American and Other Non-British Literature

American Literature: Background & the Novel

I. Historical Background (1607 – Late 18th Century)

1. Colonial Period (1607–1756)

• Initially, American literature was weak; no great literature emerged.
• Reason: Settlers were diverse, scattered, and lacked a unified national spirit.
• Writing was mostly religious and political, e.g., William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation. These works are historical, not literary, in nature.
• Turning Point: The American Revolution (late 18th century) encouraged nationalism, creating the proper environment for authentic literature.

2. Key Early Political Writings

• Thomas Paine – Common Sense (pamphlet advocating independence)
• Thomas Jefferson – The Declaration of Independence

3. First American Novel

• The Power of Sympathy (1789) by William Hill Brown
• Theme: Morality and sentiment; marks the beginning of American fiction.

II. The 19th Century American Novel & Major Novelists

The 19th century was the golden age of the American novel, with writers gradually developing a distinct American voice.

1. Early Pioneers

• Charles Brockden Brown (1771–1810)

  • First professional American novelist.
  • Style: Gothic, psychological, horror-filled.
  • Works: Wieland, Ormond.
  • Significance: Explored the dark side of human psyche.

• Washington Irving (1783–1859)

  • First American writer with international fame.
  • Style: Short stories and historical sketches.
  • Famous Works: The Sketch Book (includes Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow).

• James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851)

  • Pioneer of adventure and frontier novels.
  • Famous Works: The Leatherstocking Tales, especially The Last of the Mohicans.
  • Famous Character: Natty Bumppo, the ideal American frontiersman.

2. Dark Romantics / Gothic Masters

• Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)

  • Genres: Poetry, short stories, literary criticism.
  • Contributions:
    • Invented Detective Fiction (The Murders in the Rue Morgue)
    • Early Science Fiction (The Balloon Hoax)
    • Master of Gothic tales (The Fall of the House of Usher)
  • Style: Mystery, horror, macabre, psychological depth.

• Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864)

  • Themes: Sin, guilt, punishment, Puritan legacy.
  • Style: Symbolism and psychological insight.
  • Masterpiece: The Scarlet Letter (first American psychological novel).
  • Other Works: The House of the Seven Gables.

• Herman Melville (1819–1891)

  • Masterpiece: Moby Dick
    • Story: A whaling adventure that becomes a tragic allegory of obsession, revenge, and man’s struggle against the universe.
  • Other Works: Billy Budd (published posthumously).

3. The Rise of Realism & Local Color

• Mark Twain (1835–1910)

  • Called the "Father of American Literature" (H.L. Mencken).
  • Style: Colloquial speech, humor, satire.
  • Masterpiece: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (all modern American literature traces back to this, according to Hemingway).

• Stephen Crane (1871–1900)

  • Pioneer of Naturalism – a harsh, realistic style.
  • Works: Focus on war, hardship, and social outcasts.
  • Masterpiece: The Red Badge of Courage (Civil War realism).

• Henry James (1843–1916)

  • Themes: Clash between American innocence and European sophistication.
  • Style: Psychological realism, emphasis on inner consciousness.
  • Famous Works: The Portrait of a Lady, The Ambassadors.
  • Contribution: Wrote literary criticism (The Art of Fiction), elevating the novel as an art form.

• Local Color Movement

• Focus: Regional dialects, customs, landscapes.
• Significance: Bridged Romanticism and Realism.
• Examples:
• Bret Harte – California mining towns
• Harriet Beecher Stowe – Uncle Tom’s Cabin

III. Exam-Oriented Author Summary Table

Author	Period / Style	Contribution	Importance
Charles Brockden Brown	Early / Gothic	Wieland, Ormond	First professional novelist; explored dark psychology
Washington Irving	Early Romantic	The Sketch Book	First internationally famous American writer
James Fenimore Cooper	Romantic	The Last of the Mohicans	Created iconic American frontier hero
Edgar Allan Poe	Dark Romantic	The Raven, Gothic tales	Invented detective & sci-fi genres; mastered horror
Nathaniel Hawthorne	Dark Romantic	The Scarlet Letter	Master of symbolism & psychological drama
Herman Melville	Dark Romantic	Moby Dick	Great American epic/allegory
Mark Twain	Realism	Huckleberry Finn	Father of American Lit; used vernacular speech
Stephen Crane	Naturalism	The Red Badge of Courage	Pioneered gritty, realistic war fiction
Henry James	Realism / Psychological	The Portrait of a Lady	Master of psychological realism & international themes
Local Colorists	Realism	Bret Harte, Harriet Beecher Stowe	Captured regional American culture

Note 

• Early American literature was mostly historical or religious; authentic literary expression came after the Revolution.
• The novel became the dominant form in the 19th century.
• Literature evolved from imitating Europe to a unique American voice rooted in history, landscape, and social issues.
• Major trends: Gothic / Dark Romanticism → Realism → Naturalism → Local Color.