Overview of American Literary Periods

Different eras in American literature, each with unique characteristics.

A literary movement (1865-1914) focused on portraying life as it is, often using detailed descriptions.

A literary movement (1914-1945) reacting to changes in society and using experimental techniques.

The literary period after World War II (1945-mid-1960s) with a focus on academic teaching.

A literary movement (mid-1960s-1980s) characterized by diverse voices and experimental forms.

Significant events (e.g., pessimistic philosophies, scientific discoveries) that challenged traditional beliefs and perspectives in the Modern Era.

Philosophical belief that human actions and fate are predetermined and often unfavorable, e.g. unavoidable and negative.

A collection of poems centered around portraits and epitaphs of deceased residents of a rural community; highlighting hidden aspects of life.

American poet who wrote Spoon River Anthology. Showcases buried life, and hypocrisy in communities through a collection of epitaphs.

Literature that emerged in the Modern Era, reflecting and responding to the philosophical and scientific shocks of the era, like focusing on the experiences of the average individual.

A concept where humans are governed by natural law, requiring mutual respect for life, health, liberty, and possessions, emphasizing individual rights.

The principle that political authority stems from the agreement of the people being governed.

A social contract where legitimacy of power comes from the whole population (including women), and the government arises from it.

The universe is knowable, rational, and perfectible, rejecting traditional religious views.

Advocated reason, rejecting religious dogma, emphasizing American self-determination and logic-based decisions.

Emphasis on reason, individual rights, and the perfectibility of society.

Enlightenment ideals such as reason and individual rights shaped the American revolution.

Paine valued personal thought and reason over conforming to religious customs.

A character symbolizing the scientific and mechanical approach to life, where work is seen as fulfillment.

The use of metaphors like science, chemistry, or agriculture to describe life and work, but ultimately failing to express the true meaning of human fulfillment.

A woman who embodies the struggle of balancing ambition with societal expectations and responsibilities.

The use of poetry as a form of direct communication, addressing the audience and the public sphere.

The rejection of traditional poetic techniques, like rhyme and rhythm, to create a more direct and authentic form of expression.

A long, experimental poem by Ezra Pound composed of fragmented episodes and diverse literary influences. The poem explores themes of history, mythology, and the state of modern society.

A short poem by Ezra Pound that captures a moment of urban beauty through a vivid imagery and a structure similar to that of a haiku.

In In a Station of the Metro, Pound uses the word 'apparition' instead of 'appearance' to emphasize the unexpected and fleeting nature of the beauty he observes.

These words in In a Station of the Metro create a sensory image that evokes a feeling of Japanese garden and a sense of calm amidst urban chaos.

In In a Station of the Metro, Pound explores the contrast between the modern industrial environment and the human experience, highlighting the fleeting beauty found in the everyday.

Ginsberg's "Howl" was read in a unique way, with each line delivered in one breath, mimicking the long, flowing lines of Walt Whitman's poetry.

This poem explores the tension between traditional sources of inspiration (nature, Whitman) and the modern, commercial world.

In "A Supermarket in California", Ginsberg imagines a meeting with Whitman, the 19th-century poet, in a modern supermarket, comparing lives and values.

In "A Supermarket in California", Ginsberg wonders if the "courage-teacher" (Whitman's spirit) can still guide him in a world increasingly dominated by consumerism.

Ginsberg questions whether modern California represents a loss of innocence and authenticity, evoking a sense of longing for a more natural past.

To authentically represent life as it truly is, showing the complexities and nuances of human experience.

A novel strives for realism, portraying life as it is, while a romance often presents an idealized, unrealistic version of love and relationships.

A literary movement focusing on scientific objectivity, portraying human beings as products of their environment and biological drives, similar to animals.

Human beings are essentially 'human beasts,' making them the subject of scientific observation, contrasting realism's focus on writing techniques.

Naturalism draws inspiration from scientific discoveries, particularly Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

A short poem by Ezra Pound that captures a moment of urban beauty through a vivid image and a structure similar to a haiku.

In 'In a Station of the Metro,' Pound uses 'apparition' instead of 'appearance' to emphasize the fleeting, almost ghostly nature of the beauty he observes.

A form of strict, harsh control and discipline often characterized by severe punishment, like in Dave's life.

These words in 'In a Station of the Metro' evoke a sensory image, suggesting a Japanese garden and quietude amidst urban chaos.

In 'In a Station of the Metro,' Pound explores the contrast between the modern industrial environment and the human experience, emphasizing the fleeting beauty found in the everyday.

The story highlights Dave's limitations through his internal thoughts and actions, suggesting his naivete and lack of understanding.

A system of social hierarchy, power, and control resembling medieval European feudalism.

Although Ezra Pound was a traditionalist in terms of European literary heritage, he was also radically innovative in his poetic form, revolutionizing modern poetry.

These court scenes demonstrate the legal and societal power dynamics of the South, reflecting the impact of the past on the present.

The story features vivid descriptions of characters that leave a lasting impression, capturing their personalities and roles within the story.

The universe is knowable, rational, and perfectible. Scientific inquiry and human reason can unlock its mysteries and improve human conditions. This contrasted with traditional religious interpretations.

The Founders shared a belief in individual rights, self-governance, and the principles of the Enlightenment. They emphasized reason, limited government, and the importance of consent of the governed.

The first phase of American literature, spanning 1607-1775, featuring religious texts, conduct books, and narratives of encounters with the New World.

A period marked by political pamphlets, early novels, and a shift towards self-governance (1765-1790).

A literary movement (1828-1865) characterized by Romanticism, Transcendentalism, and the emergence of iconic writers like Emerson, Thoreau, Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville.

A philosophical movement emphasizing intuition, individual experience, and the inherent goodness of humanity.

The time between 1775 and 1865, encompassing the establishment of the United States and its growth, culminating in the Civil War.

The Civil War had a profound impact on the American Renaissance, marking a tragic turning point and leading to a sense of disillusionment and introspection among writers. It also exposed the stark realities of slavery and racial inequality in America, prompting writers to address these societal issues.

The American Renaissance was dominated by white men like Emerson, Poe, and Melville, who reflected the dominant societal norms and prejudices of the time. Women and people of color were largely denied a voice and their experiences remained marginalized.

The literary period after the Revolutionary Age marked a departure from the religious and theological focus of the Colonial Period. It shifted towards political tracts, poems, and early novels, reflecting a growing emphasis on reason, self-governance, and a national identity.

A long, free verse poem by Allen Ginsberg, published in 1956, that explores themes of sexuality, social alienation, and the Beats' countercultural movement.

A poem by Allen Ginsberg also published in 1956, where the speaker encounters Walt Whitman in a modern supermarket, reflecting on American culture, consumerism, and the search for authenticity.

In 'A Supermarket in California', Ginsberg refers to Whitman as a 'courage-teacher', embodying the idea of authentic self-expression and defiance against societal norms.