American Fiction Essay
Fiction refers to books and stories about imaginary people and events, rather than books about real people or events. American fiction is the work produced in the United States of America and its erstwhile colonies. Before the founding of the United States, the British colonies on the eastern coast of the present-day United States were heavily influenced by English literature. The American literary tradition began as part of the broader tradition of English literature. The subjects of American fiction cover a broad range of topics.
It is important to read American literature because it not only develops empathy in humans but also develops a spirit of inclusivity. American fiction brings to light the multicultural and diverse history of the country, which makes people more tolerable and accommodating. Like all literature American literature also effects selfhood and identity of an individual. Literature provides a lens through which human’s experience and define their lives. Literature’s role with identity formation affects a lot of people’s sense of himself. The importance of rich American literature has grown in modern times. It introduces an average American to the long-held American values, to put history into context and to provide an alternative viewpoint to the recent dominating narratives.
In the last five years, the most prominent books I have read include The Great Gatsby, to kill a Mockingbird, The Old Man and the Sea and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Among all of these, my favourite has been The Great Gatsby. It is a novel of the Jazz Age which has captivated readers from all generations since its publication. The story revolves around a wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for heroin named Daisy. It is a story of Jay’s attempt to win over Daisy, which takes place in a background of enormous affluence and wealth.
Themes which evolve from three American creation myths can be characterized into three main areas: the nature of the physical world, social order and appropriate behaviour, and human nature and the problem of good and evil. The Zuni story talks about the organization of a society, the significance of blood relations, and societal divisions. Another theme revolves around a Trickster figure. Tricksters are contrary to cultural heroes. They contribute to disorder and change. As a result, they bring to light the underside of life and remind us that culture is artificial, and it can be changed given that there is sufficient motivation to change things. All in all, American fiction plays an important role in an American’s life.
