Throughout America’s history, the literature published has always reflected the societal and cultural changes that occurred during each time period. From the 1920s to the 1980s, the literature published showcased the evolution of American society, from the prosperous Roaring Twenties to the turbulent era of the Vietnam War. In this essay, I will use four important pieces of literature from this semester to showcase the changes in literature and its reflection of history, including The Great Gatsby, Invisible Man, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Things They Carried.
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, is an excellent representation of the Roaring Twenties. The novel is set in the wealthy neighborhood of West Egg, Long Island, and follows the extravagant life of Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy to showcase the excess and decadence that was prevalent during the 1920s. At the same time, he also critiques the idea of the American Dream, portraying it as a façade that is unattainable for most. The novel is written in a lyrical style, with poetic descriptions of the setting for emphasis. The tone of the novel is melancholic, with a sense of loss throughout the story that reflects the disillusionment of the American Dream.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, published in 1952, addresses the issues of racism and identity during the Civil Rights era. The novel follows the life of a young African American man who is socially invisible in the eyes of the white society. The story is a critique of the racism and discrimination that was rampant in America during the 1950s. Ellison uses symbolism and literary devices to highlight the tragic results of such social inequities. The novel is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, providing an introspective narration of the protagonist’s experiences. The tone of the story is a combination of frustration, anger, and confusion, mirroring the emotions felt by African Americans during the era.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, written by Ken Kesey and published in 1962, is another example of literature that portrays the societal changes of the 1960s. The novel is set in a mental institution and critiques the conformity of the time period. Kesey used the novel as a platform to criticize the government and the private sector for their influence on individuals through conformity, portraying the protagonist as a rebel who defies authority. Written in a first-person narrative style, the story takes a tragic and dark turn, culminating in a shockingly violent conclusion. The tone of the story reflects the frustrations of the counterculture movement, with a sense of defiance and rebellion against the social norms.
The Things They Carried, written by Tim O’Brien and published in 1990, is a story of the Vietnam War that reflects the mental, emotional, and physical toll of war. The novel features a series of short stories that are interconnected, and that show the unique perspectives of soldiers during the war. O’Brien uses this approach to capture the personal experiences of the war, creating a narrative that is both poignant and deeply moving. His use of a fragmented style mirrors the disjointedness of memory and uncertainty that are central to war experiences. The tone of the novel reflects the desolation and anguish of war, highlighting the personal cost of such conflicts.
In conclusion, the literature published in America throughout history has changed to reflect the societal and cultural changes of each time period. The four novels discussed above showcase the evolution of American literature and its reflection of history. From the Roaring Twenties to the Vietnam War, literature has been a powerful tool to understand the changes and events of American society. Through theme, style, and tone, literature can provide an insightful and emotive perspective on the many facets of the human condition.
In English 11 you have studied literature from the 1920s through the 1980s and learned about how American society changed over that time period.
Write an essav about how the literature of America has changed over time, as seen in this semester's readings. You should select 4 important pieces of literature that you have read and use them to show how literature reflects history, as well as how literature reflects changes or events throughout history. Be sure to include a brief summary of the historical time periods for each piece. Consider elements such as theme, style, and tone in your analysis.
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