This collection is designed for teachers and professors creating or revising a comprehensive American Literature syllabus. We’ve gathered study guides on classic novels, plays, and poems by some of the most frequently taught American writers, such as Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Toni Morrison, and Louise Glück. If you’re looking for more contemporary texts, like Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam or The Color of Water by James McBride, you’ll find those here, too!
Publication year 1974
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Identity: Indigenous, Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Tags Western, Historical Fiction, American Literature, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Classic Fiction
James Welch’s novel, Winter in the Blood, is a seminal text in the field of Indigenous American literature. The novel was published in 1974 during the Native American Renaissance, a period that began in the late 1960s, when works by Indigenous Americans in the United States gained wider publication. Welch is a preeminent figure of the movement and received praise for representing Indigenous Americans in realistic ways that acknowledge cultural divisions.In the novel, Welch uses... Read Winter In The Blood Summary
Publication year 1952
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Identity: Gender, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt
Tags Southern Gothic, Gender / Feminism, Religion / Spirituality, Christian literature, American Literature, Southern Literature, Gothic Literature, Classic Fiction
Wise Blood is Flannery O’Connor’s first novel, and it is concerned with the journey of a young man named Hazel Motes. At the beginning of the narrative, Motes is traveling to Taulkinham, Tennessee, after fighting for four years in World War II. Before his military service, Motes had always intended to become a preacher like his grandfather before him, but his war experiences cause Motes to become an anti-religious nihilist.After arriving in Taulkinham, Motes encounters a young... Read Wise Blood Summary
Publication year 1999
Genre Book, Nonfiction
Themes Values/Ideas: Equality, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Self Discovery, Society: Nation
Tags American Literature, History: World, Philosophy, Classic Fiction, Gender / Feminism, Philosophy, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), History: U.S., Transcendentalism
Publication year 2017
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: Mental Health, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Tags Realistic Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction, Mental Illness, Bullying, Depression / Suicide, Love / Sexuality, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction
Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton follows a 16-year-old boy with schizophrenia as he navigates mental illness, life at a new school, and a clinical drug trial. The book won the Yalsa Best Fiction for Young Adults award in 2018 and was a nominee for the Rhode Island Teen Book award. Roadside Attractions released a feature film of the same name based on the book in August 2020. This guide follows the 2017 Random... Read Words on Bathroom Walls Summary
Publication year 2020
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Values/Ideas: Literature, Identity: Language
Tags Realistic Fiction, Romance, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Love / Sexuality, Relationships, Parenting, American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction
Publication year 1975
Genre Reference/Text Book, Nonfiction
Themes Values/Ideas: Literature, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Society: Education, Identity: Language
Tags American Literature, Self Help, Education, Education
Publication year 1835
Genre Short Story, Fiction
Themes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Natural World: Environment, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Society: Community
Tags Classic Fiction, Allegory / Fable / Parable, American Literature, Education, Education, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction
“Young Goodman Brown” is a short story written by Nathaniel Hawthorne published in 1835 in The New-England Magazine. The story was later included in Hawthorne’s 1846 collection Mosses from an Old Manse. Most of Hawthorne’s fiction is set in New England and focuses on themes of morality, inherent sin of human beings, and anti-Puritan sentiment. In addition to “Young Goodman Brown,” some of his most famous short fiction works include “The Minister’s Black Veil” (1836)... Read Young Goodman Brown Summary