Literature

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Literary Tradition:

American Literature: usually studied chronologically or thematically beginning with texts from early colonists, who wrote about exploration, Native American relations, and life in the New World.

This early Colonial Period (1620-1750) was followed by the Age of Revolution (1750-1815) with texts centered on colonies' quest for independence.

Romantic/Transcendental Period (1800-1865) placed emphasis on the power of imagination, celebration of individualism, love of nature (trying to break away from British literary tradition).

Realistic Period (1855-1910) portray life as it really was. This period included Civil War writers, Regionalists, and Naturalists.

Modern Period (1900-1950) wrote about World Wars, alienation, Roaring Twenties, the Depression, and the changing of the world.

Post Modern (1950-present) challenged traditional values and structures.