American literary criticism

American literary criticism explores and analyzes literature from the United States, examining themes, styles, cultural contexts, and historical influences. Critics interpret works by authors such as Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Toni Morrison, considering how factors like race, gender, and societal change shape literature. It encompasses various approaches, including formalism (focusing on structure and style) and contextualism (considering cultural and historical background). Overall, American literary criticism seeks to deepen our understanding of texts and their significance within the broader tapestry of American life and identity.