American literature

This collection of essays gives an insight into the evolution of American
literature from its inception to its present stage. It thus answers the
question What is American Literature today ? Examining the different periods,
trends and various historical contexts that have impacted on this national
literature, the book tackles the thorny questions of influences, periodization
and historicizing in literary art. It highlights the protean nature of
American literature through the interdisciplinary critical essays that discuss
contemporary global issues: cultural diversity, the environment,
territorialism, identity fixity, motherhood, racism, resilience and
resistance. This collection is of great significance to scholars, students and
teachers of literary, cultural, gender, environmental and historical studies.

*[XIXe]: Dix-neuvième