美国文学史及选读

美国文学史及选读复习笔记整理 by Daisy

Part one. The literature of colonial America

I. Introduction of American literature

1. Definition of American Literature

Literature produced in American English by American citizens

2. Basic Qualities of American Writers

1) Independent

A. no close hold; free from its control

B. an independent action

C. free-lance writer 自由作家

D. their independence and their right to make up their own minds

2) Individualistic

A. their own efforts for success

B. the initiative; not give in easily

C. free from political prejudice and ideological conformity

D. their literary career; successful through their individual efforts

E. the rights of individuals; their own rights and interest

F. a means of self-expression; a way of expressing their personal views about life and society,

of advocating liberty, democracy and independent action of the individual.

G. a devotion to self-realization, to protection of environment and to suspicion of a mass

society and power

3) Critical

A. not satisfied with the contemporary society

B. question the prevailing values

C. discern flaws in society

D. criticize American society

E. a literary tradition in America

4) Innovative

A. the least restraints and bondage to the past

B. the new ideas, new attitudes, and new cultural faces

C. experiments in writing

D. different from others as much as possible; a new trend almost every ten years

E. America’s changing values

5) Humorous

A. a strictly national characteristic; part of their life, their character, and their style

B. the ludicrous and mirthful

C. enrich American literature with humor of all kinds

II. Native American Literature

1. Background

1) A rich store of oral literature

2) Different literary taste

2. Three stages of development