The Ripple Effect

Throughout this year we have explored the many literary movements in our country’s history. The hopes and dreams of the American people have been drastically altered from the time when our forefathers landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620 to present day. Literature has influenced people’s thinking throughout the almost 400 years since our country’s humble beginnings; this country was built on a multitude of great, inspiring literature. Now as this year comes to a close, I reflect on how literature has affected not only this country, but myself. Has the literature I read this year changed my worldview or simply strengthened my original opinions?

The Colonial Period began with the colonization America and ended when the Revolutionary War began. The Colonial Period consisted of Puritan Plain Style and Classical Style. Puritan Plain Style used plain language and made comparisons to everyday objects because the Puritans wanted to make clear and definite statements in their writing. In Puritan Plain Style short simple words were preferred compared to long elaborate ones in order to stress simplicity and clarity. Another reason for this simple style was because the Puritans believed poetry should serve God and only express useful or religious things. During the time of Puritan Plain Style, Americans lived to please God. Morals, Values, and Religion were the driving force during this time. The style of writing influenced, but also reflected the colonists’ beliefs and their current “American Dream.” In Edward Taylor’s poem “Huswifery,” he he used an extended metaphor to compare himself to a spinning wheel. He wished to be clothed in God’s grace and to share His love with others. This was exactly the mindset of the American peopl...

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...o attain the wealth and social status of the upper class. Dexter Green, the main character in “Winter Dreams,” exemplified the selfish mindset of the time. Modernism pushed the country away from God, and this shift continued into Post-Modernism. Post-Modernism began after World War II when writers used elements from previous periods, but created a new voice. Just like Modernism, Post-Modernism resisted the values of the past influenced heavily by Christianity. “The Pale Pink Roast” was a Post-Modern story written by Grace Paley. The story discussed topics such as adultery in a way where it went unpunished. The work of both Modernism and Post-Modernism moved far beyond the favorable morals and values that America had always stood for. Declining morals is a problem in America and the start of the decline can be seen through the work of this literary period.