American Literary History:
Native American Period:
20,000 BC-Present
Characteristics: The literature is as diverse as the cultures that created it, but there are often
common elements such as stories explaining creation or natural forces.The literature of this period comes to us in the forms of tracts, polemics, journals, narratives,
sermons, and some poetry
Revolutionary Period:
1765-1790
Characteristics: The Revolutionary period usually refers to writings that are politically
motivated, either in support of British rule, in support of American patriotism and
independence, or relating to the Constitution.The literature of this period comes to us in the form of letters and journals written by explorers
as well as Native American tribal leaders
Colonial Period:
1607-1765
Characteristics: The Colonial period was dominated by Puritan beliefs and thus literature of
this period is usually historical, religious, or didactic.Romanticism was a literary and artistic movement of the nineteenth century that arose in
reaction against eighteenth-century Neoclassicism and placed a premium on fancy,
imagination, emotion, nature, individuality, and exotica.Exploration Period:
1492-1607
Characteristics: The literature is composed of European writings that describe the explorers'
travels and impressions of the continent and its Native people.The writing at this time is dominated by political documents, speeches, and letters
1750-1800 is also known as the Period of Enlightenment because there is a lack of
emphasis and dependence on the Bible and more use of common sense (logic)
and science.Age of Transcendentalism:
1836-1860
Characteristics: Transcendentalism was an American literary and philosophical movement of
the nineteenth century.Imaginative literature was rare; in some colonies, it was banned for being immoral.American Literary History:
Romantic Period (American Renaissance):
1828-1865
Characteristics: This period was the first major explosion of a distinctly American body of
literature.