In English 11 you have studied literature from the 1920s through the 1980s and learned about how American society changed over that time period.

Write an essay about how the literature of America has changed over time, as seen in this semester’s readings. You should select 4 important pieces of literature that you have read and use them to show how literature reflects history, as well as how literature reflects changes or events throughout history. Be sure to include a brief summary of the historical time periods for each piece. Consider elements such as theme, style, and tone in your analysis.

“The Chrysanthemums”

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"The Chrysanthemums" is a short story written by John Steinbeck in 1937, during the Great Depression. The story follows a woman named Elisa Allen, who is dissatisfied with her life and finds meaning in tending to her chrysanthemum garden. The story is often seen as a reflection of the limited roles available to women during the 1930s, as Elisa is portrayed as feeling trapped and unfulfilled in her domestic life.

Steinbeck's use of vivid imagery and symbolism in "The Chrysanthemums" reflects the harsh realities of American society during the 1930s. The story captures the sense of isolation and despair felt by many individuals during the Great Depression, as well as the struggle for personal fulfillment in a time of economic hardship.

"To Kill a Mockingbird"

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960, during the Civil Rights Movement in America. The novel follows the story of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the racially divided South, and her father, a lawyer named Atticus Finch, who defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The novel explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy.

Lee's exploration of themes such as racism and social injustice in "To Kill a Mockingbird" reflects the turbulent and changing social landscape of America during the 1960s. The novel challenges traditional beliefs and attitudes towards race and highlights the need for empathy and understanding in a divided society.

"The Things They Carried"

"The Things They Carried" is a collection of short stories written by Tim O'Brien and published in 1990, during the Vietnam War. The stories chronicle the experiences of a group of soldiers serving in Vietnam, exploring themes of war, memory, and storytelling. O'Brien blurs the line between fact and fiction, challenging the idea of truth and questioning the nature of war.

O'Brien's innovative narrative style and postmodern approach to storytelling in "The Things They Carried" reflect the changing attitudes towards war and its effects on individuals during the 1980s. The collection captures the emotional and psychological toll of war, as well as the complexities of memory and truth.

"The Joy Luck Club"

"The Joy Luck Club" is a novel by Amy Tan, published in 1989, during a time of growing multiculturalism and diversity in America. The novel follows the stories of four Chinese immigrant families living in San Francisco, exploring themes of mother-daughter relationships, cultural identity, and generational differences. Tan's novel challenges traditional notions of family, tradition, and identity.

Tan's exploration of themes such as cultural heritage and assimilation in "The Joy Luck Club" reflects the changing social landscape of America during the late 1980s. The novel celebrates the diversity of American society and highlights the importance of understanding and embracing different cultures and perspectives.

In conclusion, the literature of America has evolved over time to reflect the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the country. From the Great Depression to the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War and beyond, American literature has served as a mirror to society, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of the human experience. Through themes, styles, and tones, these works of literature have shed light on the challenges and changes that have shaped America throughout the 20th century.

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