During the Transcendentalist era of American literature, novels were marked by a belief in the inherent goodness of people and nature. This was different from the more cynical view in some European literature at the time. Moving on to the Harlem Renaissance, African - American novels flourished, exploring themes of race pride and cultural identity. In the Post - War period, American novels sometimes reflected the disillusionment of the time, with writers like Hemingway showing the psychological impact of war on individuals through their works.
In the early American literary period, Puritan influence was strong. Novels often had a moral and religious undertone. For example, 'The Scarlet Letter' dealt with sin and redemption. In the Romantic period, a focus on nature and the individual's emotions emerged. Writers like Emerson and Thoreau influenced novelists to explore the self in relation to the natural world. Later, during the Realist period, a more accurate portrayal of everyday life and social problems became prominent, as seen in works by Dreiser.
The distinctiveness of American novels lies in their exploration of individualism. American characters often strive for self - discovery and self - actualization. Also, the American novel has a history of reflecting social and political issues. Novels like 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' had a significant impact on the abolitionist movement. Moreover, the use of vivid and often larger - than - life characters is common, such as Huckleberry Finn.
The use of regionalism is a key feature. Novels set in different parts of America, such as the South in Faulkner's works, have unique dialects, cultures, and traditions that add depth to the stories. Individualism is also prominent. American novels often focus on the individual's struggle against society or nature, as seen in 'Moby - Dick'. Moreover, American novels are not afraid to tackle social issues, from race relations to class struggles, making them a mirror of the ever - changing American society.
The distinctiveness of the American novel often lies in its portrayal of the American landscape and its influence on the characters. Novels like 'My Ántonia' by Willa Cather show how the vast prairies shape the lives and dreams of the people. Also, the American novel has a tendency to question and re - evaluate the values of society, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in terms of social norms and morality.
One distinctive feature is its diversity. American novels cover a wide range of themes from the exploration of the American Dream to the experiences of different ethnic groups. For example, 'The Great Gatsby' shows the pursuit and disillusionment of the American Dream. Another feature is the use of vivid and diverse settings. From the bustling cities to the vast wilderness, these settings often play an important role in the story, like in 'Call of the Wild' where the Alaskan wilderness is a crucial element.
The mainstream literary genre would be different in different periods. This was because with the changes of the times and the development of society, people's aesthetic concepts, cultural needs, and reading habits had changed, resulting in changes in the literary genre. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, poetry was the mainstream genre of literature because poetry had beautiful language and profound thoughts, which could better express human emotions and thoughts. During the industrial revolution, novels became the main literary genre because novels could better show the complexity of social reality and human nature through fictional plots and characters, attracting more readers. With the development of modern science and technology and the progress of society, the aesthetic concept and reading habits of readers are constantly changing, resulting in different literary styles getting more recognition and popularity in modern times. For example, science fiction, online literature, game novels, and other emerging literary genres had received more and more attention and love from readers.
The American Dream theme and the exploration of social issues are distinctive features. Also, the rich tapestry of voices from various ethnic groups.
American novels often have a sense of restlessness. Characters are always on the move, either physically or in terms of their social status. Moreover, the use of irony is quite common. It can be used to satirize social norms or human follies. For example, in 'Animal Farm' (although it has broader implications, it was written by an English - born author who was influenced by American writing styles to some extent), the use of animals to represent different social classes is ironic.
The distinctive features of a novel include a rich cast of characters, a sustained narrative that unfolds over a significant period, and the exploration of various emotions and ideas. Novels can also offer different perspectives and diverse storylines.
The diversity of themes in the American novel attracts a global audience. People from different cultures can find something relatable in the exploration of the American Dream or the struggles with identity. The use of vivid and unique language also makes it appealing. It offers a fresh perspective compared to other literary traditions.
For earlier literary periods, 'The Outsiders' is considered a classic YA representative. It tackled themes of teenage identity and rebellion. Also, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' has had a lasting impact on YA literature, exploring issues of morality and justice through the eyes of a young girl.