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The Nature of American Literature, 2008.
An examination of American literature.
1,271 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the nature of American literature. The paper explains that American literature, like many other nationalistic literary bodies has had an evolution that marks changing attitudes with regard to what is to be included in the voice of literature. The paper then looks at how the representation of both women and African-American writers is not the only body of inclusion, as contemporary movements have made significant strides toward the inclusion of almost every immigrant group into the canon of American literature and into the body of publishing in general in history and contemporary works. The paper also points out that the defining characteristics of what qualifies as American Literature is simply that it is a written form, poetry, prose or drama that conveys any point of view of the American experience of growth and change. The writer states that frequently some of the most fundamentally expressive forms of American literature are immigrant literature that explores the real and fictional development of the self, from an immigrant outsider to someone who feels as if they are an American, regardless of the outside view of themselves as a foreigner. The paper concludes that American literature should continue to be inclusive and representative of personal nationalistic growth, as a standard bearer for other forms of nationalistic literature.
From the Paper
"In all representations of immigrant literature there is a clear sense that at almost any given time in America there was a dominant or subjugated immigrant group that was struggling to be accepted by those who had immigrated one, two or three generations before them. America is a nation of immigrants and American literature is finally beginning to express this, without as much of the exclusionary literary academic influences. The transition of an immigrant into and "American" in the self is frequently one of the most important and influential expression of literature, from Latino American literature, to Asian American immigrant expressions."
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African-American Literature, 2002.
An analysis of the importance of African-American literature.
7,166 words (approx. 28.7 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 159.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of African-American literature, in order to come to a true understanding of how influential and important this particular literature is. The paper claims that this literature has made an impact in many ways, including social, economic, environmental, cultural and historical.
Contents:
Introduction
The importance of African American Literature
The Implications of African American Literature
Social
Economic
Environmental
Cultural
Historical
How African-American Literature Has Changed -- Across the Genres
Slave Narratives and Biographies
Novels
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The changes in African-American literature are also very important. At least two genres will be discussed, one being slaved narratives and biographies and the other being novels, in order to understand how African-American literature has changed. It has not stayed the same over the course of time, and often it has evolved as history has evolved, changing and reshaping itself in order to fit the times that it finds itself in. Occasionally, however, a particular work of African-American literature will simply break away from what society considers as the norm for that time period, and the author will go off on his or her own to write something that he or she feels is vitally important."
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Asian-American Literature, 2004.
This paper reviews Asian-American history and provides a course outline for incorporating Asian-American literature studies into middle-school or high-school coursework.
2,320 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Asian-American literature, which has grown considerably over the last several decades, is considered one of the subdivisions of multicultural literature. The author points out that scholarly and popular interest in Asian-American literature is of recent vintage, having found its direct roots in student activism at San Francisco State and the University of California, Berkeley in the late 1960s, which resulted in the creation of interdisciplinary ethnic studies programs; today, courses in Asian-American literature are common throughout U.S. higher education. The paper relates that Asian-American literature is an oft-contested field due to the wide variety of cultures and backgrounds in the Asian-Americans culture; however, this variety of backgrounds has given rise to writings reflective of cross-generational concerns and styles.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History
Course Outline
Course Abstract
Fiction
Group Project
Single Project
Survey
Conclusion
From the Paper
"When considering the history of Asian-American literature, it is necessary to also look at the history of those who came to the United States since its formation. In reviewing the Asian-American literature, it is also important to note the history of Asian immigration to the United States. The Chinese first started immigrating to the United States during the mid- to late-1860s, as part of the gold rush. They provided cheap labor for farms and the transcontinental railroad. Other Asian groups joined them during this same time to work in the Hawaiian sugar plantations or California farm fields. The Asians were recognized as second-class citizens from their very first days in the country. However, they still had to contribute 50 percent of the taxes collected in California between 1850 and 1870 because of the Foreign Miners Tax of 1850. Other discriminatory events included the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1885, which initiated a ban on Chinese immigration."
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Early American Literature, 2008.
An analysis of the theme of "a new start" in American literature.
2,253 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the first period of the American literature that was influenced by a sense of religiousness and then shows how American literature changed from a religious-based philosophy to a political-based one, with the works of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine. The paper looks at the literature trends in the period of the American Revolution and during the Civil War. The paper concludes that the theme "a new start" in American literature represented an important step in the establishment of the national identity of the American people in each of its important moments.
From the Paper
"The history of the American literature can be considered to be in deep contact with the history of the American nation itself. It represents a close mirror image of the way in which the United States came into being. This is largely due to the fact that one of the few means of manifestation for the early colonists that came in America to manifest themselves was the literary field. At the same time though, literature was largely used to express the feelings and emotions of the beginning of the nation. This is why, from this point of view, it is important to consider the history of the American literature as part of the wider attempt to construct the cultural identity of a nation."
