Important American Writers & Works of Literature

American Literature

• In the early 1800’s, many writers created literature that reflected the newly forming nation.

• Their ideas reflected nationalism- or a pride & love for their country.

• Many used settings, themes, & topics that were unique to America.

Transcendentalist Movement

• Transcendentalism= group who believed that truth could be found beyond the physical world & that all humans share in the spiritual unity of creation.

• Many writers were a part of this movement & reflected these ideas in their works.

• 1. Noah Webster- produced the 1st American dictionary of the English Language.

• 2. Ralph Waldo Emerson-poet who was a leader of the Transcendentalist Movement.

• 3. Henry David Thoreau-writer who lived apart form society- Walden

• 4. Walt Whitman- poet who believed in the great worth of people. Wrote in a very untraditional manner- Leaves of Grass

• 5. Nathaniel Hawthorne- wrote dark, scary books about sin, punishment & forgiveness- The Scarlet Letter, House of the Seven Gables

• 6. Washington Irving- 1st American writer to gain international fame- Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

• 7. Edgar Allen Poe- poet & writer who wrote scary, mysterious tales- The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven

• 8. James Fenimore Cooper- known as the 1st great American writer. Wrote about American life- The Last of the Mohicans

• 9. Emily Dickinson- recluse poet who wrote sad love poems. Known as 1 of the greatest & most influential American poets.

• 10. Herman Melville- wrote stories based on his experiences in the U.S. Navy- Moby Dick

• 11. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- popular poet who used a simple writing style- Paul Revere’s Ride