Introduction
American literature is characterized by its philosophical nature, emotional intensity, and the use of language and style to convey the depth of the human experience. During the course of this semester, I have had the privilege of delving into two remarkable masterpieces of American literature, namely Henry David Thoreau’s “Where I Lived and What I Lived For”, Edgar Allan Poe’s “A Cask of Amontillado”, and Walt Whitman’s “O Me! O Life!” and “Song of Myself”. These literary offerings, which are exemplars of classic American literature, possess distinctive qualities that warrant commendation.
Characteristics of American Literature
The first characteristic of American literature that I noticed is its philosophical nature. In Where I Lived and What I Lived For, Thoreau reflects on the meaning of life and the importance of living in harmony with nature. He emphasizes the need to make conscious choices and give up the daily grind to enjoy the simple pleasures of life (CommonLit, n.d.). This philosophical reflection on life and self-discovery is a recurring theme in American literature that prompts readers to reflect on and rethink their own lives.
The second characteristic I noted is emotional intensity. In “A Cask of Amontillado”, Poe creates an atmosphere of suspense and dark tension. His descriptive language and use of symbolic elements create a sense of anxiety and terror (Giordano). This emotional intensity is a characteristic of American literature that allows authors to capture and hold the reader’s attention.
In “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman emphasizes his connection to nature and the importance of being one with it. He writes about how every atom of his body belongs to nature and that he is not separate from it. This reflects the American literary tradition, where nature plays a significant role and is often regarded as a symbol of freedom and independence. The following passage is an example of this: “My tongue, every atom of my blood, are made of this earth, this air, Born here of parents, born here of parents, their parents are the same”(Spurgin, para. 3).
In addition, Walt Whitman uses free association and stream of consciousness to express his thoughts and feelings. This is a characteristic style of American literature, particularly in poetry. It helps to create a sense of organicity and unity with nature. The following passage is an example of this: “Creeds and schools under laying aside, Stepping back for a while, Dedicated enough to what they are but never forgotten, I take on everything, Speaking at every risk, Nature unobstructed with original vigor” (Spurgin, para. 4).
Furthermore, there is a strong sense of democracy and equality in Walt Whitman’s works. He talks about how every atom of his body belongs to every person and that he is equal to every other person. This reflects the American idea of individual freedom and equality before the law. The following passage is an example of this: “I celebrate myself, sing about myself, And assume you’ll do the same, Because every atom that belongs to me belongs to you” (Spurgin, para. 1).
Conclusion
In conclusion, works like Thoreau’s “Where I Lived and What I Lived For” encourage readers to reflect on life and self-discovery. At the same time, Poe’s “A Cask of Amontillado” captivates with its suspenseful atmosphere. Both authors employ rich language and vivid imagery to immerse readers in their stories.
Additionally, American literature often emphasizes the central importance of nature and man’s connection to it, as seen in Whitman’s “Song of Myself.” Employing free association and stream-of-consciousness techniques deepens the sense of natural flow and harmony with the environment. Ultimately, American literature embodies democratic ideals, championing individual freedom and equality under the law. As Whitman states, every atom of his body belongs to every person, exemplifying the celebration of self and others.
Works Cited
“CommonLit | Excerpt from Walden: ‘Where I Lived and What I Lived For.’” CommonLit.
Giordano, Robert. “The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe.” PoeStories.com, 2018.
Spurgin, Lisa. “Featured Poem: From Song for Myself by Walt Whitman.” The Reader, 2019.