistance to Civil Government” later inspired Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. The inspired Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Salvadorian people transformed his ideas into Salvadorian people transformed his ideas into their pursuit of civil rights.their pursuit of civil rights.

Opponents of the Vietnam War adapted his idea’s Opponents of the Vietnam War adapted his idea’s on Civil disobedience when they burned draft on Civil disobedience when they burned draft cards, staged sit-ins, and demonstrated non-cards, staged sit-ins, and demonstrated non-violentlyviolently

ThoreauThoreau ““I went to the woods because I wished to live I went to the woods because I wished to live

deliberately, to front only the essential facts of deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”that I had not lived.”

““The government is best which governs not at The government is best which governs not at all.”all.”

Walt WhitmanWalt Whitman Whitman created new poetic forms and Whitman created new poetic forms and

subjects to fashion a distinctly subjects to fashion a distinctly American type of poetic expressionAmerican type of poetic expression

He rejected conventional themes, He rejected conventional themes, traditional literary references, traditional literary references, allusions, and rhyme – all the accepted allusions, and rhyme – all the accepted customs of the 19customs of the 19thth century century

He used long lines to capture the He used long lines to capture the rhythms of natural speech, free verse, rhythms of natural speech, free verse, and vocabulary drawn from everyday and vocabulary drawn from everyday speech.speech.

““I Hear America Singing” – catalog I Hear America Singing” – catalog poempoem

Song of MyselfSong of Myself – empathized with all – empathized with all people (black, Indian, women). Didn’t people (black, Indian, women). Didn’t care about race or sexual orientation.care about race or sexual orientation.

““O Captain, My Captain” – a tribute to O Captain, My Captain” – a tribute to the fallen Lincoln the fallen Lincoln

Emily DickinsonEmily Dickinson

““Success is counted sweetestSuccess is counted sweetestBy those who ne’er succeed.By those who ne’er succeed.To comprehend a nectarTo comprehend a nectarRequires sorest need.”Requires sorest need.”

An agoraphobic – afraid of open spaces – from age 23 until her An agoraphobic – afraid of open spaces – from age 23 until her death 33 years later – dressed only in white and never left her house death 33 years later – dressed only in white and never left her house (rarely her room). (rarely her room).

Wrote nearly 2,000 poems in her lifetime, but published only seven Wrote nearly 2,000 poems in her lifetime, but published only seven – each anonymously– each anonymously

Her poems were published posthumously, by her sister LaviniaHer poems were published posthumously, by her sister Lavinia Her Five Main Themes: LOVE , NATURE, FRIENDSHIP, Her Five Main Themes: LOVE , NATURE, FRIENDSHIP,

DEATH, and IMMORTALITYDEATH, and IMMORTALITY Considered one of the founders of Modern American Poetry Considered one of the founders of Modern American Poetry

Her Poems Were Different…Her Poems Were Different… They looked different – where They looked different – where

were the sentences, the commas, were the sentences, the commas, semi-colons, the periods? Why semi-colons, the periods? Why all the dashes????all the dashes????

Her poems didn’t rhyme – used Her poems didn’t rhyme – used slant rhymeslant rhyme

Her figures of speech were too Her figures of speech were too striking for the day striking for the day

Her ideas were too radical – she Her ideas were too radical – she didn’t stick with warm and fuzzy didn’t stick with warm and fuzzy topics. Favored startling images topics. Favored startling images and outlooks. Paved the way for and outlooks. Paved the way for the Imagists of the 20the Imagists of the 20thth century. century.

Louisa May AlcottLouisa May Alcott

Her dad had been friends Her dad had been friends with Emersonwith Emerson

Worked, like Whitman, as a Worked, like Whitman, as a nurse during the Civil War. nurse during the Civil War. There, she contracted There, she contracted typhoid, from which she typhoid, from which she never completely recoverednever completely recovered

Harriet Beecher Harriet Beecher StoweStowe

Uncle Tom’s CabinUncle Tom’s Cabin was was the most influential the most influential book of the 19book of the 19thth century. century. It was the first book to It was the first book to sell a million copies and sell a million copies and touched readers across touched readers across the globe.the globe.

Uncle Tom’s CabinUncle Tom’s Cabin is is one of the most effective one of the most effective documents in American documents in American literature and helped literature and helped fuel the Civil Warfuel the Civil War

Stowe was the most Stowe was the most famous American famous American woman of her day.woman of her day.

The American Romantic PoetsThe American Romantic Poets

Much of their ideas were Much of their ideas were European and they European and they echoed much of the echoed much of the European techniquesEuropean techniques- William Cullen Bryant- William Cullen Bryant- Henry Wadsworth - Henry Wadsworth LongfellowLongfellow- John Greenleaf Whittier- John Greenleaf Whittier- Oliver Wendell Holmes- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Regionalism and RealismRegionalism and Realism From 1860 to 1914, the US was From 1860 to 1914, the US was

transformed from a small, young, transformed from a small, young, agricultural ex-colony into a huge, modern, agricultural ex-colony into a huge, modern, industrial nation. A debtor nation in 1860, industrial nation. A debtor nation in 1860, by 1914, America had become the world’s by 1914, America had become the world’s wealthiest country. Our population had wealthiest country. Our population had more than doubled, rising from 31 million more than doubled, rising from 31 million in 1860 to 76 million in 1900.in 1860 to 76 million in 1900.

As industrialization grew, so did alienation. As industrialization grew, so did alienation. Characteristic American novels of the Characteristic American novels of the period, including Stephen Crane’s period, including Stephen Crane’s Maggie: Maggie: A Girl of the StreetsA Girl of the Streets, Jack London’s , Jack London’s Martin Martin EdenEden, and Theodore Dreiser’s , and Theodore Dreiser’s An American An American TragedyTragedy, depict damage that economic , depict damage that economic forces and alienation wreak on the weak forces and alienation wreak on the weak and vulnerable. Survivors, like Twain’s and vulnerable. Survivors, like Twain’s Huck FinnHuck Finn, London’s , London’s VanderveydenVanderveyden, and , and Dreiser’s Sister Carrie, endure through Dreiser’s Sister Carrie, endure through luck, pluck, and strength.luck, pluck, and strength.

Mark Twain - The Master of Satire

In 1861, Samuel Clemens avoided the brewing Civil War by going west. He took his first writing job as reporter at the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. Serious news was often mixed with “reports” that had to be taken with a grain of salt. Soon, he began using the name Mark Twain and affixing it to sketches, reportage, and an occasional hoax. It was a time when he first discovered his talent, his calling, and his voice. His work pokes fun of many human foibles. He is also known for his extremely accurate use of dialects.

More TwainMore Twain

Though his most famous novel is criticized for being racist, Mark Twain never expected nor intended the controversy that arose with the publication of Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain was not racist, but depicted life in his times.

Other famous works include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, The Prince and the Pauper, and Puddn’head Wilson

The NaturalistsThe Naturalists A romanticist would say “Isn’t nature glorious?”A romanticist would say “Isn’t nature glorious?” A realist would say “That’s the way the cookie A realist would say “That’s the way the cookie

crumbles.”crumbles.” A naturalist would say “He was fated to die this way A naturalist would say “He was fated to die this way

– that it’s the inescapable effects of the man’s – that it’s the inescapable effects of the man’s environment and heredity.”environment and heredity.”

Naturalism, also called literary determinism, denies Naturalism, also called literary determinism, denies religion as a motivating fore in the world and instead religion as a motivating fore in the world and instead perceives the universe as a blind machine. This perceives the universe as a blind machine. This results in a bleak, realistic depiction of lower-class results in a bleak, realistic depiction of lower-class life.life.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics An individual’s life is An individual’s life is

determined by environment, determined by environment, heredity, and chanceheredity, and chance

Conditions, not people, are at Conditions, not people, are at fault for the way things turn outfault for the way things turn out

As a result of some crisis, the As a result of some crisis, the veneer of civilization can be veneer of civilization can be stripped away, leaving us with stripped away, leaving us with the animal withinthe animal within

Survival of the fittest and Survival of the fittest and natural selection govern people natural selection govern people as well as natureas well as nature

So why was this time period so grim?So why was this time period so grim? In 1860, most Americans lived on farms or in small villages, In 1860, most Americans lived on farms or in small villages,

but by 1919, half of the population was concentrated in about but by 1919, half of the population was concentrated in about 12 cities. This resulted in poor, overcrowded housing, 12 cities. This resulted in poor, overcrowded housing, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate restraints on business.unsanitary conditions, and inadequate restraints on business.

Labor unions grew out of this, and strikes brought the plight of Labor unions grew out of this, and strikes brought the plight of the working people to national awareness. Farmers struggled the working people to national awareness. Farmers struggled against robber barons like Morgan and Rockefeller.against robber barons like Morgan and Rockefeller.

Eastern banks controlled Western development and agriculture, Eastern banks controlled Western development and agriculture, while railroad companies charged high prices to transport farm while railroad companies charged high prices to transport farm goods to cities.goods to cities.

Robber barons ruled; no effective legislation was on the side of Robber barons ruled; no effective legislation was on the side of the laborer.the laborer.

Over 23 million foreigners – German, Scandinavian, and Irish Over 23 million foreigners – German, Scandinavian, and Irish in the early years and Central and Southern Europeans in the early years and Central and Southern Europeans thereafter – flowed into the US. Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino thereafter – flowed into the US. Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino contract laborers were called in for businesses on the West contract laborers were called in for businesses on the West Coast. This flood of laborers made it easier for industrialists to Coast. This flood of laborers made it easier for industrialists to keep salaries and working conditions at the rock bottom. keep salaries and working conditions at the rock bottom.

