What is American Literature?

American literature is in some ways a foundation of this country. The Declaration of Independence, written by our nation's founders, was the first and maybe the most important piece of writing in American history. One may ask, what is literature? Merriam Webster defines literature as," written works (such as poems, plays, and novels) that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance." American literature is exactly that, novels, plays, poems and even pamphlets that have had a lasting affect on America. 

Common Sense, a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine was published on January 10, 1776. Common Sense was written in order to spur the English colonists into revolution against England, and to explain the need for independence for Britain. Its intended purpose was fulfilled, and the Declaration of Independence was signed just seven months later on July 4, 1776. 

Not all American Literature has such an obvious impact as Common Sense and The Declaration of Independence, but they still are a great part of our culture nonetheless. Novels like To Kill a Mockingbird and Moby Dick are a huge part of the culture of America and feed into what it means to be American. American Literature is the culture of America expressed through many different ways.