History of American literature

The history of American literature reflects the nation's evolving culture, ideas, and identity, beginning with Indigenous storytelling and European settlers' writings. During the colonial era, literature often explored religion and survival. The 19th century saw the rise of Romanticism, exploring nature and individualism, with figures like Poe and Emerson. The Civil War and Reconstruction influenced realist and naturalist writers like Mark Twain and Henry James, focusing on societal change. The 20th century introduced modernism and postmodernism, experimenting with form and meaning, with writers like Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Morrison. Throughout, American literature explores themes of freedom, identity, and diversity.