Key Terms to Associate w/ NaturalismKey Terms to Associate w/ Naturalism Atavism- the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of Atavism- the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of

some distant ancestor that have not been present in intervening some distant ancestor that have not been present in intervening generations, such as a hand like a hairy pawgenerations, such as a hand like a hairy paw

Darwinism- people who are best adapted to survive are chosen Darwinism- people who are best adapted to survive are chosen through the process of natural selectionthrough the process of natural selection

Determinism- all events follow natural lawsDeterminism- all events follow natural laws Nativism- the belief that the “true” Americans were those of Nativism- the belief that the “true” Americans were those of

earlier Anglo-Saxon descent, and that this “race” was under earlier Anglo-Saxon descent, and that this “race” was under threat from the growing influx of Central European and Asian threat from the growing influx of Central European and Asian immigrants immigrants

Nietzscheism – Friedrich Nietzsche’s belief in the “will to Nietzscheism – Friedrich Nietzsche’s belief in the “will to power” as the primary force of society and the individualpower” as the primary force of society and the individual

Racialism- A false science that argued different races possessed Racialism- A false science that argued different races possessed distinguishing traits that determined their particular behavior distinguishing traits that determined their particular behavior and achievement in societyand achievement in society

Scientism- the primacy of science over religious, mythical, or Scientism- the primacy of science over religious, mythical, or spiritual interpretations in lifespiritual interpretations in life

Social Darwinism- Applying the evolutionary ‘survival of the Social Darwinism- Applying the evolutionary ‘survival of the fittest’ concept to a world marked by struggle and competition. fittest’ concept to a world marked by struggle and competition.

Realists vs. NaturalistsRealists vs. Naturalists Naturalists are generally more pessimistic Naturalists are generally more pessimistic

than realists. A realist believes that than realists. A realist believes that people can make moral choices, while a people can make moral choices, while a naturalist does not.naturalist does not.

Naturalists believe that all actions are Naturalists believe that all actions are determined by heredity and/or determined by heredity and/or environment, and that individuals are environment, and that individuals are “trapped” by driving forces such as “trapped” by driving forces such as money, sex, and power. Realists, in money, sex, and power. Realists, in contrast, do not believe in determinism.contrast, do not believe in determinism.

Stephen Crane 1871-1900Stephen Crane 1871-1900““A man said to the universe:A man said to the universe:‘‘Sir, I exist!’Sir, I exist!’‘‘However,’ replied the universe,However,’ replied the universe,‘‘The fact has not created in meThe fact has not created in meA sense of obligation.’”A sense of obligation.’”• Crane was a literary terminator, attacking Crane was a literary terminator, attacking

long-standing traditions with a bold new style long-standing traditions with a bold new style and theme. He smashed through patriotism, and theme. He smashed through patriotism, nationalism, individualism, and organized nationalism, individualism, and organized religion to confront the meaninglessness of religion to confront the meaninglessness of the world.the world.

• Died of t.b. and malaria at age 28, but Died of t.b. and malaria at age 28, but published an amazing amount of work: five published an amazing amount of work: five novels, two volumes of poetry, three big story novels, two volumes of poetry, three big story collections, two books of war stories, and collections, two books of war stories, and countless works of short fiction and reporting.countless works of short fiction and reporting.

Cont. Cont. Born in Newark, NJ to a preacher Born in Newark, NJ to a preacher

and a fertile mama (he was kid and a fertile mama (he was kid #14).#14).

Didn’t start school until he was 8 Didn’t start school until he was 8 – liked baseball more than books– liked baseball more than books

Encouraged to be preacher but Encouraged to be preacher but transferred from seminary to transferred from seminary to military school to SU military school to SU

Was part of school newspaper. Was part of school newspaper. Published first novel by 22 and Published first novel by 22 and was a major success by 24 when was a major success by 24 when he published he published The Red Badge of The Red Badge of Courage.Courage.

Cont.Cont. Big on satireBig on satire Is considered to be one of the first naturalists Is considered to be one of the first naturalists

because of his belief in determinism: the because of his belief in determinism: the effects of environment, heredity, and chance effects of environment, heredity, and chance on human fate.on human fate.

Crane is most famous for writing Crane is most famous for writing The Red The Red Badge of CourageBadge of Courage, a novel set in the Civil War, a novel set in the Civil War

His works are generally VERY anti-warHis works are generally VERY anti-war His writing is celebrated for its images and His writing is celebrated for its images and

symbolismsymbolism

What did these folks concentrate What did these folks concentrate on?on?

HabitsHabits SpeechSpeech CustomsCustoms BeliefsBeliefsAlthough other Romantic/Realistic writers did Although other Romantic/Realistic writers did

try to truly portray their areas of the country, try to truly portray their areas of the country, local colorists stepped it up by rendering a local colorists stepped it up by rendering a given location, as well as being scrupulous in given location, as well as being scrupulous in their factual, realistic writingtheir factual, realistic writing

Jack LondonJack London Original rebel without a cause and Original rebel without a cause and

highest paid writer of his day highest paid writer of his day (earned more than $70,000 a year). (earned more than $70,000 a year).

Considered himself a socialist – ran Considered himself a socialist – ran repeatedly on the socialist ticket in repeatedly on the socialist ticket in Oakland, CA.Oakland, CA.

Lived hard and died young, 40.Lived hard and died young, 40. Spent the winter of 1897 in Yukon, Spent the winter of 1897 in Yukon,

giving himself tons to work w/ in his giving himself tons to work w/ in his storiesstories

His most famous works are His most famous works are The Call The Call of the Wildof the Wild, , White FangWhite Fang, and , and The The Sea WolfSea Wolf..

Frank Norris 1870-1902Frank Norris 1870-1902 Also lived hard and died youngAlso lived hard and died young Scorned the pale, bloodless romances of his Scorned the pale, bloodless romances of his

time, which he dismissed as the literature of time, which he dismissed as the literature of ‘chambermaids’.‘chambermaids’.

Norris embraced a red-blooded plunge into Norris embraced a red-blooded plunge into reality, where nothing exists but force. Under reality, where nothing exists but force. Under his hand, American fiction turned from his hand, American fiction turned from tentative realism to in-your-face naturalism.tentative realism to in-your-face naturalism.

Norris’ most famous novel – Norris’ most famous novel – McTeague, a McTeague, a Story of San Francisco Story of San Francisco – is a naturalistic tale – is a naturalistic tale of moral degeneration under economic of moral degeneration under economic pressures. The novel shows how a man’s pressures. The novel shows how a man’s long-suppressed animal instincts can break long-suppressed animal instincts can break through his civilized veneer.through his civilized veneer.

Theodore Dreiser 1871-1941Theodore Dreiser 1871-1941 The 12The 12thth of 13 kids, and only one of two of 13 kids, and only one of two

who didn’t end up a drunken bumwho didn’t end up a drunken bum Considered by many to be the leader in Considered by many to be the leader in

American naturalism. Remembered for American naturalism. Remembered for his stinging criticism of the genteel his stinging criticism of the genteel tradition. tradition.

In his fiction, Dreiser deals with social In his fiction, Dreiser deals with social problems and w/ characters who struggle problems and w/ characters who struggle to surviveto survive

His style (unfortunately) is known for His style (unfortunately) is known for being sprawling, shapeless novels and being sprawling, shapeless novels and clichéd writing. His most famous novel clichéd writing. His most famous novel is is An American Tragedy.An American Tragedy.

Wanted to show how life in America Wanted to show how life in America was indeed tragic.was indeed tragic.

Local Colorists – Still part of Local Colorists – Still part of Realism but with local connectionsRealism but with local connections

Drew America’s attention to undiscovered parts of Drew America’s attention to undiscovered parts of the countrythe country

““Local colorists” used their skill to preserve customs Local colorists” used their skill to preserve customs and culture of their special corners of America. By and culture of their special corners of America. By the end of the century, there were local colorists from the end of the century, there were local colorists from Maine to California, from the northern plains to the Maine to California, from the northern plains to the Louisiana bayous.Louisiana bayous.

Most famous local colorists: Bret Harte, Mary Most famous local colorists: Bret Harte, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Sarah Orne Jewett, Kate Chopin, Wilkins Freeman, Sarah Orne Jewett, Kate Chopin, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Willa CatherCharlotte Perkins Gilman, and Willa Cather

Bret Harte Bret Harte 1836-19021836-1902 Helped create America’s impression of Helped create America’s impression of

the Old West with such stories as “The the Old West with such stories as “The Luck of Roaring Camp” and “The Luck of Roaring Camp” and “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.”Outcasts of Poker Flat.”

Probably the best-known local colorist Probably the best-known local colorist because of his romantic version of the because of his romantic version of the gun slinging West.gun slinging West.

Also one of the first writers to introduce Also one of the first writers to introduce lowlife characters – cunning gamblers lowlife characters – cunning gamblers gaudy prostitutes, and uncouth robbers gaudy prostitutes, and uncouth robbers – into serious literary works.– into serious literary works.

Inspired such shows as Inspired such shows as GunsmokeGunsmoke, , Bat Bat MastersonMasterson, and , and BonanzaBonanza..

His two main techniques for conveying His two main techniques for conveying flavor of the place and times: dialect flavor of the place and times: dialect and descriptionand description

Mary Wilkins Freeman 1852-1930Mary Wilkins Freeman 1852-1930Sarah Orne Jewett 1849-1909Sarah Orne Jewett 1849-1909

These ladies cornered the market on These ladies cornered the market on New England’s local color.New England’s local color.

