What is American Literature?

In my opinion, American literature is the literature that reflects American history and American society during certain period of time. It is written by American or people who have lived under American culture. American Literature has been present since the colonial time of America, which is the starting point of American history. It embodies the history from the colonization of America to modern days America. The Crucible is a perfect example for American literature.

The Crucible is based on the Salem Witch Craft Trail in the 17^th century. People are forced to commit that they are witches or they will be killed. Not only does The Crucible mirror the Witch Craft Trail, it also implies the American society under McCarthyism. After the cold war, McCarthy, the senator, believed there were huge numbers of communists or spies for Soviet Union in United States. Innocent people were killed with the crime of being communists. The Crucible, a well-known American literature, illustrates the American history during 17^th century and 20^th century.

Narrative story like The Crucible is not the only form of American literature. It can also be poetry, drama and many more various forms. All of them suggest the American society in the past or modern time.