Literary movements

Puritanism

A literary movement (1600s–mid-1700s) focused on religious themes, moral instruction, and simple language.

Plain Style

A writing style characterized by simple, direct language and biblical allusions, common in Puritan literature.

Predestination

The belief in Puritanism that God has preordained all events, including salvation.

Romanticism

A literary movement (1800–1860) that valued emotion, intuition, and individualism over reason.

Gothic Elements

Features in Romanticism that include supernatural and dark themes, especially in Dark Romanticism.

Transcendentalism

A literary movement (1830s–1850s) emphasizing inherent goodness in people and nature, self-reliance, and individual intuition.

Social Reform

Advocacy for social changes in areas such as abolition, women's rights, and education within Transcendentalism.

Realism

A literary movement (1865–1900) that focused on depicting everyday life and social issues without romanticizing them.

Regionalism

A literary approach that emphasizes specific geographic locations, customs, and dialects.

Naturalism

A literary movement whose works often depict human behavior as shaped by heredity, environment, and social conditions.

Modernism

A literary movement (1910s–1940s) characterized by experimentation, ambiguity, and a break from traditional forms.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural movement (1920s–1930s) celebrating African American heritage, identity, and expression in various art forms.

Didactic Purpose

The intention to teach or reinforce religious beliefs and moral behavior, especially in Puritan literature.

Introspection

The emphasis on self-examination and personal religious experience in Puritanism.

Emotion Over Reason

The Romanticism principle that prioritizes feelings and intuition above rational thought.

Self-Reliance

A key concept in Transcendentalism stressing individuality and personal intuition as guides to truth.

Pessimistic Tone

A characteristic of Naturalism which depicts life as harsh, indifferent, and often fatalistic.

Alienation and Disillusionment

Themes in Modernism reflecting the loss of faith in traditional values, especially post-World War I.

Diverse Forms

The various artistic expressions found in the Harlem Renaissance, including poetry, prose, and visual art.