Most famous works of Freeman: Most famous works of Freeman: A A New England Nun and Other StoriesNew England Nun and Other Stories and and A Humble Romance and Other A Humble Romance and Other StoriesStories

Her characters , usually mature New Her characters , usually mature New England women, generally confront England women, generally confront their poverty w/ independence.their poverty w/ independence.

Jewett’s characters, showed Maine Jewett’s characters, showed Maine characters and settings, and her stories characters and settings, and her stories revolve around characters and their revolve around characters and their crucial choices. Usually set in the crucial choices. Usually set in the past.past.

Her work emphasized idiomatic Her work emphasized idiomatic language, conservative values, and language, conservative values, and imagery/vivid descriptions of rural imagery/vivid descriptions of rural New EnglandNew England

Kate Chopin 1851-1904Kate Chopin 1851-1904 Husband died after 12 years, and Husband died after 12 years, and

she ended up back in St. Louis, she ended up back in St. Louis, writing to support her kids.writing to support her kids.

Chopin’s style is memorable for its Chopin’s style is memorable for its vivid, economical style, rich local vivid, economical style, rich local dialect, and penetrating views of dialect, and penetrating views of the culture of south Louisiana. the culture of south Louisiana.

Was popular until publication of Was popular until publication of The AwakeningThe Awakening in 1899 (way too in 1899 (way too scandalous for the times!). scandalous for the times!). Although banned, this piece alone Although banned, this piece alone solidified Chopin’s literary talent.solidified Chopin’s literary talent.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman 1860-1935Charlotte Perkins Gilman 1860-1935 Dad went out to get cigs and never came Dad went out to get cigs and never came

backback Married, reluctantly when she was in her Married, reluctantly when she was in her

early 20s but that marriage lasted only 4 early 20s but that marriage lasted only 4 yearsyears

Had a daughter, a nervous breakdown, and Had a daughter, a nervous breakdown, and let her ex-hub retain custody. Her let her ex-hub retain custody. Her reputation was ruined.reputation was ruined.

Married George Gilman and they were Married George Gilman and they were happy for 34 years.happy for 34 years.

Got breast cancer and killed herselfGot breast cancer and killed herself Most famous work : “The Yellow Most famous work : “The Yellow

Wallpaper” – a short story about a woman Wallpaper” – a short story about a woman who has a nervous breakdown when she who has a nervous breakdown when she has a childhas a child Not, Charlotte…

Willa Cather 1873-1947Willa Cather 1873-1947 Prairie TalesPrairie Tales Moved to Nebraska from VirginiaMoved to Nebraska from Virginia Her reputation as a writer rests on her novels about Nebraska and the Her reputation as a writer rests on her novels about Nebraska and the

American Southwest, which show her awareness of the tradeoffs required to American Southwest, which show her awareness of the tradeoffs required to live the pioneer life – isolation, loneliness, and loss of culture balanced against live the pioneer life – isolation, loneliness, and loss of culture balanced against courage, natural beauty, and independence.courage, natural beauty, and independence.

Her most famous works: Her most famous works: My AntoniaMy Antonia and and Death Comes for the ArchbishopDeath Comes for the Archbishop

The Modern Period 1900-1950The Modern Period 1900-1950 Emphasis on bold experimentation in Emphasis on bold experimentation in

style and form, reflecting the style and form, reflecting the fragmentation of societyfragmentation of society

Rejection of traditional themes and Rejection of traditional themes and subjectssubjects

Sense of disillusionment and loss of Sense of disillusionment and loss of faith in the American Dreamfaith in the American Dream

Rejection of the ideal hero as Rejection of the ideal hero as infallible in favor of a hero who is infallible in favor of a hero who is flawed and disillusioned but shows flawed and disillusioned but shows “grace under pressure”“grace under pressure”

Interest in the inner workings of the Interest in the inner workings of the human mind, sometimes expressed human mind, sometimes expressed through new narrative techniques through new narrative techniques such as stream of consciousness such as stream of consciousness

What was that American What was that American Dream?Dream?

America is a New Eden, a America is a New Eden, a promised land of beauty, promised land of beauty, unlimited resources, and endless unlimited resources, and endless opportunitiesopportunities

The American birthright is one The American birthright is one of ever-expanding opportunity. of ever-expanding opportunity. Progress is a good thing, and we Progress is a good thing, and we can optimistically expect life to can optimistically expect life to get better and betterget better and better

The independent, self-reliant The independent, self-reliant individual will triumph. individual will triumph. Everything is possible for the Everything is possible for the person who places trust in his or person who places trust in his or her own potential and powers. her own potential and powers.

What put a crack in this dream?What put a crack in this dream? WWI and the economic crash a WWI and the economic crash a

decade later severely damaged the decade later severely damaged the ideas of an Edenic land. ideas of an Edenic land.

Postwar writers became skeptical of Postwar writers became skeptical of the New England Puritan tradition the New England Puritan tradition and gentility that had been central and gentility that had been central to the literary ideal. For the first to the literary ideal. For the first time, the center of the literary world time, the center of the literary world shifted from New England.shifted from New England.

Two literary trends or movements Two literary trends or movements emerged: Marxism and emerged: Marxism and psychoanalysis.psychoanalysis.

MarxismMarxism In Russia during WWI, a Marxist revolution had toppled and the czar In Russia during WWI, a Marxist revolution had toppled and the czar

had been murdered.had been murdered. These successful ideals were in direct opposition to everything These successful ideals were in direct opposition to everything

America stood for – capitalism and free enterprise.America stood for – capitalism and free enterprise. Americans were afraid that what had happened there, could indeed Americans were afraid that what had happened there, could indeed

happen here.happen here.

Sigmund Freud 1856-1939Sigmund Freud 1856-1939 Founder of psychoanalysisFounder of psychoanalysis Opened the workings of the unconscious Opened the workings of the unconscious

mind to scrutiny and called for a new mind to scrutiny and called for a new understanding of human sexuality and understanding of human sexuality and the role it plays in our unconscious mindthe role it plays in our unconscious mind

People began to question how much People began to question how much control they really had over their own control they really had over their own thoughtsthoughts

There seemed to be little room for “free There seemed to be little room for “free will”will”

Influenced the narrative technique of Influenced the narrative technique of “stream of consciousness” which “stream of consciousness” which abandons chronology and imitated abandons chronology and imitated moment to moment flow of the moment to moment flow of the character’s perceptions and memories.character’s perceptions and memories.

Ernest Hemingway 1899-1961Ernest Hemingway 1899-1961

Extremely influenced by newspaper Extremely influenced by newspaper background; his style is characterized background; his style is characterized byby Short sentencesShort sentences Brief paragraphsBrief paragraphs Active verbsActive verbs AuthenticityAuthenticity CompressionCompression ClarityClarity Immediacy Immediacy Wanted his readers to look beyond the Wanted his readers to look beyond the

surface to the reality underneath surface to the reality underneath the wordsthe words

Hemingway’s CodeHemingway’s Code Accept there are no guidelines, no rules Accept there are no guidelines, no rules

for lifefor life Face reality: see things as they are, no Face reality: see things as they are, no

matter how difficult, rather than as you matter how difficult, rather than as you might wish them to bemight wish them to be

Contain your despair and self-pity by Contain your despair and self-pity by sheer will power. Give into despair only sheer will power. Give into despair only in private or in the company of another in private or in the company of another member of the breed, someone who member of the breed, someone who thinks the way you dothinks the way you do

Don’t make trouble for othersDon’t make trouble for others Impose some meaning on a meaningless Impose some meaning on a meaningless

universe by achieving form through ritualuniverse by achieving form through ritual Don’t judge others; instead, view the Don’t judge others; instead, view the

unenlightened with “irony and pity”unenlightened with “irony and pity”THIS VERY MACHO CODE could first be THIS VERY MACHO CODE could first be

seen in seen in The Sun Also RisesThe Sun Also Rises

The Key Hemingway FactsThe Key Hemingway Facts In his day, Hemingway was a larger In his day, Hemingway was a larger

than life hero, a big game hunter, than life hero, a big game hunter, sport fisherman, and headline the sport fisherman, and headline the world over (he was in more world over (he was in more magazine covers than Cindy magazine covers than Cindy Crawford).Crawford).

The Hemingway Code advocated The Hemingway Code advocated “grace under pressure.” In the face “grace under pressure.” In the face of a meaningless world, a hero must of a meaningless world, a hero must establish his own values by facing establish his own values by facing life courageously and by acting life courageously and by acting honestly in terms of the reality. honestly in terms of the reality.

Hemingway’s simple, spare, and Hemingway’s simple, spare, and concise style has influenced concise style has influenced generations of writers.generations of writers.

Hemingway’s major works: Hemingway’s major works: The The Sun Also RisesSun Also Rises, , A Farewell to A Farewell to ArmsArms, , For Whom the Bell TollsFor Whom the Bell Tolls, , and and The Old Man and the Sea.The Old Man and the Sea.

What About the Harlem What About the Harlem Renaissance???Renaissance???

Harlem is viciousHarlem is viciousModernism. BangClash.Modernism. BangClash.Vicious the way it's made,Vicious the way it's made,Can you stand such beauty.Can you stand such beauty.So violent and transforming. So violent and transforming.

