Early American literature novels include 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This novel was highly influential in shaping public opinion about slavery. It presented the harsh realities of slavery and the humanity of the enslaved people. 'The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.' by Washington Irving is another. It contains stories like 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', which are full of American folklore and the charm of the early American landscape.
Early American historical romance novels had a significant influence. They helped to shape the American identity in literature. For example, novels like 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne explored the Puritan past, which was an important part of early American history. This exploration of history in a fictional and romantic context made readers more aware of their roots. Also, James Fenimore Cooper's works, such as 'The Last of the Mohicans', introduced the frontier and Native American cultures into American literature in a romanticized way, which added a new dimension to the literary landscape.
In 'Moby - Dick', the hierarchical structure on the ship and the obsession with hunting the whale can be seen as a reflection of the emerging American capitalism and its drive for conquest, both in the natural world and in business. The diverse crew on the ship also represents the different ethnic groups coming together in America at that time. Moreover, novels like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' exposed the deep - seated racism in the pre - Civil War South. Huck's journey with Jim, a runaway slave, showed the contradictions and moral dilemmas related to slavery in that society.
Charles Brockden Brown's early American novels were important in several ways. His use of complex psychological portraits of characters was quite innovative. It set a precedent for later American authors to explore the inner workings of the human mind. He also was among the first to use American settings in a detailed and integral way. This helped to establish an American literary identity distinct from European literature.
The early 20th century was the heyday of American literature. The following are some famous works of 20th-century American literature:
"The Sound and the Fury," by William F. Buckley;
2. The author of the Harry Potter series is JK Rowling;
3 The Catcher in the Rye by John Le Carre;
4. A Farewell to Arms by HP Lovecraft;
5 James Joyce's "Ulysses";
6 Pride and Predict by Jane Austen;
Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury and The Scarlet Letter are considered one of the most important novels of the 20th century.
8. A Farewell to Arms was considered one of the most influential novels of the 20th century.
9. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne;
10 George Orwell's Animal Farm.
Well, 'The Scarlet Letter' is a top - notch early American novel. Hawthorne's writing is rich and detailed, making the characters and their moral dilemmas come alive. 'Moby - Dick' is another great one. Melville's description of the sea, the whale, and the characters on the Pequod is vivid. It makes you think about man's relationship with nature and the unknown. And don't forget 'The House of the Seven Gables' also by Hawthorne. It has elements of mystery, family secrets, and historical context, which all contribute to its status as one of the best early American novels.
Early American novels often had a strong moral or religious undertone. For example, many were written to teach lessons about good and evil, like 'The Scarlet Letter' which explored themes of sin and redemption.
Early American gothic novels typically have elements of the supernatural. For example, ghosts or otherworldly creatures might be present. The atmosphere is usually one of dread and unease. These novels also tend to explore themes of good and evil, and the decay of society or the human soul. They may use old - fashioned language and complex narrative structures to build suspense.
Early American Indian novels often feature a strong connection to nature. Their stories are deeply rooted in the tribal lands, with detailed descriptions of the natural environment. For example, the landscapes, animals, and plants play important roles in the plot. They also typically convey the unique cultural traditions of the tribes, like their spiritual beliefs, social hierarchies, and traditional ceremonies.
Early American romance novels often had a focus on the frontier and the idea of taming the wild. They might feature strong, independent female characters who had to adapt to the new and often harsh American environment. The plots usually involved themes of love against the backdrop of building a new life in America.