美国文学美国浪漫主义

1、American Literature组员：林缘 郑云云 孟子馨 刘璐瑶1/201. Define American Romanticism(1) Definition:The romantic period, one of the most important periods in the history of American literature, stretches from the end of the 18th century to the outbreak of the Civil War. It stared with the publication of Washington

2、 Irvings The Sketch Book and ended with Whitmans Leaves of Grass. It is also called the American Renaissance.2/20(2) Background 1 origin. First of all, the word romantic, in the early 19th century that the first well-known German opposition critic for classical literature to describe a literary genr

3、e. Moreover, the meaning of the German Romanticism was introduced to Britain and France. Since then, the Romantic period to be a great period in the history of English literature, in this period, there have been many famous British poet and novelist. Of course, these poets and novelists writers for

4、the New World had unimaginable and far-reaching impact, 3/20therefore, American Romanticism emerged. To some extent, the United States followed the Romantic literary form their British ancestors of the most lucrative(有利可图的，赚钱的), gothic (哥特式的；野蛮的)horror novel also caused great concern to the reader,

5、this fictional supernatural horror some distant phenomenon, often through the nearby castle of sun lit scenes, some mysterious track to bring out some of the stealth horror scene. Such novel characterization of mental activity often. In short, the writers of this period were focused on the freedom o

6、f expression of the characters inner thoughts.4/202 historical and cultural context. With the American cultural history and cultural development, the United States is becoming literary power. The young republic, there is no burden of history and the legacy of the past, in the political, economic, cu

7、ltural and other aspects mature up and become a relatively independent countries in these areas. In historical terms, the United States west of the Romantic period is the period of expansion in US history. On the economic front, the whole country is going through a transition towards individualism,

8、5/20which greatly affected the lives of rural and urban people. In politics, democracy and equality become a major trend in this country. Of course, with the establishment of an independent United States government, the Americans feel that they should have their own unique literary field, in order t

9、o record some new experiences of their own country, and these experiences are often not found in other countries. In addition, the literary atmosphere of the country has made full preparations for the development of mid-19th-century Romantic movement.6/203 Puritanism impact. Here, we can put America

10、n Puritanism as a cultural heritage to look at. Americas moral doctrine(教义；信条) inherited the tradition of advice, public perceptions are largely influenced by Puritanism, a great impact on the environment, social life and literary taste. Influence of Puritanism on American Romanticism is also eviden

11、t, first of all, the United Kingdom and European American writers of the Romantic period are more likely than the same period in the works of preaching,there are some good writers to promote the beauty and goodness. 7/20In addition, many American works of the Romantic period, rather than didactic(说教

12、的；教诲的) richer entertainment, writers of this period are more adept( 熟练的) at describing every aspect of life.8/20(3) Features1 individualistic values. Before the American Revolution, Romanticism profoundly influenced American values, politics, art and philosophy. Romantic ideas must emphasize individ

13、ualism with the traditional concept of revolution and equality consistent with the concept of the frontier. Romantic strongly against traditional art forms, who by the neo-classical(新古典的) limit of strong demand Art in literature, painting, architecture and other creative new forms.9/20Romantic perio

14、d emphasized individualism collectivism opposition oppose the authority of the individual as the center of life and art. In addition, American Romanticism also emphasizes individual freedom from formalism, tradition and obedience(顺从；服从；遵守), they are willing to self-analysis, to detect and expose the

15、 soul.10/202 focus on nature. With the development of the times, the Americans began to call on the localization of culture, and promote American artists patriotic( 爱国的) songs, depicting(描绘,描述) the magnificent scenery of the United States, the design has a monumental(不朽的；纪念碑的) building so that peopl

16、e will always remember the Americans in the creation of this magical land glory. 1820s freed from some American painter painting in the 18th century aristocracy( 贵族；贵族统治). Hudson School of landscape painters began to appear. Depicts the American mountains, 11/20Rivers, forests, wild canyons(峡谷) and

17、greatness. Gradually, influenced by American cultural nationalism, many American writers began to praise the American prairie, a small jungle, streams and endless prairies(畜牧 大草原), forests and vast oceans. Wild allegorical( 讽喻的) drama featuring the ethical guidelines of the times. Escape from societ

18、y, back to nature has become eternal creative themes in American literature.12/203 reflect inner thoughts. With the development of American Romanticism, in addition to individualism and respect for nature, the Romantic writers increasing emphasis on freedom of expression character emotion, more atte

19、ntion to the psychological characteristics of the characters portrayed. Extremely sensitive and excitement become a major personality traits of the hero and heroine. Horror novels since then until now is in the form of literature in the field of literature the most profitable, gothic horror novel al

20、so caused great concern to the reader, 13/20this fictional supernatural horror some distant phenomenon, the authors often near the castle lit by sunlight scenes, some mysterious track to bring out some of the stealth (秘密；秘密行动 )horror scene. Such novel characterization of mental activity often. In sh

21、ort, the writers of this period were focused on the freedom of expression of the characters inner thoughts.14/202. Literary achievements of IrvingWashington Irving (April 3, 1783 November 28, 1859) is one of the earliest romantic writers in American known for his sketches(笔记), short stories and biog

22、raphies, Irving is the first U.S. author to achieve international renown(国际声誉).Absorbing the cream of European culture and literature, Irving created his unique style that is fresh, natural, humorous and musical. With his short stories and success in many other fields, Irving has made great contribu

23、tions to the development of independent American literature. It is Irving who activated the potential of American literature and laid solid foundations for its future development. 15/20As a famed essayist, biographer, historian, writer and politician, Washington Irving is often considered as “The Fa

24、ther of American Literature” or “The Father of American Letters,” as well as one of the inventors of the modern short essay and fiction.He is best known for his short stories The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (“睡谷的传说”)and Rip Van Winkle(“瑞普凡温克”), both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffre

25、y Crayon, Gent(见闻札记). A History of New York(纽约外史) is generally considered as the first important contribution to American comic literature, and a great popular success from the start. It is also taken as the mark of the beginning of American Romanticism. 16/20The work brought Irving considerable fam

26、e and financial reward. His historical works include Life of Washington, Oliver Goldsmith and Mahomet and His Successors(华盛顿传、哥尔德斯密斯传和穆罕默德及其继承者), and several histories of 15th-century Spain dealing with subjects such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra(哥伦布、摩尔人和阿尔罕伯拉).On the whole, Irvings works hav