American lit

Question 1

John Winthrop

Answer 1

(1588–1649)
wrote: A Model of Christian Charity
written 1630
“Beginnings”
The founding of America

• Border crossings:

Question 2

Who said:
“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. Theeyes of all people are upon us, so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw his present help from us, we shall be made a
story and a by-word through the world

Answer 2

John Winthrop in A Model of Christian Charity
1630

Question 3

John Smith

Answer 3

1580 1631
A Description of New England
Written 1616
“Beginnings”
The founding of America

Question 4

Benjamin Franklin

Answer 4

Autobiography
Written 1771–90; 1868)
“Beginnings”
The founding of America

Question 5

Hector St. John De Crèvecœur

Answer 5

Letter III: What Is an American”
“Beginnings”
Written(ca. 1769–80, 1782)

The founding of America

• Border crossings:

Question 6

Walt Whitman

Answer 6

Song of Myself
1892
American Renaissance:
Poetry:

Question 7

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Answer 7

Self-Reliance” and 1771–90; 1868
“Each and All 1844)
American Renaissance:

Question 8

Emily Dickinson

Answer 8

A Bird came down the Walk, : “ heard a Fly 1896
buzz—when I died and The Brain—is wider than the Sky
American
Renaissance: Poetry:

Question 9

Frederick Douglass,

Answer 9

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself
The Old South: The Slave Narrative: 1845
RACE:
“You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how aslave was made a man”

Question 10

Harriet Jacobs

Answer 10

from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl;
The Old South: The Slave Narrative: 1861

Question 11

Herman Melville

Answer 11

“Bartleby, the Scrivener” 1853

parable of the human
condition and critique of
capitalism; combines
aspects of realist case
study with symbolism

Question 12

Alexander Eastman/Ohiyesa,

Answer 12

“The Ghost Dance War” 1890

Question 13

Stephen Crane,

Answer 13

“The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky 1898,
Western
Expansion

Question 14

Drude Krog Janson

Answer 14

A Saloonkeeper’s Daughter (1887, 1894 I USA)
The Immigrant Experience:
Bildungsroman
* Border crossings:

Question 15

Lee Chew,

Answer 15

“the Biography of a Chinaman” (1903)
The Immigrant Experience:
* Border crossings:
RACE

Question 16

William Faulkner

Answer 16

“Barn Burning” (1939)
Modernism
CLASS

Question 17

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Answer 17

“The Yellow Wall-paper” 1892
Modernism
Feminist / mental health
GENDER

Question 18

W. E. B. Du Bois,

Answer 18

The souls of black folk 1900 ish
The Harlem Renaissance:
RACE

Question 19

Zora Neal Hurston

Answer 19

“How It Feels to Be Colored Me” 1928
The Harlem Renaissance:
RACE“

Question 20

Langston Hughes

Answer 20

“I, Too” (1926)
The Harlem Renaissance:

Question 21

Ezra Pound

Answer 21

“In a Station of the Metro” 1913.
Modernist Poetry:

Question 22

William Carlos Williams

Answer 22

“The Red Wheelbarrow,” from “Spring and All”
Modernist Poetry: 1923)

Question 23

Marianne Moore,

Answer 23

“Poetry”
Modernist Poetry: 1920ish

Question 24

F. Scott Fitzgerald,

Answer 24

The Great Gatsby 1925)
Modernist Fiction:
CLASS

Question 25

Ernest Hemingway,

Answer 25

“Indian Camp, 1924
Modernist Fiction:

Question 26

Arthur Miller,

Answer 26

Death of a Salesman (1949)
Drama:
CLASS

Question 27

Allen Ginsberg

Answer 27

“A Supermarket in California” (1955)
Postmodern
Poetry:

Question 28

Lorraine Hansberry

Answer 28

A Raisin in the Sun (1959)
Drama:
RACE

Question 29

George Saunders

Answer 29

“ Civilwarland in Bad Decline» 1996)
Postmodern
Fiction:

Question 30

Sandra Cisneros

Answer 30

“Woman Hollering Creek 1991
Borders
* Border crossings:

Question 31

Alison Bechdel

Answer 31

excerpt from Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic 2006
Borders
GENDER

Question 32

Modernism

Answer 32

Rejection of Tradition: Modernists rejected traditional norms and forms in favor of innovation and experimentation. This rejection extended to established conventions in literature, art, and other cultural expressions.