- Amiri Baraka (LeRoi - Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones)Jones)

Harlem Renaissance (HR) is the name Harlem Renaissance (HR) is the name given to the period from the end of given to the period from the end of World War I and through the middle World War I and through the middle of the 1930s Depression, during which of the 1930s Depression, during which a group of talented African-American a group of talented African-American writers, thinkers and artists produced a writers, thinkers and artists produced a sizable contribution to American sizable contribution to American culture. culture.

SOUTHERN BLACKS AND THE SOUTHERN BLACKS AND THE LURE OF THE NORTH LURE OF THE NORTH

BEFORE AND AFTER 1914 BEFORE AND AFTER 1914

Most African Americans remained in the South nearly fifty years after Most African Americans remained in the South nearly fifty years after the Civil War.the Civil War.

There were plenty of reasons for blacks to leave the south, but little There were plenty of reasons for blacks to leave the south, but little economic advantage to moving northward.economic advantage to moving northward.

With outbreak of World War I, this dynamic changes because: With outbreak of World War I, this dynamic changes because: 1) war generates new opportunities for industry1) war generates new opportunities for industry 2) much of existing labor supply leaves work force2) much of existing labor supply leaves work force 3) immigrant labor pool evaporates.3) immigrant labor pool evaporates.

End result: The Great Migration which congregated black populations End result: The Great Migration which congregated black populations in northern cities like Chicago and New York in unprecedented in northern cities like Chicago and New York in unprecedented numbers. The concentration, in New York city, occurred on the upper numbers. The concentration, in New York city, occurred on the upper west side, in Harlem. west side, in Harlem. 

Harlem, New YorkHarlem, New York

THE NORTH AS PROMISED LAND THE NORTH AS PROMISED LAND AND LAND OF BROKEN PROMISESAND LAND OF BROKEN PROMISES

Northern city life proves both exhilarating and Northern city life proves both exhilarating and extremely troubling from World War I onward.extremely troubling from World War I onward.

Economically, gains moving from the South are real, Economically, gains moving from the South are real, but frustrations over their limits grow over time.but frustrations over their limits grow over time.

Relative to the South, the North provides greater Relative to the South, the North provides greater educational, political, social opportunities, but rising educational, political, social opportunities, but rising northern racism leads to strict residential northern racism leads to strict residential segregation that causes overcrowding, run-down segregation that causes overcrowding, run-down conditions, artificially high rents.conditions, artificially high rents.

Important FeaturesImportant Features Common themes begin to emerge: alienation, marginality, the use Common themes begin to emerge: alienation, marginality, the use

of folk material, the use of the blues tradition, the problems of of folk material, the use of the blues tradition, the problems of writing for an elite audience. writing for an elite audience.

The HR was more than just a literary movement: it included racial The HR was more than just a literary movement: it included racial consciousness, "the back to Africa" movement led by Marcus consciousness, "the back to Africa" movement led by Marcus Garvey, racial integration, the explosion of music particularly Garvey, racial integration, the explosion of music particularly jazz, spirituals and blues, painting, dramatic revues, and others. jazz, spirituals and blues, painting, dramatic revues, and others.  Among the important intellectuals writing and thinking during the  Among the important intellectuals writing and thinking during the Harlem renaissance were W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, and Harlem renaissance were W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, and Alain Locke.Alain Locke.

The notion of "twoness," a divided awareness of one's identity, The notion of "twoness," a divided awareness of one's identity, was introduced by W.E.B. DuBois, one of the founders of the was introduced by W.E.B. DuBois, one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). and the author of the influential book (NAACP). and the author of the influential book The Souls of The Souls of Black FolksBlack Folks (1903): "One ever feels his two-ness - an American, a (1903): "One ever feels his two-ness - an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled stirrings: two Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled stirrings: two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder." keeps it from being torn asunder."

The HR. gave birth the many important publications, The HR. gave birth the many important publications, such as Crisis such as Crisis

magazine, edited by W. E. B. DuBois, giving black magazine, edited by W. E. B. DuBois, giving black writers writers

a forum where their voices could be heard.a forum where their voices could be heard.

Writers of the Harlem Writers of the Harlem RenaissanceRenaissance

• Claude McKayClaude McKay Langston HughesLangston Hughes Zora Neal HurstonZora Neal Hurston James Weldon JohnsonJames Weldon Johnson W.E.B. DuboisW.E.B. Dubois Countee CullenCountee Cullen Richard WrightRichard Wright

Claude McKayClaude McKayAmericaAmerica

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth,Stealing my breath of life, I will confessStealing my breath of life, I will confessI love this cultured hell that tests my youth!I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,Giving me strength erect against her hate.Giving me strength erect against her hate.Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,I stand within her walls with not a shredI stand within her walls with not a shredOf terror, malice, not a word of jeer.Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,And see her might and granite wonders there,And see her might and granite wonders there,Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,Beneath the touch of Time’s unerring hand,Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.

McKay cont. McKay cont. Born in Jamaica and lived in Born in Jamaica and lived in

many countries during his life – many countries during his life – however, considered Harlem however, considered Harlem his spiritual homehis spiritual home

Much of his poetry evokes the Much of his poetry evokes the rich culture of his native rich culture of his native Jamaica.Jamaica.

Reputation secured by Harlem Reputation secured by Harlem Shadows, a collection of Shadows, a collection of passionate and vibrant poems passionate and vibrant poems

Langston HughesLangston HughesCrossCross

My old man’s a white old manMy old man’s a white old manAnd my old mother’s black.And my old mother’s black.If ever I cursed my white old manIf ever I cursed my white old manI take my curses back.I take my curses back.If ever I cursed my black old motherIf ever I cursed my black old motherAnd wished she were in hell,And wished she were in hell,I’m sorry for that evil wishI’m sorry for that evil wishAnd now I wish her wellAnd now I wish her wellMy old man died in a fine big house.My old man died in a fine big house.My ma died in a shack.My ma died in a shack.I wonder where I’m going to die,I wonder where I’m going to die,Being neither white nor black?Being neither white nor black?

Hughes cont.Hughes cont.““At every subway station I kept watching for the sign: 135At every subway station I kept watching for the sign: 135 thth Street. When I Street. When I

saw it, I held my breath…I went up the steps and into the bright September saw it, I held my breath…I went up the steps and into the bright September sunlight. Harlem! I looked around. Negroes everywhere!...I took a deep sunlight. Harlem! I looked around. Negroes everywhere!...I took a deep breath and felt happy again.”breath and felt happy again.”

• Most successful black writer in America (during this Most successful black writer in America (during this time).time).

• Nicknamed “the Bard of Harlem”Nicknamed “the Bard of Harlem”• Wanted to capture the oral traditions of black culture in Wanted to capture the oral traditions of black culture in

written form.written form.• Born in Missouri and raised in the Midwest, moved to Born in Missouri and raised in the Midwest, moved to

NYC at age 19. NYC at age 19. • A year later, he left Columbia University and became a A year later, he left Columbia University and became a

merchant marine, traveling Europe and Africa. merchant marine, traveling Europe and Africa. • In his poetry, he experimented with a variety of forms and In his poetry, he experimented with a variety of forms and

techniques and often tried to recreate the rhythms of jazz. techniques and often tried to recreate the rhythms of jazz. He also wrote poems to protest against racism.He also wrote poems to protest against racism.

• Wanted to celebrate the rich culture of black Americans.Wanted to celebrate the rich culture of black Americans.

Zora Neal HurstonZora Neal Hurston I want a I want a

busy life, a busy life, a just mind, just mind, and a timely and a timely end.”end.”

$945 is the $945 is the most any of most any of her books her books made.made.

Zora cont. Zora cont. “…“…I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow damned up in my soul, nor lurking I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow damned up in my soul, nor lurking

behind my eyes. I do not mind at all…No, I do not weep at the world – I am too busy behind my eyes. I do not mind at all…No, I do not weep at the world – I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.”sharpening my oyster knife.”

Graduated from Barnard College, where she developed an interest in Graduated from Barnard College, where she developed an interest in African-American folk literature and became a popular performance African-American folk literature and became a popular performance artist and storyteller. Was awarded a fellowship to study the black artist and storyteller. Was awarded a fellowship to study the black oral traditions. oral traditions.

Was not a typical writer of the time because she did not have a political Was not a typical writer of the time because she did not have a political agendaagenda

Her finest writing occurred in the 30s when, unfortunately, the public’s Her finest writing occurred in the 30s when, unfortunately, the public’s interest in black lit had waned. These works include interest in black lit had waned. These works include Jonah’s Gourd Jonah’s Gourd Vine, Mules and Men, Their Eyes Were Watching GodVine, Mules and Men, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and , and Dust Dust Tracks in the Road.Tracks in the Road.

She died penniless, but her work was revisited in the 70s and she is She died penniless, but her work was revisited in the 70s and she is considered one of the key black writers of the 20considered one of the key black writers of the 20 thth century. century.

James Weldon Johnson 1871-1938James Weldon Johnson 1871-1938 Explored the complex issue of Explored the complex issue of

race in his fictional race in his fictional The The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Autobiography of an Ex-Colored ManMan, about a mixed race man , about a mixed race man who “passes” as white. The who “passes” as white. The book effectively conveys Black book effectively conveys Black America’s concern with issues America’s concern with issues of identity in America. Johnson of identity in America. Johnson himself was of mixed white and himself was of mixed white and black ancestry. He also wrote black ancestry. He also wrote the National Negro Anthem the National Negro Anthem “Life Every Voice and Sing.”“Life Every Voice and Sing.”

