American Literature - What It Means to Be an American

American Literature - What It Means to Be an American

  • Submitted By: merch
  • Date Submitted: 03/16/2009 5:54 PM
  • Category: History Other
  • Words: 913
  • Page: 4
  • Views: 2

American Literature can be classified in many forms from oral presentations to well known historical writings. History has taught us that literature can come in different forms and languages. When speaking of American literature one must always remember to consider the tales, legends and songs of the many Native American tribes. The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus brought about the discovery of new forms of literature. Literature can be defined as the myths, descriptions and stories of people over time. American Literature began with the unintelligible stylings of the Native Americans. Werner Sollers has said “the definition of what constitutes American literature has changed often since Colonial times” (Sollers, W., 1999, p. ). As with this in mind literature can have many definitions from oral works to sculptures to written works. People may often debate what literature is and what is not. Current examples of works that may not be classified as literature could be romance novels, or horror fiction. Some people may feel that literature is the articulate works of classified and quality writers. I feel that literature needs to be expressive and informative. It should provoke ideas in the reader and detail experiences.

What does it mean to be an American? It means the opportunity to have a free mind and voice. It means the chance to choose the path of education and knowledge you wish to achieve. For the early settlers it meant the chance to be free of the rule of the King, start a new in a land with vast opportunities and dangers. Being an American means being free in thoughts and ideas. It means the ability to disagree with those in power and be able to present another side to the argument. It means the ability to fail and the opportunity to try again. Being an American means the chance to vote for the lawmakers who will ultimately decide on the future of our country. Unfortunately during this current time period, it...

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