The Early National Period
Introduction to the Early National Period (1775-1828)
This era in American literature marks the beginning of a unique literary identity
for the United States.
The Early National Period examines the transformation of the fledgling
American republic after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War in 1783 into a
hearty and rapidly expanding nation by 1828
Themes of the Early National Period (1775-1828)
During the Early National period, themes of individualism and freedom were
prominent. These concepts were discussed by influential figures such as
Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, who used persuasive language and
literary techniques such as metaphors and similes to make their arguments
for independence from Great Britain. Additionally, the issue of slavery was
also a sub-theme, with some advocating for abolition and others defending
the institution. These themes helped shape the early years of the United
States and continue to influence the country today.
The Early National Period Artist
Royall Tyler
Written work : The Contrast (American Play, 1787)
Born into a wealthy Boston family,
Brilliant student in Harvard and Yale
Soldier in the American Revolution
Lawyer Chief justice of the state Supreme Court
Conclusion
The American literature of the early national period (1775–1828) was
characterized by a distinct American identity, marked by themes of
nationalism, democracy, and slavery. The style of writing still had elements of
English influence, but the topics, themes, and characters were more
American. The popularity of the novel increased, as did poetry and slave
narratives. The publishing industry also grew, allowing for the spread of
American literature around the world and providing authors with a better
income. Political themes were prevalent after the revolution, but later authors
shifted towards using literature to define and strengthen the national identity.
The Grapes of Wrath: John Steinbeck's Modernist Masterpiece
Characteristics of Modernist Literature
Modernist literature is characterized by a self-conscious break with traditional
ways of writing, in both poetry and prose fiction writing. It often reflects a
sense of disillusionment with the world, as well as a rejection of literary
conventions such as plot, character, and setting. Instead, modernist writers
experimented with form, language, and narrative structure to convey their
themes and ideas.
Some common characteristics of modernist literature include a focus on
individualism and subjectivity, fragmentation and discontinuity, ambiguity and
uncertainty, and an interest in exploring the inner workings of the human
mind. The style of modernist literature can be difficult to read at times, but it is
often celebrated for its innovation and willingness to challenge established
norms.
John Steinbeck's Life Background
John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California in 1902. He grew up in a rural
setting and worked on farms throughout his youth, which heavily influenced
his writing later in life. After attending Stanford University, he moved to New
York City to pursue a career in writing.
Steinbeck's early works were often set in California and focused on the lives
of migrant workers and the struggles they faced. His most famous work, The
Grapes of Wrath, tells the story of a family's journey from Oklahoma to
California during the Great Depression. Steinbeck won the Pulitzer Prize for
Fiction in 1940 for this novel, cementing his place in American literary history.
The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath is widely considered one of the greatest American
novels of the 20th century. It tells the story of the Joad family, who are forced
to leave their home in Oklahoma due to drought and economic hardship. They
travel to California in search of work and a better life, but find themselves
facing even more challenges along the way.
Steinbeck's portrayal of the Joads and their struggles resonated deeply with
readers during the Great Depression, and the novel continues to be relevant
today as a commentary on social justice and inequality. The Grapes of Wrath
has been adapted into several films and stage productions, solidifying its
place in popular culture.
Themes in The Grapes of Wrath
One of the central themes of The Grapes of Wrath is the struggle for survival
in the face of overwhelming adversity. The Joad family and the other migrant
workers they encounter are constantly fighting against poverty, hunger, and
exploitation. Another important theme is the idea of community and solidarity,
as the Joads band together with other migrants to support each other through
their hardships.
The novel also explores the impact of capitalism and industrialization on
society, as well as the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Steinbeck's use of biblical allusions and symbolism adds depth and
complexity to these themes, making The Grapes of Wrath a rich and thought-
provoking work of literature.
English Literature: Literary Movements
The Renaissance Movement
The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth in
England, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century. This period saw a
renewed interest in classical literature and philosophy, as well as the
development of new literary forms such as the sonnet.
One of the most notable figures of the English Renaissance was William
Shakespeare, who wrote some of the most enduring works of English
literature, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
The Romantic Movement
The Romantic movement emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction
against the Enlightenment emphasis on reason and logic. Romantic writers
focused on emotion, imagination, and individualism, often celebrating nature
and the supernatural.
Some of the most famous Romantic poets include William Wordsworth,
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, whose works often explored
themes of love, beauty, and mortality.
The Victorian Movement
The Victorian era, named after Queen Victoria who ruled from 1837 to 1901,
was a time of great social and political change in England. The literature of
this period reflected the values and concerns of the middle class, with a focus
on morality, duty, and respectability.
Some of the most famous Victorian writers include Charles Dickens, Jane
Austen, and the Bronte sisters, whose works often explored themes of social
class, gender roles, and the struggle for individual freedom.
The Modernist Movement
The Modernist movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to
the upheavals of World War I and the growing sense of disillusionment with
traditional values. Modernist writers experimented with form and language,
often rejecting conventional narrative structures and exploring themes of
alienation, fragmentation, and the search for meaning.
Some of the most famous Modernist writers include Virginia Woolf, James
Joyce, and T.S. Eliot, whose works challenged readers to question their
assumptions about reality and the nature of consciousness.
The Postmodernist Movement
The Postmodernist movement emerged in the late 20th century as a reaction
against the perceived elitism and exclusivity of Modernist literature.
Postmodernist writers often playfully subverted traditional literary forms and
conventions, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture and
questioning the nature of truth and representation.
Some of the most famous Postmodernist writers include Salman Rushdie,
Margaret Atwood, and Thomas Pynchon, whose works often explore themes
of identity, power, and the relationship between language and reality.
The Contemporary Movement
The Contemporary movement encompasses a wide range of styles and
themes, reflecting the diversity of voices and perspectives in modern English
literature. Contemporary writers often engage with issues of social justice,
identity politics, and globalization, exploring the complex intersections of race,
gender, sexuality, and class.
Some of the most notable contemporary writers include Zadie Smith,
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Kazuo Ishiguro, whose works challenge
readers to confront their own assumptions and biases and to imagine new
possibilities for a more just and equitable world.
