15.2 Evolution of Literary Forms and Styles
3 min read•july 25, 2024
American literature before 1900 saw the birth of unique genres and styles. The , , and emerged, shaped by European influences and American experiences. These forms captured the nation's spirit and addressed its pressing issues.
Writers experimented with new techniques, pushing boundaries. , , and added depth to storytelling. Historical events like the Revolution and Civil War deeply influenced literary themes and approaches.
Development of Literary Forms
Development of literary genres
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- Novel emerged in late 18th century influenced by European traditions led to rise of (Walter Scott's Waverley)
- Short story popularized mid-19th century with 's contributions shaped genre conventions ()
- Regional and stories captured distinct American experiences ('s )
- Essays evolved through Transcendentalist writings explored philosophical and spiritual themes ('s )
- Political and social commentary essays addressed pressing issues of the time ()
- Personal essays and memoirs provided intimate glimpses into authors' lives and thoughts ('s )
Experimentation with forms and styles
- Stream of consciousness technique captured characters' inner thoughts and feelings ('s )
- Fragmented narrative structures challenged traditional storytelling methods ('s poetry)
- Incorporation of dialects and vernacular language added authenticity to regional literature (Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
- Blending of fiction and non-fiction elements blurred genre boundaries (Herman Melville's )
- Use of symbolism and allegory conveyed complex ideas through imagery ('s )
- Free verse poetry broke from traditional rhyme and meter schemes ('s )
- Concrete poetry experimented with visual arrangement of words on the page ()
Historical and Stylistic Influences
Impact of history on literature
- American Revolution sparked patriotic literature fostered development of American identity in writing ('s )
- Westward expansion inspired frontier literature and tall tales celebrated American pioneer spirit ('s )
- Civil War prompted war poetry and narratives shifted literary focus towards realism (Walt Whitman's )
- Industrial Revolution gave rise to urban narratives and social critique in literature ('s The Jungle)
- Slavery and abolition movements produced powerful slave narratives and abolitionist literature ('s )
Stylistic innovations across regions
- employed nature symbolism and philosophical essays explored spiritual and intellectual themes (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau)
- writers utilized dark humor and grotesque characters to explore regional issues (William Faulkner, )
- Naturalist authors focused on deterministic themes and objective narrative style to portray harsh realities (, )
- incorporated dialect and local color to capture specific geographic settings and cultures (, Sarah Orne Jewett)
- Modernist precursors experimented with form and structure delved into psychological exploration of characters (Henry James, Edith Wharton)
Key Terms to Review (45)
Common sense: Common sense refers to the basic level of practical knowledge and reasoning that is shared by a group of people, often seen as self-evident truths or intuitive understanding. In the context of early American literature, it became a rallying point for revolutionary thought, emphasizing reason and natural rights over tradition and monarchy, especially during times of social and political upheaval.
Drum-taps: Drum-Taps is a collection of poems by Walt Whitman, published in 1865, that reflects on the American Civil War and its impact on society. The poems combine vivid imagery and emotional depth to convey themes of loss, heroism, and the human experience during wartime, marking a significant evolution in literary forms and styles of the period.
E.e. cummings: e.e. cummings was an American poet, painter, essayist, and playwright known for his innovative and unconventional use of language and form in poetry. His work often defied traditional grammatical rules and poetic conventions, emphasizing individuality and the complexities of modern life, which reflects the broader evolution of literary forms and styles during the early 20th century.
Edgar Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic, known for his contributions to the genres of horror and mystery. His work is characterized by dark themes, psychological depth, and innovative narrative structures that greatly influenced American literature and paved the way for various literary movements.
Emily Dickinson: Emily Dickinson was a renowned American poet known for her innovative and unique style of writing, which often explored themes of death, immortality, and the inner workings of the human mind. Her poetry is characterized by its unconventional punctuation, slant rhyme, and fragmented structure, contributing significantly to the evolution of poetic forms and styles in the 19th century.
Essay: An essay is a short piece of writing that presents an argument or a perspective on a specific topic, often reflecting the author's personal viewpoint or analysis. Essays have evolved over time, adapting to various literary movements and styles, which have influenced their structure and purpose within literature.
Flannery O'Connor: Flannery O'Connor was an American writer known for her short stories and novels that explore themes of morality, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. Her work is characterized by a Southern Gothic style, which blends elements of horror, irony, and dark humor, reflecting the cultural landscape of the American South during the mid-20th century.
Fragmented narratives: Fragmented narratives are storytelling techniques that present events out of chronological order or in incomplete pieces, creating a disjointed and non-linear experience for the reader. This style emphasizes multiple perspectives, inner thoughts, and the complexity of human experience, often reflecting the chaotic nature of reality and memory. By breaking up traditional narrative structures, fragmented narratives challenge readers to engage more actively with the text, piecing together the story from various fragments.
Frederick Douglass: Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American abolitionist, orator, and writer who escaped slavery and became a leading voice in the fight for emancipation and civil rights in the 19th century. His powerful writings and speeches challenged the institution of slavery and advocated for social justice, making significant contributions to both the historical and cultural contexts of literature in the Americas.
