Questions: Impact of historical Events on American literature 1. What is your thesis? What statements and evidence will you use to support your thesis? 2. Record the names of the discussion participants below. If you organized the discussion, record how you know the other person, and summarize how you chose and invited him or her and how you organized the time and place for the discussion. 3. Record the questions asked by your partner as well as your responses to these questions. 4. During the discussion, what main points did your partner make supporting or opposing your thesis? What new questions or thoughts were raised about your thesis? 5. Describe the discussion of the thesis. How balanced was the participation? What would you change if you could do it again? What insights did you gain about your thesis from discussing it with others? What did you learn from discussing your peer's thesis? 6. Did your partner change your viewpoint on the topic discussed? What was discussed that changed your initial response?

The thesis is that historical events have significantly shaped American literature, influencing themes, styles, and the emergence of new literary movements. American literature reflects the socio-political and cultural changes of its time, serving as a mirror to the nation's evolving identity.

1. Colonial and Revolutionary Periods: Literature during these times, such as the works of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine, was heavily influenced by the quest for independence and the formation of a national identity. These writings often focused on themes of freedom, democracy, and individual rights.

2. Civil War and Reconstruction: The Civil War era brought about a surge in literature that dealt with themes of slavery, freedom, and human rights. Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is a prime example, as it played a role in shaping public opinion about slavery.

3. The Great Depression: This period saw the rise of social realism in literature, with authors like John Steinbeck highlighting the struggles of the common man. "The Grapes of Wrath" is a notable work that captures the economic hardships and social injustices of the time.

4. Post-World War II and the Cold War: Literature from this era often explored themes of existentialism, identity, and the human condition, as seen in the works of authors like J.D. Salinger and Kurt Vonnegut. The fear of nuclear war and the tension of the Cold War also influenced dystopian narratives.

5. Civil Rights Movement: The literature of the 1960s and 1970s, including works by authors like James Baldwin and Maya Angelou, focused on themes of racial equality, justice, and the African American experience.

• "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Reflects the Puritanical society and its impact on individual freedom and morality.
• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: Addresses racial injustice and moral growth in the American South during the 1930s.
• "Beloved" by Toni Morrison: Explores the legacy of slavery and its psychological impact on African Americans.

• Cultural Perspective: Literature not only reflects historical events but also shapes cultural narratives and societal values.
• Critical Perspective: Some critics argue that literature can sometimes romanticize or oversimplify historical events, thus influencing public perception in complex ways.

By examining these examples and perspectives, it becomes evident that American literature is deeply intertwined with the historical events that have shaped the nation.