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American Ethnic Literature, 2008.
Looks at what is meant by the genre of American ethnic literature.
1,295 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that ethnic authors use their personal experiences to illustrate the troubles and discrimination they have faced in an attempt to gain the understanding of readers and to perhaps change some long-held ideals and falsehoods. The paper then points out that American ethnic literature is a strong and vital part of American literature. The paper uses the writings of prize-wining African-American women to exemplify American ethnic literature: Poet Gwendolyn Brooks (Pulitzer Prize for Poetry), Alice Walker (Pulitzer Prize) and Toni Morrison (Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize).
From the Paper
"Another perspective all ethnic literatures seem to share are their views of traditional American values, such as equality and freedom, and that is not surprising. Ethnic writers, like anyone else, desire those values, but it is difficult to support them traditionally when they are not applied to your race or circumstances, and much of their writing reflects that. Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" is an excellent example of these values, and how they are missing in many ethnic lives. She writes, "I never had an education myself. After second grade the school was closed down.""
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What is American Literature?, 2007.
This paper discusses the characteristics and complexity of American literature.
1,291 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the more broadly, deeply, objectively and honestly one reflects on the question of what is; or is not American literature, the more complex the issue becomes. The writer then provides a definition of literature before examining the issue of American literature. The writer concludes that aspects of American life and character that often, although not always, get left out of literary works often have to do with politics and/or political processes perhaps because their bad effects, while known, are probably hard to describe in terms of tangible effects on an individual hero or life situation.
From the Paper
"The question of what it means to be an American is an even more complex one; and it brings my cynicism to the surface. When I read Walt Whitman's gigantic, beautiful, exuberant ode to America these days that was first published in 1855, when being an American was obviously a whole different experience than it is for Americans today, I wish I could feel half as enthusiastic about being an American today as he obviously did back then. Nowadays, I think that to be an American (in general) just means to be an overly materialistic; chronically-shallow thinker; who is (therefore) gullible to bad political influences and the wrong kinds of "peer pressure" (e.g., to smoke; to drink; to deface public property with graffiti); and whose only real religion is materialism and whose main reason for even being alive is just to buy more and more material stuff, and to be entertained (mindlessly) mostly by television."
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The American Renaissance in Literature, 2008.
A discussion supporting the claim of an American Renaissance in literature with proof from literature in early American history.
1,464 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the existence of an American Renaissance and supports the claim with evidence from writers from early American history. The paper provides examples from specific works from that period in order to prove that the American Renaissance did occur, and additionally, that the period changed America and the lives of the American people forever.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Birth of the American Renaissance
American Renaissance Authors
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Lastly, the American Renaissance in terms of literature was also characterized by authors who exercised freedom of the written word to speak out against elements in society which were deemed by many to be unacceptable from a moral and legal standpoint. Perhaps the best example of this is "Uncle Tom's Cabin", written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in 1852, essentially the highpoint of the American Renaissance. There are those who contend that Stowe's tale of the evils of American slavery was one of the main catalysts that touched off the series of events leading to the American Civil War (McQuade, et al, 1999). Thus, in this case, we see American Renaissance literature as a vehicle for social commentary and change."
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Shakespeare's Influence on American Literature, 2002.
A look at Shakespeare's impact on American literature.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This seven-page paper presents a discussion about the importance of William Shakespeare to the world of American Literature. The writer of this paper uses several of Shakespeare's works to illustrate he ways he ingrained himself and his writing style into the hearts of his audiences and how those works become important to American literature. There were seven sources used to complete this paper.
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American Literature, 2008.
An exploration of what we consider to be American literature.
1,362 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, as the political and social climate has changed, American literature has evolved to include previously disenfranchised voices, such as Native-Americans, women, African-Americans and disenfranchised immigrants from many nations of origin. The paper then explores how we define an American writer and American literature.
From the Paper
"The representation of both women and African American writers is not the only body of inclusion. Contemporary movements have made significant strides toward the inclusion of almost every immigrant group into the canon of American literature and into the body of publishing in general in history and contemporary works. These groups include Asian immigrants, Eastern European Jews, Germans, Italians and of coarse Native Americans who have a rich tradition of their own. Yet, we must remember that this is a relatively new experience and that for the majority of the development of "American Literature" the system was one of elitism that preferred almost exclusively the point of view of the Western white male."
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The Evolution of American Literature, 2002.
Explores the growth and development of American Literature.
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 97.95
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Abstract
The evolution of literature in America has been an extraordinary process, where its development from humble descriptions of exploration to extraordinary works of fiction demonstrates a comparable form of development within the American people. This paper explores the concept of "American Literature" in respect to its evolution from the Columbian period through the Ante- Bellum period.