Henry David Thoreau: Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher known for his reflections on simple living in natural surroundings and his critiques of society. He is most famous for his book 'Walden,' which emphasizes self-sufficiency and a deep connection to nature, while also critiquing the materialism of 19th-century America.
Historical novel: A historical novel is a literary genre that reconstructs past events, often blending fictional characters and narratives with historical facts. This genre aims to provide insight into the culture, social dynamics, and experiences of people during a specific period, while engaging readers through storytelling. It showcases how history can influence individual lives and societal changes.
James Fenimore Cooper: James Fenimore Cooper was an American novelist born in 1789, widely regarded as one of the first major American writers and known for his historical romances that depicted the early American frontier. His works reflect themes of individualism, nature, and the relationship between civilization and the wilderness, marking a significant evolution in literary forms and styles during the 19th century.
Kate Chopin: Kate Chopin was an American author known for her influential works in the late 19th century that explored themes of identity, gender roles, and social constraints. Her writing is often recognized for its progressive approach to women's issues during a time when traditional societal expectations were prevalent, making her a key figure in the literary movements of realism and early feminism.
Leatherstocking tales: The leatherstocking tales are a series of five novels written by James Fenimore Cooper, featuring the character Natty Bumppo, a frontiersman and an embodiment of the American wilderness spirit. These stories explore themes of civilization versus nature, the complexities of American identity, and the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, reflecting the evolution of literary forms and styles during the early 19th century.
Leaves of Grass: 'Leaves of Grass' is a groundbreaking collection of poetry by Walt Whitman, first published in 1855 and continually revised until his death in 1892. This work is significant for its celebration of individuality, democracy, and the American experience, often employing free verse and innovative poetic forms. It represents a shift towards modern poetry and embodies key themes such as nature, humanity, and the self, reflecting the evolving landscape of American literature during the 19th century.
Local color: Local color refers to a literary style that emphasizes the unique characteristics, customs, and speech of a particular region or community. This style often showcases the setting, dialect, and local culture, creating an authentic portrayal of life in that area. By capturing the essence of a locale, local color helps readers connect with the specific experiences and perspectives of its inhabitants.
Moby-Dick: Moby-Dick is a novel written by Herman Melville, published in 1851, that tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor aboard the whaling ship Pequod, led by the obsessive Captain Ahab, who is on a relentless quest to kill the titular white whale. This novel reflects significant historical and cultural themes of 19th-century America, such as the whaling industry, the struggle against nature, and the search for meaning in an increasingly industrialized world.
Modernism: Modernism refers to a broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional forms of art, literature, and social organization. It reflects a response to the rapid changes in society, including urbanization, industrialization, and the questioning of established norms, leading to new literary styles and techniques that emphasize fragmentation, stream of consciousness, and subjectivity.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave: This autobiography, published in 1845, details the experiences of Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person who became a prominent abolitionist and social reformer. It is a powerful work that highlights the brutal realities of slavery and the journey towards freedom, serving as a significant contribution to American literature and the evolving narrative forms that emerged during this period.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer known for his dark romanticism and exploration of themes such as sin, guilt, and the complexities of human nature. His works often reflect a fascination with moral ambiguity and the effects of the past on the present, placing him as a significant figure in American literature before 1900.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its focus on depicting life as it is, emphasizing the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior. This approach often highlights the darker aspects of life, portraying individuals as products of their circumstances rather than as autonomous agents.
Nature: Nature refers to the physical world and its phenomena, including landscapes, flora, fauna, and the environment. In literature, it often symbolizes beauty, tranquility, and the sublime, while also reflecting human emotions and experiences. The depiction of nature in literary works can serve as a backdrop for character development, thematic exploration, and social commentary.
New England Transcendentalists: New England Transcendentalists were a group of writers and thinkers in the early to mid-19th century who emphasized the importance of individual intuition and the inherent goodness of people and nature. They sought to transcend traditional societal norms and materialism, promoting self-reliance, spiritual growth, and a deep connection to the natural world as pathways to understanding the universe.
Novel: A novel is a relatively long work of fiction that tells a story through the interplay of characters, plot, and themes, often exploring complex human experiences and social issues. This literary form evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in society, culture, and artistic styles, which contributed to its establishment as a dominant narrative form by the 19th century.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th-century American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet who is best known for his role in the transcendentalist movement. His works emphasize individualism, self-reliance, and the spiritual relationship between humanity and nature, reflecting the cultural shifts and ideas emerging in America during his time.
Regionalism: Regionalism is a literary movement that emphasizes the specific characteristics, culture, and lifestyle of a particular geographical area, often capturing the unique dialects, customs, and values of its inhabitants. This movement plays a significant role in shaping national identities, reflecting the diversity of experiences across different regions and contributing to the broader themes and styles in American literature before 1900.
Regionalist writers: Regionalist writers are authors who focus on specific geographic areas, capturing the unique culture, dialects, customs, and social issues of those regions in their work. Their narratives often emphasize local color and authenticity, which helps to paint a vivid picture of life in particular locales, making them significant contributors to the evolution of literary forms and styles.
