The Dreams of the Lady of Mount Hira

American Women Writers: 18th & 19th Centuries

Much of the literature by American women during the 18th and 19th centuries focused on the inner lives of women and advocating early notions of equality between the sexes. The literature of women in the 18th century mainly focused on issues such as gender equality as well as the struggles that African Americans (particularly women) faced. The writings and work by the women of this century usually remained anonymous, but somehow women’s literature during this time came into emergence and became much more widely known. Puritanism and urbanization as seen in America during this century had placed women under conventional roles of subjugation, and at the same time went against these conventions of viewing women as beneath men. Nineteenth century literature dealt with many changes for women in society. During this century, women fought for the right to vote, to own property, to attend college, to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, and take part in other professions that were typically male dominated. Importantly, women were able to voice their concerns and creativity through art and writing in a way that was acceptable to the standards of American society during this century.

American Modernism and Postmodernism: Overview

Modernism and postmodernism are typically seen as a breaking away from conventional thought. Generally speaking, modernist literature refers to that literature which was produced in the early to mid twentieth century. Also, the era directly between World War I and World War II is usually referred to as the modern era in America. There is no “typical” modernist literature. However, this type of literature has characteristics that differentiate it from early modern literatures. For example, much, but not all of modernist poetry is unrhymed. Also, modernist literature tends to deal with the inner workings of ‘the self’ through the use of techniques such as “stream-of-consciousness”. “Urbanization, industrialization, and immigration” have helped to bring about the modern era, and much of these themes show up in modernist literature in America. In addition, the Harlem Renaissance is a movement in literature that takes place during this era. This movement has given voice to many talented African-American writers and artists.