The typical dictionary will define American Literature as “the body of written works produced in the English language in the United States” (Blair, Giles, & Dickstein). The flaw in this simple definition, though, is the assumption that only literary works written in English are considered a part of American Literature. Essentially, this belief lacks the true understanding of the country as a whole. Throughout the years, millions of people have immigrated from all over the world into America, creating it as a major place of diversity. Consequently, this diversity of the citizens’ cultural backgrounds shaped America’s assortment in writing styles. Regardless of the language, syntax, and ethnicity of the writer, all truthful writings about issues …show more content…
In a true story, Into the Wild, both of these themes are explored by Chris McCandless. This young man heads out into the Alaskan wilderness on his own in order to pursue a life of independence and self-reliance. Once said in a letter by McCandless,“You are wrong if you think joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us” (Krakauer 57). This quote shows his idealistic style by believing perfection is found simply amidst nature. Correspondingly, Transcendentalist writers, such as Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman, share this same view of the world and try to influence others to aspire for a simpler lifestyle. For example, Whitman writes in Song of Myself, “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, and what I assume you shall assume, for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you” (Whitman 436). This quote exemplifies the independence of Americans, because he explains that he does not need anyone else, since he possesses all the components needed with him to live happily. Although American Literature cannot be fully defined by these common themes, they are still tremendously important to examine in order to fully understand