Sarah Orne Jewett: Sarah Orne Jewett was an American author known for her contributions to regionalist literature in the late 19th century, particularly her vivid portrayals of life in New England. Her writing often reflects themes of community, gender roles, and the influence of nature, establishing her as a key figure in the evolution of American literature during this period.
Short story: A short story is a brief fictional narrative that typically focuses on a single incident or character and aims to evoke a specific mood or insight. It is distinct from longer forms of fiction like novels due to its concise structure, often featuring a focused plot, limited characters, and a single thematic concern. This format allows writers to explore complex ideas within a limited scope, contributing to the evolution of literary forms and styles throughout history.
Southern Gothic: Southern Gothic is a subgenre of Gothic fiction that explores the dark and eerie aspects of life in the Southern United States. It often incorporates themes of decay, social issues, and grotesque characters, revealing the complexities of the South's history and culture. This genre connects deeply with regional identity, showcasing the interplay between setting, character, and social commentary.
Stephen Crane: Stephen Crane was an American novelist, poet, and short story writer known for his vivid imagery and innovative narrative techniques. His works often explore themes of war, survival, and the human condition, significantly influencing the evolution of literary forms and styles in American literature during the late 19th century.
Stream of consciousness: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that captures the continuous flow of a character's thoughts and feelings, often presenting them in a seemingly unstructured or chaotic manner. This technique allows readers to experience the inner workings of a character's mind, providing deep psychological insights and exploring complex themes of reality and perception.
The country of the pointed firs: The country of the pointed firs refers to a coastal region in Maine, notably depicted in Sarah Orne Jewett's 1896 work 'The Country of the Pointed Firs'. This term embodies themes of regionalism and nature, showcasing the beauty and complexities of rural life in New England. The narrative highlights connections to local identity, community, and the natural environment, which are key elements in understanding American literature before 1900.
The Fall of the House of Usher: The Fall of the House of Usher is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that explores themes of madness, isolation, and the supernatural within a decaying mansion. It is considered a quintessential work in the Gothic literary tradition, showcasing the evolution of literary forms and styles through its intricate narrative and psychological depth.
The Federalist Papers: The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. These writings not only served to influence public opinion at the time but also laid foundational principles of American government, reflecting the political philosophy of the Enlightenment and the emerging ideas of republicanism.
The Scarlet Letter: The Scarlet Letter is a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850, that explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan New England. This work reflects key movements in American literature, particularly Romanticism and Transcendentalism, highlighting the conflict between individual morality and societal norms.
The Sound and the Fury: The Sound and the Fury is a novel by William Faulkner, published in 1929, which is celebrated for its innovative narrative techniques and complex structure. It explores the decline of the Compson family in the American South, using stream-of-consciousness and fragmented timelines to convey the characters' emotional struggles and perceptions of reality. The novel reflects broader themes of time, memory, and identity, deeply rooted in the social changes occurring in America during that era.
Theodore Dreiser: Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist born in 1871, known for his influential works that contributed to the development of realism and naturalism in literature. His writing often focused on the struggles of individuals against societal forces, exploring themes of poverty, ambition, and the darker aspects of human nature. Dreiser's style was marked by a straightforward narrative approach and a deep psychological insight into his characters, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of literary forms and styles during his time.
Thomas Paine: Thomas Paine was an influential political thinker and writer in the late 18th century, best known for his works that encouraged American independence from British rule and laid the groundwork for democratic ideals. His writings, particularly 'Common Sense' and 'The American Crisis,' played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of early America, reflecting the broader historical and cultural movements of the time.
Transcendentalism: Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in America, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the belief in self-reliance and individual intuition as the primary sources of knowledge. This movement arose as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the materialism of society, asserting that individuals could transcend the limits of the physical world through personal insight and spiritual experience.
Upton Sinclair: Upton Sinclair was an American author and social activist known for his influential works that exposed social injustices, particularly in the early 20th century. His writing often blended journalism and fiction, contributing to the evolution of literary forms and styles by highlighting issues such as labor exploitation and food safety through vivid storytelling and detailed descriptions.
Vernacular language: Vernacular language refers to the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a specific region or community, as opposed to formal or literary language. This form of language often reflects the cultural identity, traditions, and social nuances of the people who use it, making it a vital component in the evolution of literary forms and styles, particularly as writers began to express their ideas in a way that resonated more authentically with their audiences.
Walden: Walden is a book by Henry David Thoreau, published in 1854, that details his experiment of living simply and self-sufficiently in a cabin he built near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. It reflects themes of nature, individualism, and transcendentalism, highlighting the importance of personal introspection and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Walt Whitman: Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, best known for his groundbreaking collection of poetry titled 'Leaves of Grass.' His work marks a significant shift in American literature, as he embraced free verse and celebrated individuality and the human experience, which connects to the evolution of literary forms and styles and themes of cultural preservation and resistance.
William Faulkner: William Faulkner was an American author known for his innovative narrative techniques and exploration of complex themes such as race, class, and the human condition in the Southern United States. His work played a significant role in the evolution of literary forms and styles, influencing modernist literature and shaping the narrative structure used by later writers.