American Literary Movements: Colonial, Age of Reason, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, and Realism

What is Colonial literature?

Writing from the early American colonies that focuses on survival, religion, and daily life in the New World.

How can you tell a text is Colonial literature?

Talks a lot about God, religion, or faith; written as journals, sermons, or letters; focuses on hardships, farming, Native Americans, or settling land; serious, moral, or instructional tone.

What is the Age of Reason?

Writing that emphasizes logic, science, reason, and education over emotion or religion.

How can you tell a text is from the Age of Reason?

Uses facts, arguments, and logic; discusses government, rights, freedom, or science; author tries to persuade or explain; little emotion; rational tone.

What is Romanticism?

A movement that values emotion, imagination, nature, and individual freedom.

How can you tell a text is Romanticism?

Strong emotions and feelings; heavy use of nature imagery; focus on individual experience; includes mystery, adventure, or the supernatural.

What is Transcendentalism?

A type of Romanticism that believes people are naturally good and can find truth through nature and self-reflection rather than society.

How can you tell a text is Transcendentalism?

Emphasizes self-reliance; nature is spiritual or meaningful; encourages independent thinking; criticizes society or materialism.

What is Realism?

Writing that shows life as it truly is, without exaggeration or idealism.

How can you tell a text is Realism?

Ordinary people and everyday events; realistic problems (no magic or drama); simple, straightforward language; focus on social issues and real struggles.

What literary movement focuses on religion and survival?

Colonialism

What literary movement emphasizes logic and reason?

Age of Reason

What literary movement values emotion and nature?

Romanticism

What literary movement equates self and nature with truth?

Transcendentalism

What literary movement depicts everyday real life?

Realism