W.E.B. DuboisW.E.B. Dubois 1868-19631868-1963 Born in NE and educated at Born in NE and educated at

Harvard and the University of Harvard and the University of Berlin, Dubois demonstrated in Berlin, Dubois demonstrated in his landmark book his landmark book The Souls of The Souls of Black FolkBlack Folk, that segregation , that segregation would inequality, particularly in would inequality, particularly in education. education.

Founder of the National Founder of the National Association for the Advancement Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)of Colored People (NAACP)

Also wrote sensitive Also wrote sensitive appreciations of the African-appreciations of the African-American traditions and cultureAmerican traditions and culture

His work helped black His work helped black intellectuals rediscover their rich intellectuals rediscover their rich folk literature and music folk literature and music

Countee CullenCountee Cullen 1903-19461903-1946 Origin shrouded in mystery but his Origin shrouded in mystery but his

childhood was happy and securechildhood was happy and secure Adopted by a Methodist minister Adopted by a Methodist minister

and his wife, he graduated from a and his wife, he graduated from a rigorous high school, completed rigorous high school, completed undergrad work at NYU and got his undergrad work at NYU and got his master’s from Harvard.master’s from Harvard.

Often called the “Black Keats” Often called the “Black Keats” because his skill as a poet and his because his skill as a poet and his the themes he pursued, were very the themes he pursued, were very similar to those of John Keats. He similar to those of John Keats. He is celebrated as a genius.is celebrated as a genius.

Unlike many of his fellow HR Unlike many of his fellow HR poets, he worked within traditional poets, he worked within traditional poetic forms rather than poetic forms rather than experimenting with jazz rhythms. experimenting with jazz rhythms. He did, however, bring “black He did, however, bring “black themes” to the attention of white themes” to the attention of white readers.readers.

Richard Wright 1908-1960Richard Wright 1908-1960 11stst African American to have his work African American to have his work

appear on the best-seller listappear on the best-seller list Native SonNative Son was an instant success and was an instant success and

sold a ¼ million copies in its first monthsold a ¼ million copies in its first month Together with Together with Black BoyBlack Boy, , Native SonNative Son

established Wright as a writer of power established Wright as a writer of power and intensity. and intensity. Native SonNative Son is a brutal is a brutal portrait of a poor black man spurred on to portrait of a poor black man spurred on to murder by the oppression and hatred of murder by the oppression and hatred of the white world. It was a Naturalist the white world. It was a Naturalist novel.novel.

Wright did NOT have a happy childhood Wright did NOT have a happy childhood – dad left, family was poor, was put in an – dad left, family was poor, was put in an orphanage, ran away, hated his family orphanage, ran away, hated his family because he was being told religion was a because he was being told religion was a panacea for prejudice and he didn’t see panacea for prejudice and he didn’t see this as being truethis as being true

Wright cont…Wright cont… Working a series of menial jobs, he saw racism on a daily Working a series of menial jobs, he saw racism on a daily

basisbasis By the time he was 17, he had moved 25 times, managing By the time he was 17, he had moved 25 times, managing

however to graduate high school and have a story however to graduate high school and have a story published. Unfortunately his family saw this as a waste published. Unfortunately his family saw this as a waste of time and sinful.of time and sinful.

His anger against white America was something that he His anger against white America was something that he felt must be expressed in order for African-Americans to felt must be expressed in order for African-Americans to move on.move on.

While in Chicago, and later in NY, became affiliated with While in Chicago, and later in NY, became affiliated with Communist publicationsCommunist publications

His novels greatly influenced other African-American His novels greatly influenced other African-American literary greats Ralph Ellison and James Baldwinliterary greats Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin

Why Did It End?Why Did It End?Professor Tomason: I also think that the Harlem Professor Tomason: I also think that the Harlem Renaissance ended because the central ideas that underlay Renaissance ended because the central ideas that underlay its artistic production had been exhausted by the mid its artistic production had been exhausted by the mid 1930s. The idea that the American Negro was somehow 1930s. The idea that the American Negro was somehow the harbinger of a rural, southern, ultimately African the harbinger of a rural, southern, ultimately African primitivism had been exhausted as a literary idea by the primitivism had been exhausted as a literary idea by the works that had been produced in the 1920s and early works that had been produced in the 1920s and early 1930s, works by Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, Claude 1930s, works by Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Rudolph Fisher, and Zora Neale Hurston. There McKay, Rudolph Fisher, and Zora Neale Hurston. There were only so many poems and short stories to be written were only so many poems and short stories to be written about "what it means to feel like black me" and "what about "what it means to feel like black me" and "what does Africa mean to me?" In the later twenties, moreover does Africa mean to me?" In the later twenties, moreover the desire to take advantage of the "vogue of the Negro" the desire to take advantage of the "vogue of the Negro" led some writers to produce works of poor quality that led some writers to produce works of poor quality that inevitably eroded the staying power of the movement.inevitably eroded the staying power of the movement.

F. Scott Fitzgerald 1896-1940F. Scott Fitzgerald 1896-1940 The Voice of the 20sThe Voice of the 20s

- the political scene of the 20s was - the political scene of the 20s was marked by conservatism, inertia, marked by conservatism, inertia, apathy, and social indifference. The apathy, and social indifference. The domestic social reforms and social domestic social reforms and social legislation initiated by Teddy legislation initiated by Teddy Roosevelt and continued by Woodrow Roosevelt and continued by Woodrow Wilson before WWI were abandoned. Wilson before WWI were abandoned. In an overwhelming victory, Harding In an overwhelming victory, Harding became president. Then came became president. Then came Coolidge and Hoover. All three of Coolidge and Hoover. All three of these men held the confidence of the these men held the confidence of the business sector, and all represented the business sector, and all represented the normalcy of the Republican era.normalcy of the Republican era.

Culture-wise…Culture-wise… Pop culture was carefree, marked by the Pop culture was carefree, marked by the

enormous rise in movie attendance. The leading enormous rise in movie attendance. The leading figures of the silent screen were the comedians figures of the silent screen were the comedians Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, “America’s Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, “America’s sweetheart” Mary Pickford, swashbuckling sweetheart” Mary Pickford, swashbuckling leading man Douglas Fairbanks, and the “Great leading man Douglas Fairbanks, and the “Great Lover” Rudolph Valentino. Director Cecil B. Lover” Rudolph Valentino. Director Cecil B. DeMille’s films were an orgy of spectacular DeMille’s films were an orgy of spectacular scenery and included thousands in the cast.scenery and included thousands in the cast.

In the midst of this spree, a small influential In the midst of this spree, a small influential group of writers expressed their disillusionment group of writers expressed their disillusionment with the 20s. Fitzgerald recognized the despair with the 20s. Fitzgerald recognized the despair beneath the surface merriment when he beneath the surface merriment when he described American society as “the beautiful described American society as “the beautiful and the damned.” His writing captures both the and the damned.” His writing captures both the merriment and the emptiness of the 20s. merriment and the emptiness of the 20s.

The Least You Need to Know:The Least You Need to Know:

Fitzgerald’s work and life Fitzgerald’s work and life illustrate American culture illustrate American culture in 1920sin 1920s

The Great GatsbyThe Great Gatsby is one of is one of the masterpieces of the masterpieces of American literatureAmerican literature

The Great GatsbyThe Great Gatsby is not is not only a brilliant comment on only a brilliant comment on the 1920s but also an ironic the 1920s but also an ironic and tragic treatment of the and tragic treatment of the American myth of successAmerican myth of success

Edna St. Vincent Millay 1892-1950Edna St. Vincent Millay 1892-1950 Born in Maine but established her Born in Maine but established her

literary reputation in NYliterary reputation in NY Achieved fame even before graduating Achieved fame even before graduating

from Vasser.from Vasser. Moved to Greenwich Village, where Moved to Greenwich Village, where

women were free to speak their minds as women were free to speak their minds as easily as men wereeasily as men were

Taking advantage of this liberal lifestyle, Taking advantage of this liberal lifestyle, Millay became one of the leading voices Millay became one of the leading voices – her saucy and slightly scandalous – her saucy and slightly scandalous lyrics evoking Elizabethan verse.lyrics evoking Elizabethan verse.

Her philosophy might best be described Her philosophy might best be described in her own words:in her own words:

First FigFirst Fig

My candle burns at both ends;My candle burns at both ends;It will not last the night;It will not last the night;

But ah, my foes, and oh, my But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -friends -It gives such lovely light!It gives such lovely light!

Katherine Anne PorterKatherine Anne Porter 1890-19801890-1980

Poor Texan childhood, schooling Poor Texan childhood, schooling fragmentaryfragmentary

Married four times (1Married four times (1stst before she was before she was 16), but wasn’t real patient w/ 16), but wasn’t real patient w/ marriage or her husbands. marriage or her husbands. Unfortunately, didn’t like being aloneUnfortunately, didn’t like being alone

Largely self-taught as a writer. Largely self-taught as a writer. Combined a searching intelligence, Combined a searching intelligence, honesty, sound psychology, a flawless honesty, sound psychology, a flawless memory, and a vivid sense of scene. memory, and a vivid sense of scene. Her POV was usually objective. Her Her POV was usually objective. Her style was largely stream of style was largely stream of consciousness showing the workings consciousness showing the workings of her character’s mindsof her character’s minds

Much of her work present Southern Much of her work present Southern women caught up in a web of custom women caught up in a web of custom and obligation. Her main themes and obligation. Her main themes include the burden of past evil and the include the burden of past evil and the strain with which that evil holds up strain with which that evil holds up captive in the presentcaptive in the present

William Faulkner 1897-1962William Faulkner 1897-1962 19 of Faulkner’s novels centered around 19 of Faulkner’s novels centered around

the fictional Yoknapatawpha County – the fictional Yoknapatawpha County – which was a fictional rendering of his which was a fictional rendering of his birthplacebirthplace

He focused on Southern memory, Southern He focused on Southern memory, Southern reality, and Southern mythreality, and Southern myth

Nearly all of Faulkner’s characters carry Nearly all of Faulkner’s characters carry the guilt of slavery. In his novels, this guilt the guilt of slavery. In his novels, this guilt takes one step further: any white person takes one step further: any white person who admits that blacks and whites are who admits that blacks and whites are equal is defying the codes and concepts of equal is defying the codes and concepts of the Old South and alienates himself from the Old South and alienates himself from his family, his society, and his heritage.his family, his society, and his heritage.

