Anglo- American Literature

Anglo-American Literature

Literature used during the late colonial and early national periods (1790-1830) that had a significant impact on culture, life, politics, and history.

Canterbury Tales

A collection of 24 tales written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer about a group of pilgrims on a spiritual journey from London to Canterbury.

Geoffrey Chaucer

Known as the father of English Literature, he was the first writer to use English in writing and turned it into a legitimate literary language.

The Pardoner's Tale

A notable tale from Canterbury Tales that explores themes of greed and hypocrisy through its characters and moral lessons.

Disreputable

A term describing someone or something that is not respected.

Exemplum

A rhetorical device used in writing to warn people using a story, as seen in The Pardoner's Tale.

Irony

A literary device that involves a mismatch between the expected and the unexpected, delivering a surprising twist.

Situational Irony

When the actual result of a situation is totally different from what is generally expected.

Edgar Allan Poe

An American writer known for his contributions to horror literature, particularly in "The Cask of Amontillado."

Marxist Approach

A literary criticism approach that examines class struggle and the dynamics between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Desiree's Baby

A short story by Kate Chopin that critiques racism and sexism in mid-19th century Louisiana through family relationships.

Antebellum Period

The period before the Civil War characterized by the rise of abolition and the polarization of society.

Feminist Approach

A literary criticism method that supports women's knowledge in literature and examines patriarchal attitudes.

Male and Female Roles

The portrayal of gender roles in "Desiree's Baby," highlighting conventional feminine ideals and the expectations of men in the 19th century.