Literature has been among the greatest influences upon American patriotism, and how our Nation classifies 'true Americanism'. Yet when one looks at what categorizes literature as 'American,' the definition may seem abstract. Yet there several key points as to why certain literary pieces are regarded as American, whereas others are discounted. This essay will discuss how ‘manifest destiny’ helps one to identify our patriotic literature, how the literature openly exposes both the flaws and strengths of our nation and people, and how American literature connects its people together—even when otherwise it may not be possible. For examples I am using the poems “Theme for English B” and “I, Too” by Langston Hughes, “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg, and “America” by Claude McKay. …show more content…
In the poem I, Too, Langston Hughes is expressing Manifest Destiny; the narrator’s fervent certainty that he will, one day, be equivalent with the white race; “Tomorrow/ I’ll be at the table/when company comes” (pp. 1038, 8-10). He is certain of his equality with the white man, and retains the belief that things will change, thereby articulating a form of Manifest Destiny. This manner of Manifest Destiny is also implied at within the poem Chicago; “Under the terrible burden of destiny laughing as some young man/ laughs” shows that the city of Chicago, one of the largest cities within America at the time, has had destiny placed upon its shoulders (pp. 774, 17-18). That destiny is to be above other towns, to be proud of what Chicago