His novels are pessimistic, though he His novels are pessimistic, though he wasn’twasn’t

Faulkner’s StyleFaulkner’s Style Included many experimental techniquesIncluded many experimental techniques

Stream of consciousnessStream of consciousness Interior monologuesInterior monologues Discontinuous time, fragmenting Discontinuous time, fragmenting

chronological orderchronological order Multiple narratorsMultiple narrators Allusions, often to mythology and Allusions, often to mythology and

the Biblethe Bible Southern dialectsSouthern dialects Complex sentence structuresComplex sentence structures Elements of the Gothic romance Elements of the Gothic romance

(necrophilia, macabre events, (necrophilia, macabre events, ghosts, and so on)ghosts, and so on)

Allegory (characters represent Allegory (characters represent allegorical figures such as Death)allegorical figures such as Death)

His BiggiesHis Biggies SartorisSartoris – the novel concerns itself with the – the novel concerns itself with the

relationship between the present and the pastrelationship between the present and the past As I Lay DyingAs I Lay Dying – his 5 – his 5thth and shortest novel. and shortest novel. SanctuarySanctuary – an intentionally shocking novel concerns a – an intentionally shocking novel concerns a

man, a corncob, and a girl. Yuk.man, a corncob, and a girl. Yuk. Light in AugustLight in August – deals with the loneliness brought on – deals with the loneliness brought on

by hatred, alienation, and society. by hatred, alienation, and society. Absalom, AbsalomAbsalom, Absalom – incest and race relations – incest and race relations The Unvanquished The Unvanquished The Wild Palms The Wild Palms The HamletThe Hamlet Go Down, MosesGo Down, Moses Intruder in the DustIntruder in the Dust – another race story – another race story The Sound and the FuryThe Sound and the Fury – probably his greatest – probably his greatest

masterpiece masterpiece

Ezra Pound Ezra Pound Imagism – an attempt to present an object directly Imagism – an attempt to present an object directly

rather than through ornate diction and complex verse rather than through ornate diction and complex verse forms. Characterized by:forms. Characterized by: Ordinary languageOrdinary language Free verseFree verse Concentrated word picturesConcentrated word pictures Very specific words and phrasesVery specific words and phrases

Imagist poems were often fragments, precise and pointed. Imagist poems were often fragments, precise and pointed.

Many of his poems, however, included dramatic monologues. Many of his poems, however, included dramatic monologues. He often assumed a persona to distance himself from his He often assumed a persona to distance himself from his material.material.

Committed treason and spent a decade in a mental hospital.Committed treason and spent a decade in a mental hospital.

T.S. EliotT.S. Eliot 1888-19651888-1965 ““We know too much, and are convinced of We know too much, and are convinced of

too little. Our literature is a substitute for too little. Our literature is a substitute for religion, and so is our religion,” T.S. Eliotreligion, and so is our religion,” T.S. Eliot

Created poetry that is complex, packed w/ Created poetry that is complex, packed w/ obscure allusions, and based on the rhythms obscure allusions, and based on the rhythms of natural speech. of natural speech.

Although an American, gave up citizenship Although an American, gave up citizenship and became British in 1926 and shortly and became British in 1926 and shortly after converted to Episcopalian. Saw after converted to Episcopalian. Saw religion as the antidote for the type of religion as the antidote for the type of spiritual emptiness he described in poems spiritual emptiness he described in poems such as “The Love Song of J. Alfred such as “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” and “The Waste Land”Prufrock” and “The Waste Land”

Eliot’s poem “The Waste-Land,” the most Eliot’s poem “The Waste-Land,” the most important poem of the first half of 20important poem of the first half of 20 thth century, deals with the failure of Western century, deals with the failure of Western civilization, illustrated by WWI.civilization, illustrated by WWI.

Also wrote plays, such as Also wrote plays, such as Murder in the Murder in the CathedralCathedral and and The Cocktail PartyThe Cocktail Party

William Carlos Williams 1883 - William Carlos Williams 1883 - 19631963

so much dependsso much dependsuponupon

a red wheela red wheelBarrowBarrow

glazed with rainglazed with rainWaterWater

beside the whitebeside the whitechickens.chickens.

The power of this poem comes from the fact that Williams does not use ordinary things to represent larger ideas – they merely stand for what they are – everyday things.

Williams cont…Williams cont…

A pediatrician who made house calls for most of A pediatrician who made house calls for most of his life, Williams defined the source of his poetry his life, Williams defined the source of his poetry as “the local,” by which he meant a strict focus as “the local,” by which he meant a strict focus on the reality of individual life and its on the reality of individual life and its surroundings. He looked for a return to the barest surroundings. He looked for a return to the barest essentials. essentials.

No allusions for him, he hated work such as No allusions for him, he hated work such as Eliot’s.Eliot’s.

He insisted on local topics and colloquial speech, He insisted on local topics and colloquial speech, allying himself with the kind of poetic revolution allying himself with the kind of poetic revolution that had been championed by the English that had been championed by the English Romantic writers. Romantic writers.

Deliberately wrote in spare, detached style about Deliberately wrote in spare, detached style about commonplace subjects – his topics included commonplace subjects – his topics included movies, turkey nests, mushrooms among fir trees, movies, turkey nests, mushrooms among fir trees, mist rising from a duck pond, and a ballgame.mist rising from a duck pond, and a ballgame.

John Steinbeck 1902-1968John Steinbeck 1902-1968 Much of his writing was Much of his writing was

propagandapropaganda Moved by the millions of people Moved by the millions of people

who lost their jobs during the who lost their jobs during the Great Depression and the Great Depression and the dustbowl.dustbowl.

Worked and lived with some Worked and lived with some Oklahoma farmers over 2 years. Oklahoma farmers over 2 years. As a result told their story, As a result told their story, sharply criticizing the system that sharply criticizing the system that bankrupted 1000s of farmers.bankrupted 1000s of farmers.

Because of his support of the Because of his support of the working man, Steinbeck’s working man, Steinbeck’s motives were challenged and he motives were challenged and he was suspected of Red sympathywas suspected of Red sympathy

His style combined Naturalism His style combined Naturalism and symbolism to express outrage and symbolism to express outrage and compassion.and compassion.

He believed man could learn from He believed man could learn from the suffering of others.the suffering of others.

Most Famous WorksMost Famous Works Cannery RowCannery Row The PearlThe Pearl Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men East of EdenEast of Eden The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath Winter of Our DiscontentWinter of Our Discontent Travels with CharleyTravels with Charley The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939, , published in 1939,

created a literary explosion both in the US created a literary explosion both in the US and abroad. In the US alone, more than ½ and abroad. In the US alone, more than ½ million copies of the book were sold, and it million copies of the book were sold, and it became an historical as much as a literary became an historical as much as a literary event. Translations were published event. Translations were published throughout the world; honors were heaped throughout the world; honors were heaped on the rather rattled author. These include on the rather rattled author. These include the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the American Bookseller’s Award, Award, the American Bookseller’s Award, and membership in the National Institute of and membership in the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Arts and Letters.

Robert FrostRobert Frost 1874-19631874-1963 Probably America’s best-known and best-Probably America’s best-known and best-

loved poetloved poet Remember Remember OwenOwen and “The Gift Outright” and “The Gift Outright” His ambition was to write “a few poems it His ambition was to write “a few poems it

will be hard to get rid of.”will be hard to get rid of.” Implemented traditional verse forms, Implemented traditional verse forms,

especially the sonnet, rhyming couplets, and especially the sonnet, rhyming couplets, and blank verse and the plain speech of rural blank verse and the plain speech of rural New EnglandersNew Englanders

In his poems, Frost comes across as a wise In his poems, Frost comes across as a wise country person living close to nature. But country person living close to nature. But don’t be fooled! The voice of his poetry was don’t be fooled! The voice of his poetry was a brilliant artistic creation, a persona. He a brilliant artistic creation, a persona. He comes across as calm and kind – the person comes across as calm and kind – the person Frost wanted to be.Frost wanted to be.

As a nature poet, Frost belongs to the As a nature poet, Frost belongs to the romantic tradition of the transcendentalist romantic tradition of the transcendentalist Emerson. Emerson.