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American Literature, 2008.
A review of classical American literature and how it shaped America today.
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how any American literature class is important today because it offers students the opportunity to view how the culture of America has been shaped and transformed. The paper begins with a review of early colonial and Puritan writings and expands on American history through the women's rights movement and time of slavery and freedom. It also discusses how the early writings of Americans helped shaped America by explaining how America has always given man the opportunity to express him or herself liberally, and offered the right to freedom, democracy and eventually justice for all. For this reason many today look up to America still as a land of opportunity, and is the reason these writings are essential to understanding this opinion of America today.
Outline
Introduction
Early Literature - A Reflection of Hope
Enlightenment and Deism
The 19th Century and Beyond
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Much of early literature including works like William Bradford's, "Of Plymouth Plantation" and John Winthrop's, "A Model of Christian Charity" reflect what America was about in the earliest stages of its growth, or its infancy using our initial analogy. In his original manuscript, Bradford attempts to explain life during the early puritan period as he states, "with singular regard unto ye simple trueth in all things, at least as near as my slender judgmente can attaine the same" (Bradford 3). This early document demonstrates the early spelling and phonetic writing of early authors, but more importantly demonstrates Bradford's attempts to describe the "truth in all things" as he saw them, admitting his own judgment may be "slender" but truthful. Bradford goes on to describe the, "Honourable Nation of England," the first nation purportedly adorned by God, and the transgressions that had led to wars and opposition, imprisonments and banishments that occurred in early times, forcing the people of American to return to churches of God that, "reverte to their anciente pruitie, and recover primitive order, libertie & bewtie" (Bradford 3). "
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American Literature, 2005.
This paper answers three specific questions on the topic of American Literature.
2,260 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
The paper answers three specific questions dealing with American Literature. Specifically, it concerns Walt Whitman and his significance as a poet, Hawthorne's view of the artist compared to the scientist and the development of Frederick Douglass' character.
From the Paper
"Question: Walt Whitman is arguably one of the best known poets in American Literature. In a certain sense, Whitman's poetry offered a true definition of the American spirit and his masterpiece "Leaves of Grass" may be considered a tribute to the American people and their way of life."
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Symbolism and American Literature, 2008.
An analysis of the place of symbolism in American literature through an analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter", Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" and Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher".
2,456 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at three stalwarts of American literature Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter", Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" and Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher". In particular, the paper examines how they all reveal symbolism employed in a heavy handed manner which requires much thought and effort on the part of the reader in order to grasp its full import. The paper attempts to show how on the surface, Hawthorne's letter "A", Melville's white whale, and Poe's house of gloom should all be simple to explicate because their existence as symbolic device is irrefutable. However, the craft that elaborates on them throughout each authors' story is complex and elaborate.
From the Paper
"Melville is yet another American author whose use of symbolism, while not as subtle as Hawthorne; of whom he was a contemporary, was just as consistent in his own manner. In Melville's Moby Dick, the entire premise of the book is based on a symbol which literary theorists have contemplated for many years. Yet, it is useful to bypass the discussion of the white whale and move into to some less symbolically divisive territory. Melville utilizes the biblical Book of Jonah for its symbolism which then employs for his own unique symbolic device."
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American and British Literature, 2004.
This paper discusses the similarities and differences between British and American literature.
678 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts British and American literature and contends that they are similar in their response to the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, but they diverge in their interpretation of romanticism. The paper relates that the short story and transcendental writing are also different between the two nations, as opposed to mysteries which are alike and equally popular in both.
From the Paper
"Although America and Great Britain are separated by an ocean, they are connected at the pen so to speak. The similarities in their literature are more numerous than their differences. This is partly due to their common heritage, America having originally been a colony of England. Even beyond that, though, the literature of both countries was influenced by the same factors. One such factor was the Industrial Revolution. The influence of that revolution upon both countries was significant."
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African- American Children's Literature, 2005.
An analysis of images of Family in African-American children's literature with a focus on John Steptoe's "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" and Javaka Steptoe's "In Daddy Arms I Am Tall".
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine one specific ideological construct formed in the heart of children's literature produced from one specific cultural group. Specifically, it argues that African-American children's literature portrays a focus on familial relationships and bonds, evident even amongst two artists in children's literature, John and Javaka Steptoe.
From the Paper
"Despite the juvenile nature of the audience for children's literature, the genre itself can be an incredibly rich mine of cultural imagery and ideologies. Children's literature cannot be dismissed as only for children - rather, it can teach us all by examining what we use to teach our children. The purpose of this study is to examine one specific ideological construct formed in the heart of children's literature produced from one specific cultural group. Specifically, I would argue that African American children's literature portrays a focus on familial relationships and bonds, evident even amongst two artists in children's literature, John and Javaka Steptoe. "
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