movement started the foundation of what we have today. When this area got colonized, the native Americans showed their ways. The native Americans helped largely influence the language, systems, medicine, and agricultural methods we use today.

Puritans, focusing on themes of exploration, religion, and the challenges of establishing new settlements. This era produced a body of work largely consisting of practical nonfiction like historical narratives, religious texts, and personal accounts, with limited fiction.

on Plymouth Plantion

The Revolutionary Period in American literature, was heavily influenced by the American Revolution and the preceding Age of Enlightenment. This era saw a shift from primarily religious and colonial themes to a focus on political discourse, individual liberty, and the development of a distinctly American identity.

The Declarations of Independence

Comman Scense, Thomas Paine

Patrik Herny's speach

Brutas #1

Fuderlist Papers

the bill of rights

Romanticism and Transcendentalism were two important movements in the 18th and 19th centuries that focused on emotion, nature, and the individual. Romanticism began in Europe and emphasized strong emotions, imagination, beauty, and a deep connection to nature. It often included themes of mystery, the supernatural, and personal freedom. Romantic writers believed that feelings and creativity were more important than logic and reason. Transcendentalism, which developed in America, was influenced by Romantic ideas but focused more on spirituality and the inner self. Transcendentalists believed that people are naturally good and that truth can be found through intuition and connecting with nature. They also felt that society and its institutions often limited individual freedom. While both movements celebrated nature and the individual, Romanticism focused more on emotion and beauty, while Transcendentalism focused on inner truth and spiritual growth.

Self-Reliance

Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Dougless

Contemporary literature refers to stories written from the late 20th century to today. It often focuses on current issues like identity, technology, social change, and personal struggles. The style is usually realistic and relatable, with diverse characters and voices from different backgrounds. Contemporary writers explore how people live and think in the modern world, often using simple language and everyday settings. The goal is to reflect real life and connect with readers in meaningful ways.

Letter from Birmingham Jail, by Martin Luther King (excerpt) 

Postmodernism is a literary and artistic movement that began after World War II. It often challenges traditional ideas and plays with structure, meaning, and truth. Postmodern works may mix different styles, use irony, and question what is real or true. Writers often break the rules of storytelling, using humor, confusion, or multiple viewpoints. Overall, Postmodernism reflects a world that feels uncertain, complex, and sometimes chaotic.

The Lottery

Harrison Bergeron

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement in the 1920s centered in Harlem, New York, where Black artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers celebrated African American culture. It was a time of great creativity and pride, with a focus on expressing the Black experience in America. Writers explored themes like racism, identity, heritage, and hope. Jazz and blues also played a big role in this movement. The Harlem Renaissance helped pave the way for future civil rights efforts and gave African American voices a strong place in American culture.

Mother to Son, by Lanston Hughes

Downhearted Blues, recorded by Besie Smith

Harlem (Dream Deferred) by Langston Hughes

I, Too by Langston Hughes

Modernism was a literary and artistic movement that developed in the early 1900s as a response to the rapid changes in society, such as industrialization, war, and new technology. Modernist writers broke away from traditional styles and experimented with structure, language, and form. They often focused on themes like isolation, uncertainty, and the search for meaning in a confusing world. Modernism questioned old beliefs and tried to capture the inner thoughts and feelings of individuals in a changing modern world.

A Rose for Emily 

Four Freedoms Speech, by Franklin D. Roosevelt (excerpt)

Realism and Regionalism were literary movements that came after Romanticism, focusing on real life and everyday people. Realism showed life as it truly was, without exaggeration or idealizing characters. Writers focused on ordinary situations, believable characters, and social issues. Regionalism is a branch of Realism that focused on specific regions of the country, showing local customs, dialects, and landscapes. While Realism looked at life in a general way, Regionalism paid close attention to how people lived in particular places. Both movements aimed to represent life truthfully and help readers understand different experiences.

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Ambrose Bierce (excerpt)

The Open Boat by Stephen Crane (excerpt)

A Pair of Silk Stockings  by Kate Chopin (excerpt)

The Story of an Eyewitness  by Jack London (excerpt)

A Ghost Story by Mark Twain (excerpt)

The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain (excerpt)

Cannibalism in the Cars by Mark Twain (excerpt)

New Millennium literature, written from the 2000s to today, focuses on global issues, diversity, and technology's impact on life. Writers explore themes like identity, climate change, mental health, and social justice. There is a strong push for inclusion, with voices from many cultures, genders, and backgrounds. Digital media, social networks, and new storytelling formats like blogs and multimedia also influence how stories are told. Overall, New Millennium literature reflects a fast changing, connected, and complex world.

The Hill We Climb, by Amanda Gorman (excerpt)

QUICK overview of the movement/period (focus, characteristics, etc.)

List of literature we read from this section