Individualism: There was a focus on the individual’s experience and perspective. Artists and writers often explored subjective emotions and inner thoughts, breaking away from the more objective and conventional approaches of the past.

Fragmentation and Dislocation: Modernist works often featured fragmented structures, non-linear narratives, and a sense of dislocation. This fragmentation reflected the perceived breakdown of traditional societal structures and the impact of rapid technological and social change.

Stream of Consciousness: In literature, there was a notable use of the stream-of-consciousness technique, where the narrative attempts to replicate the flow of thoughts and feelings of a character.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Modernism encouraged an interdisciplinary approach, with artists and thinkers drawing inspiration from various fields, including psychology, science, and philosophy.

Avant-Garde and Experimentalism: Modernist artists often identified as avant-garde, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable or mainstream. This resulted in a wide range of experimental works that challenged established norms.

Cultural and Social Critique: Many modernist works were critical of prevailing social, political, and cultural conditions. Artists and writers sought to engage with the challenges and complexities of the modern world.

Question 33

Poem

Answer 33

Imagery:

Poems often use vivid and evocative language to create mental images and appeal to the reader’s senses. Descriptive and imaginative imagery helps convey emotions and ideas.
Metaphor and Simile:

Poets frequently use metaphor and simile to draw comparisons and create associations between different elements. These figurative language devices enhance the depth and meaning of the poem.
Rhythm and Meter:

The arrangement of words and syllables contributes to the poem’s rhythm and meter. Poets may use structured forms with a specific meter, like iambic pentameter, or employ free verse with a more natural flow.
Rhyme:

Rhyme involves the repetition of similar sounds, often at the end of lines. While not all poems rhyme, many poets use rhyme to create musicality and enhance the poem’s aesthetic appeal.
Sound Devices:

Alliteration, consonance, and assonance are sound devices that involve the repetition of consonant or vowel sounds. These devices can add musicality and emphasis to certain words or lines.
Symbolism:

Poets often use symbols to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or themes. Symbolism adds layers of meaning to the poem and allows for deeper interpretation.
Emotion and Tone:

Poetry is an emotional and expressive form of writing. The tone, or the poet’s attitude toward the subject, and the emotional content of the poem are crucial aspects that engage readers on a visceral level.
Structure and Form:

The way a poem is structured can vary widely. Poems may be written in traditional forms (sonnet, haiku) or in free verse. The arrangement of stanzas, lines, and the overall structure contribute to the poem’s impact.
Narrative or Lyricism:

Some poems tell a story or convey a narrative, while others focus on conveying the poet’s emotions, thoughts, or observations. Narrative and lyricism are two common modes of poetic expression.
Enjambment and Line Breaks:

The placement of line breaks and the use of enjambment (continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line) can significantly impact the rhythm and meaning of a poem. Poets carefully consider how the lines are broken to create emphasis and flow.

Question 34

Realism

Answer 34

Objective Representation:

Realist literature aims to present a truthful and objective portrayal of reality. It often focuses on the ordinary and mundane aspects of life, avoiding romanticized or idealized depictions.
Everyday Life:

Realist works explore the lives of ordinary people and the details of their everyday existence. This includes depictions of work, family, social interactions, and the challenges of daily life.
Authentic Characters:

Characters in realist literature are often drawn from everyday society and are portrayed with a high degree of authenticity. They have complex motivations, flaws, and struggles that reflect the complexities of real-life individuals.
Setting:

Realist literature is typically set in recognizable and familiar environments. Authors aim to capture the social, cultural, and economic conditions of a specific time and place.
Plausibility:

Plausibility and believability are crucial in realist works. Events and situations are presented in a way that is consistent with the laws of nature and human behavior, avoiding fantastical or exaggerated elements.
Social Critique:

Realist literature often includes a social critique, examining and commenting on issues such as class, inequality, and societal norms. It may shed light on the struggles and injustices faced by various segments of the population.
Attention to Detail:

Realist writers pay close attention to details, using precise and descriptive language to capture the nuances of everyday life. This attention to detail contributes to the overall authenticity of the work.
Character Development:

Characters in realist literature undergo development and change over the course of the narrative. Their growth or decline is often a reflection of the challenges and experiences they face.
Naturalism (a subset of Realism):

Naturalism is an extension of realism that emphasizes the role of environment and heredity in shaping human behavior. It often portrays characters as being subject to forces beyond their control, such as societal influences or biological determinism.
Avoidance of Idealization:

Realist literature rejects idealization and romanticization of characters and situations. Instead, it seeks to present life as it is, with all its complexities and imperfections.

