American Literature

1. American Literature

2. Unit 2 American Romanticism What is the American Dream? How do authors create the American identity through literature?

3. Learning Targets CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).

4. Learning Targets CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9 Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

5. Opening Activity Write one adjective that tells me how this music makes you feel. Find someone in the room that has the same or a similar adjective as you. Discuss why you chose that adjective. Share With Class

6. Historical Background

7. The Growth of Democracy • In 1800, the United States consisted of 16 states clustered near the east coast. • In 1803, Thomas Jefferson doubled the size by signing the Louisiana Purchase.

8. The Growth of Democracy • The rapid growth of the nation inspired an upsurge in national pride and self-awareness. • Improved transportation helped bind the old and new states together.

9. The Growth of Democracy • As the nation expanded, Americans began to take more direct control of their government. • Andrew Jackson, dubbed “The People’s President” was elected. • Property requirements for voting were eliminated.

10. The Growth of Democracy • The democratic advances of the time, however, were confined to white males. • Little political attention was given to females • Most African-Americans were enslaved • “Indian removal” forced Native Americans westward as in the 1838 “Trail of Tears” where 4,000 of 15,000 Cherokee died on the way to Oklahoma from Georgia.

11. The Growth of Democracy • The first decades of the 1800s were, on the whole, hopeful ones. The young republic seemed able to weather any storm. • The War of 1812 convinced Europeans that the United States was on the world stage to stay.

12. The Growth of Democracy • America went to war with Mexico in 1846 over Texas. It ended in U.S. victory, and the U.S. added California, as well. • The Gold Rush of 1849 drew thousands to this new land.

13. The Growth of Democracy • The course of American history can be seen as a pageant rolling over westward, as new territories opened up and transportation improved. • The Erie Canal was built in 1825. In the 1850s the railroad began to dominate long distance.

14. The Growth of Democracy • Advances in technology spurred social change. • Factories sprang up all over the Northeast. The telegraph made almost instant communication

15. Dark Clouds Approaching • At Mid-century, the United States faced trouble as well as bright promise. • Factories were scarred with child labor • In 1840, most women could not vote or file lawsuits • The argument over slavery continued • The fight over slavery turned into war in 1861

16. American Literature Comes of Age • Before 1800, American writers were not widely read – not even in America – but that soon began to change. • The writers of the period would define the American voice.

17. Romanticism • The writers of the early eighteenth century can all be described as romantics. • Romantic writers • elevated the imagination and emotion over reason • Improbable plots • Faraway settings • The abnormal • reveled in nature (especially over city life) • accentuated the fantastic aspects of human experience • The individual over the community Larger-than Life Romantic Hero • Follows own moral code (not the law) • From the country (not the city) • Able to do what others can’t

18. Which of these terms do you know? Antagonist Climax Denouement Direct Characterization Exposition External Conflict Figurative First Person Narrator Foreshadowing Imagery Indirect Characterization Internal Conflict Irony Metaphor Mood Narrator Plot Point of View Protagonist Setting Style Third Person Limited Third Person Omniscient Tone

19. Literary Terms Romanticism- literary period preceding the Civil War in which writers focused on emotion and imagination over logic Point of View- Perspective from which a story is told 1st person- narrator is in the story, telling the story- uses pronouns such as I, me, mine 3rd person limited- narrator observes the story and knows the thoughts of ONE character 3rd person omniscient- narrator observes the story and knows the thoughts of ALL of the characters

20. The Devil & Tom Walker -Washington Irving The archetypal pattern of selling your soul for something of personal value has existed for centuries.  Many have associated the amassing of wealth with the American Dream.  Even though wealth is generally regarded as good, gaining wealth can sometimes have disastrous consequences.  Using Irving’s ‘The Devil And Tom Walker’ and a modern example of greed that you have researched, examine how greed has changed over time in America.

21. Washington Irving The Devil & Tom Walker pg 228 While reading— • Write examples of narrative elements • Write down vocabulary you don’t know • Write down any questions you may have about the text

22. Performance Tasks Washington Irving’s The Devil and Tom Walker Recall:What was the result of Tom Walker’s greed? Evaluate: How does Irving use fiction to comment on 19th century societal issues such as slavery, marriage and usury? Synthesize/Evaluate: (Performance Task):The archetypal pattern of selling your soul for something of personal value has existed for centuries. Many have associated the amassing of wealth with the American Dream. Even though wealth is generally regarded as good, gaining wealth can sometimes have disastrous consequences.Using Irving’s ‘The Devil And Tom Walker’ and a modern example of greed that you have researched, examine how greed has changed over time in America.