English Literature Vs American Literature 1

English Literature
vs American
Literature
• As English literature and American
literature plays an important role where
the term literature is concerned,
identifying the difference between English
literature and American literature is
essential for literature students. As you
may already know, literature encompasses
a wide variety of written works, especially
those with eternal artistic value and it is
not confined to a particular geographical
area, yet it is rather spread in almost every
country.
For example, published literary works in France is termed
French literature while published literary works in India is
called Indian literature. Hence, literature is rather a
scattered discipline in every nook and corner of the world.
Although literature differs from one country to another,
the outcome of learning literature is just the same where it
makes you a person with critical thinking; a trait that is
essential for growth of one’s character and personality.
This article seeks to explore two geographically parted
sections of literature: English literature and American
literature. To begin with, just remember that one time,
when America was a British colony, both terms meant the
same. It started to mean different since the early 17th
century when America was no longer a British colony
literary works were just blooming.
What is English literature?
English literature refers to the collection of
written literary work in the Great Britain and
its colonies since the 7th century to the
present day. As may be apparent, it has a great
and much-loved history where it is
chronologically categorized into several eras:
Old English literature (c.658-1100), Middle
English literature (1100–1500), English
Renaissance (1500–1660), Neo-Classical Period
(1660–1798), 19th-century literature, English
literature since 1901 which includes modern,
post-modern, and 20th century literature.
• Among the many writers from different parts of the
English speaking world, those who have immensely
contributed to the development of English literature
are, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charlotte
Bronte, Virginia Woolf, William Wordsworth, W.B.
Keats, Robert Frost. As literature is the presentation
of writers’ expressions towards life in their socio-
economic background, any type of literature depicts
a certain culture. English literature, by its all forms,
genres, and stylistics, reflects the culture of the
British. The most known features of English
literature include its wit, depiction of manners,
disparity between classes, themes being stressed on
plots and characterization.
What is American Literature?
Comparatively, American literature is a notion that
emerged in the recent past. It is the production of
literary work written in the context of America
portraying American culture and themes. America,
originally being a British colony, was part of English
literature until the country won independence and
every aspect of the country: economy, education,
literature, arts, culture, and social aspects changed
and new brands brooded. The origin of the American
literature dates back to the early 17th century.
American literature was largely shaped by the history
of the country and revolutionary ideas emerged
during civil and revolutionary wars.
What is the difference between English
Literature and American Literature?
• Literary works written and published in Great
Britain and British colonies are referred by the term
English literature while American literature refers to
literary works written and published in America.
• English literature is written in British English while
American literature is written in American English.
• English literature mainly reflects the English
culture, English mannerisms while American
literature mirrors American culture, its history, and
revolutionary concepts such as relationships with the
church, the state, supernatural elements that
emerged in the country. E.g. Massachusetts battle.
• English literature is older than the American
English.
• American literature is often known as a much
more realistic in portraying characters while
English literature is known for its wit and portrayal
of theme in plots and characterization.
• Judging by the above distinct and subtle
differences, it is comprehensible that English
literature and American literature are two
different notions although American literature
was once part of the English literature.
History of American
Literature
Activity
1.Directions: Using a Venn

Diagram give the similarities
and differences of English
Literature and American
literature.
2.Make a timeline of
well- known authors
of each era or period
in American literature.
3. Make a timeline of
well- known authors
of each era or period
in English literature.

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English Literature

1.Directions: Using a Venn

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