Question 35

“My purpose is not to persuade children from their parents; men from their
wives; nor servants from their masters: only, such as with free consent may be spared. But
that each parish, or village, or city, or country, that will but apparell [prepare, make
ready] their fatherless children, of thirteen or fourteen years of age, or young married people,
that have small wealth to live on; here by their labour may live exceedingly well…” (78).

“… we are all tillers of the earth, from Nova Scotia to West Florida. We are a people of
cultivators, scattered over an immense territory, communicating with each other by means of
good roads and navigable rivers, united by the silken bands of mild government, all
respecting the laws, without dreading their power, because they are equitable. We are all
animated with the spirit of an industry which is unfettered and unrestrained, because each
person works for himself.”

Answer 35

Crevecoeur, “Letter III: Who is An American?” 1782)

Question 36

The Transcendentalists”

Answer 36

Transcendentalism: Key ideas
*Individuality:
A rejection of hierarchies, dogmas, and rules that restrict
individual freedom and thought. Anti-institutionalism.
* Nature:
A source of knowledge, reflection, and beauty. Unrestricted
and free.
*Interconnectedness:
People and nature intrinsically bound together.
Everything has its own place in the universe.
Energy flows freely between people and the natural world.

Question 37

«Imitation is suicide»

Answer 37

Ralph Waldo Emerson “self reliance” 1841

Question 38

“if you teach that n***
(speaking of myself) how to read, there would be no keeping him. It
would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become
unmanageable, and of no value to his master. As to himself, it could
do him no good, but a great deal of harm. It would make him
discontented and unhappy.“

Answer 38

Frederick Douglass - 1845

Question 39

“I would prefer not to.”

Answer 39

Herman Melville,“Bartleby, the Scrivener”
(1853)

Question 40

It’s a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness

Answer 40

W.e.B du bois

Question 41

Alienation

Answer 41

Social Alienation: Characters may feel disconnected from society, either due to societal norms, class distinctions, or other social factors. This type of alienation often explores the individual’s struggle to find acceptance or belonging.

Self-Alteration: Characters may experience a sense of alienation from themselves, feeling estranged from their own identities, values, or emotions. This can lead to internal conflicts and a search for self-discovery.

Isolation: Physical separation or loneliness can contribute to a feeling of alienation. Characters might be isolated geographically, emotionally, or socially, leading to a sense of being cut off from meaningful human connections.

Existential Alienation: Some works explore the existential aspect of alienation, where characters grapple with the meaninglessness or absurdity of life, leading to a profound sense of detachment.

Cultural Alienation: Characters may feel alienated due to cultural differences, either within their own societies or when navigating foreign cultures. This theme is often explored in works that address issues of identity and belonging.

Question 42

Borders/Borderland

Answer 42

Cultural Borders:
Geographical Borders:
Historical Borders:
Identity Borders:
Gender Borders:
Social Borders:

Question 43

Individualism

Answer 43

Individualism is a prominent theme in American literature, reflecting the cultural and philosophical values that have shaped the nation. The emphasis on individual rights, freedom, and self-reliance has been a defining aspect of American identity. Throughout literary history, many works have explored the complexities and

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): This classic novel critiques the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth, highlighting the isolation and emptiness that can result from an excessive focus on individual success.

Question 44

Post-modernism

Answer 44

Fragmentation: Postmodern literature often features fragmented narratives, where the story is not presented in a linear, chronological order. Instead, it might be broken into pieces and told from multiple perspectives.

Intertextuality: Postmodern authors frequently incorporate references to other texts, both literary and non-literary. They may borrow or remix elements from different works, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture.

Metafiction: Postmodern writers often draw attention to the fact that they are creating a work of fiction. They might include self-referential elements or break the fourth wall, acknowledging the artificiality of the narrative.

Parody and Pastiche: Postmodern literature may involve parodying or imitating other literary styles, genres, or works. Pastiche, a form of imitation that combines elements from various sources, is commonly employed.

Relativism and Irony: Postmodernism tends to question the idea of absolute truth and embraces a more relativistic perspective. Irony is frequently used to highlight the uncertainty and complexity of the world.

Playfulness and Experimentation: Postmodern authors often experiment with language, structure, and form. They may play with literary conventions and challenge readers to reconsider their expectations.