AMERICAN LITERATURE TIMELINE
Colonial Period (1607-1785)
Notes nonfiction writing of historical importance, such as journals
and farm and town records
sermons and meditations in Puritan belief
poetry representing religion and domestic issues
Tenets Puritan philosophy
Literature that we read
How does this literature reflect the time period?
Is your author from this time period?
AMERICAN LITERATURE TIMELINE
Revolutionary Period (1765-1815)
Notes political pamphlets
nonfiction writing forwarding opinions about war
patriotic song lyrics and poetry
Tenets Enlightenment Philosophy
Literature that we read
How does this literature reflect the time period?
Is your author from this time period?
AMERICAN LITERATURE TIME PERIOD
American Romanticism (1815-1865)
Notes imaginative and fanciful
fiction
emotion and nature as subjects
the supernatural and gothic
celebration of beauty and the individual
transcendental ideals
the American Renaissance
rise of the American short story
Tenets Romantic philosophy
Gothic philosophy
Transcendental philosophy
Literature we read
How do these pieces reflect the time period?
Is your author from this time period?
AMERICAN ROMANTICISM (1815-1865)
Literary Movement of the 18th and 19th
centuries
In short, the Romantic period in America
represents a nation now established and past
the task of war and gaining independence, and
is able to move on to the joys of exploring life
and beauty, nature and the individual, the
supernatural and the fanciful.
ROMANTIC LITERATURE - CHARACTERISTICS
Predominance of IMAGINATION over reason
Love of NATURE
An interest in the PAST
INDIVIDUALISM
Enthusiasm for the WILD, GROTESQUE in
Nature
Interest in the GOTHIC
GOTHIC LITERATURE
Developed in the late
18th century and
emerged from
Romanticism
Gothic originally
referred to Medieval
architectural style that
included gargoyles,
scenes of hell, and
souls in torment
GOTHIC THEMES
Ancestral Curse: the current generation suffers for evil deeds of ancestors
Dreaming/Nightmares: dredge up strong emotions such as joy, ecstasy, and terror; reveals urges, impulses, desires, even truths; reveals the future
Entrapment/Imprisonment: being confined or trapped
Gothic Gadgets: “supernatural props” secret messages, forbidden chambers, casket lids, sealed compartments
Revenge, Superstition, and Mystery
The Grotesque: mutations, often deformities
GOTHIC SETTINGS
Cemetery: caves, temples, mounds, catacombs,
churchyards, crypts
Haunted House, Castle, or Estate
Presence of Mist/Fog
EDGAR ALLAN POE – ROMANTICISM’S GREAT AMERICAN WRITER
1809-1849: HIS LIFE
• Both parents died before he was 3; his mother died of tuberculosis
• Adopted by Allan family; adoptive mother eventually died of tuberculosis
• Develops a gambling addiction by the age of 22, drops out of school
• Joins army; dismissed for disobedience
• 1835, lives w/aunt and cousin, Virginia, who he eventually marries at 13
• His writing is published more and more by this time, both his fiction and his literary criticism of other notable authors
• 1847, Virginia dies of tuberculosis
• Poe’s behavior becomes erratic and he develops a drinking and drug problem
• 1849, found unconscious on street, dies
EDGAR ALLAN POE HIS LITERATURE
• Single-handedly developed the “short story” genre and formulated rules for it
• As a writer, Poe had a neurotic obsession with death and violence
• He was the first to write about premeditated murder and invented the modern “detective” story
• Had a deep appreciation for the beautiful yet tragic mysteries of life
• Most of Poe’s works are riddled with terror, sadness, and loss
• Battled with depression throughout his life, which can be seen in his writings
• His works consist of a variety of poems, short stories, and one novel
OBJECTIVES WITH POE
Analyze his writing style by looking at two of his
poems.
Evaluate how his works reflect the
Gothic/Romanticism era
ANALYZING AN AUTHOR’S STYLE
Style in writing is not what is said but how it is said.
How does the author communicate their ideas?
Styles in writing are created deliberately by the author to convey a specific mood or effect.
Key aspects include:
sentence length, structure, variation, and position
the use of sensory details, figurative language, and other literary devices
the use of sound devices – alliteration, onomatopoeia, repetition
the use of dialogue
word choice
tone
the use of local color
the use of irony
“THE RAVEN” BY EDGAR ALLAN POE
What is significant about Poe’s writing style?
Address at least two questions from each of the Analysis Domains, and show this by using and underling academic vocabulary. *Note: remember poetry uses sound devices such as alliteration, assonance, repetition, internal and external rhyme, and onomatopoeia*
In what ways does “The Raven” reflect Gothic literature? Think about the themes and setting
Use quotes to support
SAMPLE RESPONSE FOR STYLE ANALYSIS OF
“THE RAVEN”
Confused or simplistic, weak response (3): In the first line Poe uses the word “midnight” to signify the setting takes place at night.
Simplistic and repetitive, generally accurate understanding (4): Poe’s poem, from the beginning starts off with a sad tone. The sensory details “midnight,” and “weak and weary” show that he is sad during the night time. Also, because the setting is at midnight that sets a sad tone showing darkness.
Shows depth and complexity of thought, sound critical understanding (5): The first line of the first stanza sets up the setting of the poem with the use of the word “midnight” (line 1). The connotation of midnight (dark, mysterious, lonely) also helps set up the tone of the poem. Additionally, in line 6, the first line of the second stanza, Poe remembers back to “bleak December.” Both midnight and December signify the end to something which creates a sense of finality, which further effects the tone of sadness.
HOMEWORK
Each group will be assigned a second poem by Poe to find and print from the Internet.
Make sure everyone prints and brings a copy of the poem.
For HW, complete an analysis of this second poem to share with your group.
As a group you will compare everyone’s analysis and develop a short presentation.
You will present your findings to the class.
(1) Annabel Lee, (2) The City In the Sea, (3) A Dream Within a Dream, (4) The Sleeper, (5) The Bells, (6) Alone, (7) The Lake
POE PRESENTATIONS
Read only meaningful excerpts.
Use the whiteboard to give us a visual if
necessary
Everybody needs to present
Discuss writing style, title, theme, setting, and
anything of significance.
Discuss any similarities and differences that
exist between poems.
WASHINGTON IRVING
The first American writer to achieve an international literary reputation He was a romantic with a great
sense of tradition, looking to the old world (Europe) for models
Best known for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle”
He added to the short story richness of atmosphere and unity of tone, as well as humor.
He added definite locality, actual American scenery and people