Best-known WorksBest-known Works

““Death of a Hired Man”Death of a Hired Man” ““Birches”Birches” ““Stopping by Woods on a Stopping by Woods on a

Snowy Evening”Snowy Evening” ““The Road Not Taken”The Road Not Taken” ““Mending Wall”Mending Wall”

““My utmost ambition is to My utmost ambition is to lodge a few poems where lodge a few poems where they will be hard to get rid they will be hard to get rid of.”of.”

e.e. cummings 1894-1962e.e. cummings 1894-1962 Wrote nearly 1,000 poems, Wrote nearly 1,000 poems,

creating creating Known for his eccentric style, Known for his eccentric style,

its unusual typography and its unusual typography and spellings, his deliberate misuse spellings, his deliberate misuse of grammatical structuresof grammatical structures

He played around withHe played around with Form Form PunctuationPunctuation SpellingSpelling Type styleType style GrammarGrammar ImageryImagery RhythmRhythm SyntaxSyntax

More e.e.More e.e. Thematically, he was traditional – especially in Thematically, he was traditional – especially in

his love poems, and his celebrations of his love poems, and his celebrations of families, parents, children, and valuesfamilies, parents, children, and values

In nearly all of his poems he extols In nearly all of his poems he extols individualism in a world of conformity – very individualism in a world of conformity – very much like Walt Whitmanmuch like Walt Whitman

Like Hemingway, very influenced by WWILike Hemingway, very influenced by WWI Many of his love poems were sexually explicit Many of his love poems were sexually explicit

– oh my!– oh my! ““somewhere I have never travelled, gladly somewhere I have never travelled, gladly

beyondbeyondany experience, your eyes have their any experience, your eyes have their silence…silence…(i do not know what it is about you that (i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens; only something in me closes and opens; only something in me understandsunderstandsthe voice of your eyes is deeper than all the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)…”roses)…”

Edwin Arlington Robinson 1869-1935Edwin Arlington Robinson 1869-1935

““And so we worked, and waited for light,And so we worked, and waited for light,And went without meat, and cursed the bread;And went without meat, and cursed the bread;And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,Went home and put a bullet through his head.”Went home and put a bullet through his head.”

Like the title character in his poem, “Richard Like the title character in his poem, “Richard Cory,” Robinson led a life of quiet desperation. Cory,” Robinson led a life of quiet desperation. Born in NE like many of his contemporaries, Born in NE like many of his contemporaries, Robinson never felt like he fit in – even to the Robinson never felt like he fit in – even to the time period. time period.

Greatly preferred the past (the glory days) to those Greatly preferred the past (the glory days) to those of his lifetime. As a result, he created poems of his lifetime. As a result, he created poems dealing with historic myths and charactersdealing with historic myths and characters

Known primarily for his short, ironic character Known primarily for his short, ironic character studies of ordinary individuals, Robinson used studies of ordinary individuals, Robinson used traditional rhyme and rhythms. Despair runs traditional rhyme and rhythms. Despair runs through his poetry. through his poetry.

The Chicago Poets The Chicago Poets By the turn of the century, Chicago had By the turn of the century, Chicago had

become a great city, home of innovative become a great city, home of innovative architecture and cosmopolitan art collections. architecture and cosmopolitan art collections. Chicago was also home of Harriet Monroe’s Chicago was also home of Harriet Monroe’s PoetryPoetry, the most important literary magazine , the most important literary magazine of the dayof the day

Carl Sandburg, Edgar Lee Masters, and Carl Sandburg, Edgar Lee Masters, and Vachel Lindsay are part of the Midwestern or Vachel Lindsay are part of the Midwestern or Chicago school that arose before WWI to Chicago school that arose before WWI to challenge the East Coast literary challenge the East Coast literary establishment, made popular by Frost and establishment, made popular by Frost and Cummings. The “Chicago School” was a Cummings. The “Chicago School” was a watershed in American Letters, for it watershed in American Letters, for it demonstrated that America’s interior had demonstrated that America’s interior had come of age.come of age.

These 3 poets have more in common than These 3 poets have more in common than locale:locale:Their verses often concern ordinary, everyday Their verses often concern ordinary, everyday peoplepeopleTheir realist poems and dramatic emphasis Their realist poems and dramatic emphasis attracted a large audience.attracted a large audience.

Carl Sandburg 1878-1967Carl Sandburg 1878-1967““Hog butcher for the World,Hog butcher for the World,Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,Player with Railroads and the Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;…”Nation’s Freight Handler;…”• Poet, historian, biographer, novelist, musician, Poet, historian, biographer, novelist, musician,

essayist – Sandburg, son of a railroad essayist – Sandburg, son of a railroad blacksmith, was all of this and moreblacksmith, was all of this and more

• A journalist by profession, his biography of Abe A journalist by profession, his biography of Abe Lincoln is one of the classic works of the 20Lincoln is one of the classic works of the 20 thth centurycentury

• Many compare him to Whitman with his Many compare him to Whitman with his expansive writing, evocative urban and patriotic expansive writing, evocative urban and patriotic poems, and simple, childlike rhymes and poems, and simple, childlike rhymes and ballads. Like Whitman, Sandburg’s poemsballads. Like Whitman, Sandburg’s poems* describe everyday Americans* describe everyday Americans* have a positive tone* have a positive tone* use simple words* use simple words* are easy to understand* are easy to understand* are written in free verse* are written in free verse

Edgar Lee Masters 1868-1950Edgar Lee Masters 1868-1950

““Life is too strong for you –Life is too strong for you –It takes life to love Life.”It takes life to love Life.”

• Most famous for creating the bold Spoon River Most famous for creating the bold Spoon River Anthology (1915), a group of poems presented as Anthology (1915), a group of poems presented as epitaphs that sum up the lives of individual villagers epitaphs that sum up the lives of individual villagers as if in their own words. It presents a panorama of a as if in their own words. It presents a panorama of a country village through the headstones in its country village through the headstones in its cemetery: 250 people speak from beyond the grave, cemetery: 250 people speak from beyond the grave, revealing its deepest secrets. Because they are dead, revealing its deepest secrets. Because they are dead, they have nothing to fear, and are honest about their they have nothing to fear, and are honest about their resentments, hatreds, and despair.resentments, hatreds, and despair.

• Characterized by Characterized by - an unpoetic colloquial style- an unpoetic colloquial style

- frank descriptions of sex- frank descriptions of sex- a very critical view of small-town life- a very critical view of small-town life- a description of the inner lives of ordinary people- a description of the inner lives of ordinary people

Vachel Lindsay 1879- 1931Vachel Lindsay 1879- 1931

Celebrated small-town Midwestern Celebrated small-town Midwestern populism and created strong, rhythmic populism and created strong, rhythmic poetry designed to be read aloud. His poetry designed to be read aloud. His work bridges folk poetry and modernist work bridges folk poetry and modernist poems. poems.

An extremely popular public reader in his An extremely popular public reader in his day, Lindsay’s readings prefigure “Beat” day, Lindsay’s readings prefigure “Beat” poetry readings of the post-WWII era poetry readings of the post-WWII era that were accompanied by Jazz.that were accompanied by Jazz.

To popularize poetry, Lindsay developed To popularize poetry, Lindsay developed what he called a “higher vaudeville,” what he called a “higher vaudeville,” using music and strong rhythm. At the using music and strong rhythm. At the same time, he immortalized such figures same time, he immortalized such figures on the American landscape as Abe on the American landscape as Abe Lincoln and John Chapman, blending Lincoln and John Chapman, blending facts with myth.facts with myth.

American DramaAmerican Drama Greatly influenced by three European playwrites: Greatly influenced by three European playwrites:

Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov. Each presented Ibsen, Strindberg, and Chekhov. Each presented characters and situations more or less characters and situations more or less realistically, in what has been called the “slice of realistically, in what has been called the “slice of life” dramatic technique.life” dramatic technique.

““People don’t go to the North Pole and fall off People don’t go to the North Pole and fall off icebergs. They go to the office and quarrel with icebergs. They go to the office and quarrel with their wives and eat cabbage soup,” (Chekhov).their wives and eat cabbage soup,” (Chekhov).

Eugene O’Neil (1888-1953) is generally Eugene O’Neil (1888-1953) is generally considered the first important figure in American considered the first important figure in American Drama. His work consisted mostly of shows and Drama. His work consisted mostly of shows and entertainments. entertainments.

More American DramaMore American Drama Realistic Drama is based on the illusion that when we Realistic Drama is based on the illusion that when we

watch a play, we are looking at life through a “fourth watch a play, we are looking at life through a “fourth wall” that has been removed so that we can see the wall” that has been removed so that we can see the action. action.

Soon after the beginning of the 20Soon after the beginning of the 20 thth century, realism century, realism became the dominant mode. became the dominant mode.

O’Neil, well-aware of Freud and his new theories, O’Neil, well-aware of Freud and his new theories, O’Neill tried to reveal more than realism - or O’Neill tried to reveal more than realism - or Naturalism – could. He did this by having two actors Naturalism – could. He did this by having two actors play one character and by having characters use play one character and by having characters use asides to reveal thoughts and feelings to the audience.asides to reveal thoughts and feelings to the audience.

More American DramaMore American Drama Arthur Miller – most successful Arthur Miller – most successful

work work Death of a SalemanDeath of a Saleman is one of is one of the best examples of the fusion of the best examples of the fusion of the realistic with the imaginative. the realistic with the imaginative. As a true disciple of Ibsen, his As a true disciple of Ibsen, his other works are very realistic. other works are very realistic.

He has the course of action and the He has the course of action and the development of characters depend development of characters depend not only on the characters’ not only on the characters’ psychological makeup but also on psychological makeup but also on their social, philosophical, and their social, philosophical, and economic atmospheres. economic atmospheres.

Another of his great works is Another of his great works is The The CrucibleCrucible, a play about the Salem , a play about the Salem witchcraft trials that paralleled witchcraft trials that paralleled what was happening in our country what was happening in our country with the Red Scare. with the Red Scare.

More American Drama More American Drama Tennessee Williams – his concern was Tennessee Williams – his concern was

personal, and not of social matters. He personal, and not of social matters. He is considered the American playwright is considered the American playwright of our souls.of our souls.

