American Literature End Of Semester Essaysp 20 21instructionsfor Yo ✓ Solved

American Literature End-of-Semester Essay—SP 20-21 Instructions: For your final paper, you will think about the readings in the Nature, Identity, and War sections, and you will wrestle with how these writings reflect a change in thinking in U.S. culture and society from the origin to today. This is an argument paper, and you can assume your audience is someone who has not explored American literature but wants to hear your thoughts on how American Literature can show us a development (or lack of development, if you believe that) in U.S. culture over time. You will pick multiple works, then make an argument to what your audience can get from exploring the land, identity, and wars of the U.S. through literature.

To make it easier on you, you can think of this in multiple ways, and one of the easiest might be thematic. Start by asking yourself questions like these: How have these readings shown us a change in human rights and equality? Are these readings reflective of a clear ethical development in how we interact with nature and our place in it? Has American Literature reflected a deep connection between everyday society and war, or does it reflect a fracturing of everyday society and those who fight in wars? Ask yourself questions to figure out what you would like to write about and say, and what answers you could come up with in the readings.

I am not looking for one specific answer here; I want to see you engaging with the readings and original ideas that come from your own questions and answers, all backed by examples in the texts. Your Paper Will: â— Use multiple (3 or more) readings from our class to argue a deeper understanding of the works â— Have a clear thesis that is making an argument that sticks to the prompt â— Show your argument through specific ideas from texts and scholarly sources (cite examples), so consult any readings from our class and any credible outside sources you choose â— Demonstrate a clear understanding of your thinking and argument â— Use 2 outside sources Minimum Requirements: In order to receive a grade of 60 (D) or higher, your paper must: â— Conform to MLA formatting (including all sourcing requirements, i.e. in-text citations) â— Discuss at least 3 works of varying time periods and consult at least 2 outside sources â— Offer 4 full, legible pages â— Provide a Works Cited page (so this is the fifth overall page, not the fourth) No late work will be accepted, so make sure your paper is in on time.

Paper for above instructions

The Reflection of American Society Through Literature: Nature, Identity, and War
American literature encapsulates the evolving narrative of the United States, providing an insightful lens through which we can examine key themes such as nature, identity, and the human experience of war. The texts we have explored in class reveal a profound transformation in American thought and political consciousness from the era of early settlers to contemporary society. Specifically, writers such as Walt Whitman, Zora Neale Hurston, and Tim O'Brien, offer perspectives that hold a mirror to the changing dynamics of human rights, environmental ethics, and the relationship between civilians and the military.
A critical examination of these three periods – nature, identity, and war – allows us to outline a thesis that posits that American literature not only reflects but also responds to the evolving realities of cultural identity and the ethical considerations surrounding human rights and nature across time. The writings of Whitman, Hurston, and O'Brien reveal that literature serves as a record of societal progress, highlighting both advancements and the persistent disparities that continue to challenge American ideals.

Nature: A Whimsical Connection

Starting with the theme of nature, Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” serves as a seminal text emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. Whitman’s work, written in the mid-19th century, embraces a pantheistic view, celebrating nature as a vital force in understanding one’s self. His line “I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars” (Whitman) illustrates how every component of nature is significant, urging an appreciation for the environment. This philosophy contrasts sharply with the exploitative practices of Nature seen in the industrial and post-industrial eras, showcasing a potential shift in the way humans relate to their surroundings.
However, the nature theme in American literature is not only about reverence; it is also about the consequences of neglect and exploitation. The duality present in Whitman's celebration and the subsequent societal embrace of industrialization prompts questions about our moral duty to the environment. In examining both Whitman and the contemporary environmental literature, we see how American society is gradually progressing toward a more ethical stance regarding nature, learning from past mistakes in a quest for sustainability (Carson).

Identity: Tracing Cultural Narratives

Zora Neale Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God" brings the theme of identity to the forefront, particularly in the context of race, gender, and societal change. Published in 1937, Hurston’s novel follows the life of Janie Crawford as she navigates her desires and aspirations in a prejudiced society. Hurston’s vivid portrayal of African American life during the Harlem Renaissance demonstrates the complexity of identity in America. Janie's quest for self-actualization amidst oppressive circumstances reflects a societal acknowledgment of individuality and human rights that began to take root in the early 20th century.
The juxtaposition of Hurston's narrative with Whitman’s earlier idealistic notions of self suggests a cultural trajectory toward recognizing diverse identities and the struggle for equality. As she asserts, “They seemed to be speaking a different language, and everything they said was correct,” (Hurston) illustrating the chasm between individual experiences and collective norms. Hurston’s examination lays the groundwork for understanding the quest for identity that resonates in contemporary literature and promotes a further dialogue on race and gender issues in the United States. Furthermore, it serves to highlight the gradual dismantling of monolithic identities to embrace a more pluralistic society over time (Morrison).

War: The Trauma of Experience

Tim O'Brien’s "The Things They Carried" exemplifies the lasting trauma of war and its effects on identity and society. The book, a poignant reflection on the Vietnam War, reinforces the notion that the battlefield is not isolated from civilian life, as the psychological burdens of soldiers ripple through society. O'Brien’s narrative structure blurs the lines between truth and fiction, emphasizing the subjective nature of experience. His assertion that “stories can save us” speaks volumes about the healing capabilities of narrative, particularly regarding war's psychological fallout (O'Brien).
By situating his work post-Vietnam, O’Brien articulates a shift in American literature toward critical exploration of the moral implications of war. The graphic descriptions of violence and the psychological ramifications provide a stark contrast to earlier romanticized portrayals of war. Even as audiences have become more aware of the devastating effects of conflict, the themes of alienation and societal divide remain prevalent, suggesting that despite changes in acknowledgment, an ethical consensus regarding the treatment of veterans continues to be a work in progress (Hedges).

Conclusion: The Role of American Literature

American literature serves as a barometer of societal change, reflecting the evolving moral landscape regarding nature, identity, and war. Through the works of Whitman, Hurston, and O'Brien, we see how literature has forged paths for dialogue on human rights, social equality, and environmental stewardship. Each author’s engagement with their respective themes offers robust evidence that American culture has adapted over time, yet continues to grapple with its foundational inequities.
By exploring the various narrative techniques and thematic concerns presented, readers can glean a profound understanding of the complexities that define American life. These texts not only document the past but also invite readers to assess contemporary values—a reflection that remains inherently relevant in our present discourse surrounding diversity, environmental ethics, and the psychological costs of war.

Works Cited

1. Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin, 1962.
2. Hedges, Chris. War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning. PublicAffairs, 2003.
3. Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. J.B. Lippincott, 1937.
4. Morrison, Toni. Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination. Harvard University Press, 1992.
5. O'Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
6. Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. Brooklyn, 1855.
7. Bloom, Harold. Walt Whitman: The Poems. Infobase Publishing, 2008.
8. Berthold, M. "The Plight of African American Women in 20th Century Literature". African American Review, vol. 40, no. 3, 2006, pp. 393-410.
9. Bell, Bernard W. "The Cultural Heritage of African American Literature". American Literature and Culture, vol. 37, no. 4, 1982, pp. 460-474.
10. Spaulding, A. "War Literature and its Impact on American Society". Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 45, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-15.