One of the main themes is slavery. Novels often depicted the harsh reality of being enslaved, like the separation of families. Another theme was the search for identity. African Americans in these novels were trying to figure out who they were in a society that oppressed them.
Well, themes like racism and segregation are common. In 20th century African American novels, authors explored how African Americans were treated unjustly. Take 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. The main character feels invisible in society because of his race. Also, the theme of cultural heritage is there. African American novels often delved into the rich cultural roots of the African American people, trying to preserve and celebrate it in the face of attempts to erase it.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was a well - known author. Her work 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' had a huge impact on the perception of slavery. Another was Frederick Douglass, who wrote about his own experiences as a slave.
Richard Wright is well - known. His 'Native Son' is a classic. Zora Neale Hurston is also famous for works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. And of course, Toni Morrison. Her novels like 'Beloved' have won many awards and are widely studied. Ralph Ellison with 'Invisible Man' is another great author. His work delved deep into the African American experience in a complex and thought - provoking way.
One common theme is slavery and the struggle for freedom. African American writers in the 19th century often depicted the harsh realities of slavery, like the separation of families and the inhumane treatment of slaves. Another theme was identity. Characters were constantly trying to figure out who they were in a society that devalued them because of their race. Also, there was a theme of hope. Despite the difficult circumstances, the stories often showed a glimmer of hope for a better future, whether it was through the characters' own strength or through their faith.
These serial novels were sometimes a reflection of the changing society. As America was evolving in the 19th century, with industrialization and westward expansion, novels like those in the list often incorporated these elements. They might show the contrast between rural and urban life, or the impact of new ideas on traditional communities. For example, some novels explored how new religious or philosophical ideas were affecting people's lives in different regions of the country.
American literature in the 19th and 20th centuries covered many different schools and some famous works are listed below:
19th century:
- The Adventures of Tom sawyer by Mark Twain
- Owen's The Jeff Bezos Story
- Oliver Twist by Dickens
- Jane Austen's Pride and Predict
- The creator of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling
20th century:
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway
- Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury
- Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude
- Nabokov's Lolita
- Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence
- Lao She's Teahouse
In addition to the works listed above, there are many other famous American literary works such as Ernest Hemmingway's The Sun Also Rises, Wilson's War and Peace, Calvino's One Hundred Years of Solitude, etc.
Sure. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a great one. It tells the story of Hester Prynne who has to wear a scarlet 'A' for adultery in a Puritan community.
Frederick Douglass was one. He was well - known for his autobiographical works which also had elements of short - story - like narratives. His writings were very powerful in depicting the life of a slave. Another was Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. She wrote short stories that often dealt with the issues of race, gender, and the struggle for equality among African Americans.
The 19th century was the peak period of the development of American novels. Many famous novelists created a large number of works during this period. Some of the famous novelists included:
- William F Scott: Faulkner was one of the most famous novelists of the 19th century. His works include The Sound and the Fury and The Solitude of Virgil.
- Mark Twain: Twain was another famous novelist in the 19th century. His works include The Adventures of Tom sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, etc.
- Emily Browning: Bronte was another famous novelist in the 19th century. Her works included Jane Eyre, Pride and Predict, and so on.
- Henry James: James was another famous novelist in the 19th century. His works include Dream of the Red Chamber, Sense and Sensibility, and so on.
The works of these novelists were widely welcomed at that time and made important contributions to the development of American novels.