In contrast to Miller’s spare, plain In contrast to Miller’s spare, plain language, Williams’ writing is delicate language, Williams’ writing is delicate and sensuous; it is often colored with and sensuous; it is often colored with lush imagery and evocative rhythms. lush imagery and evocative rhythms. While Miller’s characters are by in While Miller’s characters are by in large ordinary people, Williams’ are large ordinary people, Williams’ are often women who are lost ladies, often women who are lost ladies, drowning in their own neuroses, bur drowning in their own neuroses, bur somehow mirroring a part of our own somehow mirroring a part of our own complex psychological selves. complex psychological selves.

Best known works include Best known works include The Glass The Glass MenagerieMenagerie and and A Streetcar Named A Streetcar Named DesireDesire

Contemporary Literature Contemporary Literature Events that Influenced this Era (and there Events that Influenced this Era (and there

are so many, many more…)are so many, many more…)* McCarthy’s Red Scare* McCarthy’s Red Scare* End of Korean War* End of Korean War* Desegregation of Public Schools* Desegregation of Public Schools* the “Space Race”* the “Space Race”* Martin Luther King Jr., and Kennedy* Martin Luther King Jr., and Kennedy* Vietnam* Vietnam* Israel/Arab controversy* Israel/Arab controversy* Woodstock* Woodstock* Watergate* Watergate* Iran/Iraq Debacles* Iran/Iraq Debacles* Berlin Wall comes down* Berlin Wall comes down* US/Soviet Union sign treaty about * US/Soviet Union sign treaty about NukesNukes* Desert Storm* Desert Storm* No more Soviet Union* No more Soviet Union* The internet* The internet

Contemporary Literature cont. Contemporary Literature cont. Also known as Postmodern EraAlso known as Postmodern Era Characteristics IncludeCharacteristics Include

* allowed for multiple meanings and multiple worlds* allowed for multiple meanings and multiple worlds* works are structured in non-traditional formats* works are structured in non-traditional formats* comments upon itself* comments upon itself* features cultural diversity* features cultural diversity* blends and overlaps fiction and non-fiction* blends and overlaps fiction and non-fiction* uses the past fearlessly* uses the past fearlessly* particularly in poetry, was a distinct move away * particularly in poetry, was a distinct move away from Modernismfrom Modernism

Cult Figures of the Contemporary Cult Figures of the Contemporary Era (roughly 1945 – Present)Era (roughly 1945 – Present)

The Beat MovementThe Beat Movement William S. Burroughs’ life and writingsWilliam S. Burroughs’ life and writings Jack Kerouac’s life and writingsJack Kerouac’s life and writings Allen Ginsberg’s life and writingsAllen Ginsberg’s life and writings The Confessional movementThe Confessional movement Sylvia Plath’s life and writingsSylvia Plath’s life and writings Anne Sexton’s life and writingsAnne Sexton’s life and writings Robert Lowell’s life and writingsRobert Lowell’s life and writings J.D. Salinger and J.D. Salinger and The Catcher in the RyeThe Catcher in the Rye

The Beat Poets – William Burroughs, The Beat Poets – William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and Allen GinsbergJack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg

Explored the need for spontaneity in living and writingExplored the need for spontaneity in living and writing According to According to TimeTime magazine, the beats were easy to spot because magazine, the beats were easy to spot because

“they spoke their own argot, mostly picked up from the Negro Jazz “they spoke their own argot, mostly picked up from the Negro Jazz musicians and juvenile street gangs: “bread” for money and “dig” musicians and juvenile street gangs: “bread” for money and “dig” for admiration. They experimented with marijuana, which they for admiration. They experimented with marijuana, which they called “pot.” Both sexes huddled up in flats they called “pads,” called “pot.” Both sexes huddled up in flats they called “pads,” furnished with no more than a guitar, hot plate, bare mattress, and furnished with no more than a guitar, hot plate, bare mattress, and few records and books.”few records and books.”

Kerouac remarked, “We love everything – Billy Graham, the Top Kerouac remarked, “We love everything – Billy Graham, the Top Ten, Rock and Roll, Zen, apple pie, Eisenhower – we dig it all.”Ten, Rock and Roll, Zen, apple pie, Eisenhower – we dig it all.”

Like their predecessors, they struggled with the quality of their lives. Like their predecessors, they struggled with the quality of their lives. Their writing reflected the emptiness of the world devoid of Their writing reflected the emptiness of the world devoid of spontaneity and creative possibility, which has “driven the best spontaneity and creative possibility, which has “driven the best minds mad,” in Ginsberg’s words.minds mad,” in Ginsberg’s words.

The beat writers attempted to convey pure emotion through words in The beat writers attempted to convey pure emotion through words in order to break through what they saw as the sterility of the times. order to break through what they saw as the sterility of the times.

More BeatsMore Beats William S. Burroughs (1914-1997)William S. Burroughs (1914-1997)

- the Beat generation’s most innovative writer- the Beat generation’s most innovative writer- arrested on drug charges, accidentally killed his wife playing - arrested on drug charges, accidentally killed his wife playing William Tell, hung out in Europe and N. Africa, and was tried William Tell, hung out in Europe and N. Africa, and was tried in Boston for obscenity because of his novel in Boston for obscenity because of his novel Naked Lunch. Naked Lunch.

Jack Kerouac (1922-1969)Jack Kerouac (1922-1969)- tried to save his family’s financial debacle by winning a - tried to save his family’s financial debacle by winning a football scholarship to Columbia. Unfortunately, his coach football scholarship to Columbia. Unfortunately, his coach didn’t play him, his dad became a drunk, and Jack ended up a didn’t play him, his dad became a drunk, and Jack ended up a merchant marine. merchant marine. - once out of the military, gained success by writing aobut his - once out of the military, gained success by writing aobut his cross-country trips with Neal Cassady - cross-country trips with Neal Cassady - On the RoadOn the Road – the – the novel, written in three weeks, drew public attention to the novel, written in three weeks, drew public attention to the subterranean culture of beat poets, folksingers, hipsters, subterranean culture of beat poets, folksingers, hipsters, mystics, and eccentrics.mystics, and eccentrics.

More BeatsMore Beats Allen Ginsberg 1926-1997Allen Ginsberg 1926-1997

- “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by- “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by

madness, starving hysterical naked,madness, starving hysterical naked,

dragged themselves through the Negro streets at dawndragged themselves through the Negro streets at dawn

looking for an angry fix,…” “Howl”looking for an angry fix,…” “Howl”

- Grew up in NJ, with a mom who had mental illness. He - Grew up in NJ, with a mom who had mental illness. He discovered the poetry of Whitman (the original beatnik), but discovered the poetry of Whitman (the original beatnik), but despite his love of poetry, listened to his dad and was going to despite his love of poetry, listened to his dad and was going to study law. study law.

- Unfortunately, his first year at Columbia wasn’t too good. He - Unfortunately, his first year at Columbia wasn’t too good. He spent most of his time consorting with junkies, experimenting spent most of his time consorting with junkies, experimenting with drugs, and cruising gay bars. He was convinced that he and with drugs, and cruising gay bars. He was convinced that he and his friends were working toward some kind of as-yet-undefined his friends were working toward some kind of as-yet-undefined poetic breakthrough…poetic breakthrough…

- “Howl” – his most famous poem – is considered a visible - “Howl” – his most famous poem – is considered a visible expression of beat defiance and a worldwide symbol of sexual expression of beat defiance and a worldwide symbol of sexual depravity.depravity.

The Confessional Poets – Sylvia Plath, The Confessional Poets – Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Robert LowellAnne Sexton, and Robert Lowell

Their poetry dealt with deeply personal, Their poetry dealt with deeply personal, emotional, and psychological mattersemotional, and psychological matters

Moved away form the earlier notion that Moved away form the earlier notion that poetry should be universal rather than poetry should be universal rather than personalpersonal

Described the experience of suffering, often Described the experience of suffering, often in the context of family, and through this in the context of family, and through this suffering, suggested the cost of the national suffering, suggested the cost of the national practices and ideologies of 1950s on the practices and ideologies of 1950s on the individual.individual.

This is achieved by the use of the persona or This is achieved by the use of the persona or mask.mask.

Sylvia Plath 1932-1963Sylvia Plath 1932-1963“…“…Every woman adores a Fascist,Every woman adores a Fascist,The boot in the face, the bruteThe boot in the face, the bruteBrute heart of a brute like you.”Brute heart of a brute like you.”

In “Daddy,” Plath’s best-known poem, she examines the In “Daddy,” Plath’s best-known poem, she examines the father/daughter relationship. Criticized as a “racking father/daughter relationship. Criticized as a “racking personal confession” as well as its use of “ready made” personal confession” as well as its use of “ready made” public images of terror, “Daddy” has also reaped much public images of terror, “Daddy” has also reaped much praise. Plath effectively conveys the ambiguity of the praise. Plath effectively conveys the ambiguity of the emotion behind the poem, the love/hate relationship emotion behind the poem, the love/hate relationship between the speaker and her father.between the speaker and her father.

Plath’s surface image of perfection was an illusion; she Plath’s surface image of perfection was an illusion; she was mentally ill. Attempted suicide several times, the was mentally ill. Attempted suicide several times, the last successfully. Married British poet Ted Hughes, and last successfully. Married British poet Ted Hughes, and is most remembered for her poetry collection is most remembered for her poetry collection ColossusColossus and her semi-autobiographical novel and her semi-autobiographical novel The Bell JarThe Bell Jar. .