Modern American literature evolved from the early foundations of the country’s literary ancestors. The European explorers brought their writing system with them to the New World. They wrote journals, letters, and narratives of their experience in this new place.
Early American literature benefitted greatly from the contributions of female authors.
The 17th century marked a shift from an age of faith to an age of reason. Literature represents the turbulence in society, religion, and the monarchy of this period. Life for the English people changed as religious controversy and civil war shook the nation.
Literature often presents accurate representations of society. William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night was written as a fictional play, but the characters and situations of the play offer keen observations of 16th-century life.
Aphra Behn’s “The Disappointment” represents the female role in a patriarchal society. The poem offers a scandalous tale presented in a charming and traditionally poetic way. Behn’s ideal of improved status of women is clearly reflected in this poem about love, sex, and power.
Middle English literature offers creative representations of the feudal system and the lives of Middle English people. Formats and characters vary, but there are recurring themes.
These famous women in literature had a language of their own. Learn how female authors such as Emily Bronte and Alice Munro contributed to the evolution of literature and language.
Children’s literature offers a wonderful mixture of magic and reality. This article aims to explore child development theories through the lens of "James and the Giant Peach."
Children’s literature has evolved through the generations from oral story-telling to modern child-centered stories. In ancient times children did not have their own stories, they listened to stories intended for adults. As time passed children’s literature began with educational writing and...
Colonial literature presents the history of colonial times. As people immigrated to America from England, they brought their religious ideals with them. These strong religious beliefs are evident in the writings of colonial American literature. Religion affected all aspects of life.
The anonymous English poem “Weep You No More, Sad Fountains” provides rich imagery, melancholy metaphors, and insight into the Elizabethan period. Poetry lovers are still enjoying the work today.
The poetry of the early modern period into the Age of Enlightenment forged the way for romantic literature. Shakespeare’s sonnets, as well as Blake's and Wordsworth’s poetry, follow the romantic formula of expressing emotion through the delightful language, rhythm, and meter of the written word.
J.K. Rowling’s creative character Harry Potter serves as a wonderful example of a classic mythological hero. The hero story has been portrayed for centuries with early works present in the works of Homer and Hesiod.
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekykll and Mr. Hyde" presents the theme of a divided self while offering insight into Victorian England. Jekyll’s personal battle with his inner demons creates a division of self that would have been empathized with by society of the period.
The Romantic Period offered many extraordinary works of literature. The writing of celebrated English writers, such as John Keats, still resonates with readers today. The concepts and formatting of Romanticism strongly influenced many modern authors. Keats’ representation of the epic poem...