1. Important American Writers & Works of Literature

2. American Literature In the early 1800’s, many writers created literature that reflected the newly forming nation. Their ideas reflected nationalism- or a pride & love for their country. Many used settings, themes, & topics that were unique to America.

3. Transcendentalist Movement Transcendentalism = group who believed that truth could be found beyond the physical world & that all humans share in the spiritual unity of creation. Many writers were a part of this movement & reflected these ideas in their works.

4. 1. Noah Webster- produced the 1 st American dictionary of the English Language. 2. Ralph Waldo Emerson - poet who was a leader of the Transcendentalist Movement. 3. Henry David Thoreau - writer who lived apart form society- Walden

5. 4. Walt Whitman- poet who believed in the great worth of people. Wrote in a very untraditional manner- Leaves of Grass 5. Nathaniel Hawthorne- wrote dark, scary books about sin, punishment & forgiveness- The Scarlet Letter, House of the Seven Gables

6. 6. Washington Irving- 1 st American writer to gain international fame- Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 7. Edgar Allen Poe- poet & writer who wrote scary, mysterious tales- The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven

7. 8. James Fenimore Cooper- known as the 1 st great American writer. Wrote about American life- The Last of the Mohicans 9. Emily Dickinson- recluse poet who wrote sad love poems. Known as 1 of the greatest & most influential American poets.

8. 10. Herman Melville- wrote stories based on his experiences in the U.S. Navy- Moby Dick 11. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- popular poet who used a simple writing style- Paul Revere’s Ride