American Literature in Transition, 1876-1910: Volume 4

This volume explores post-Reconstruction American literature from 1876 to 1910, challenging the ideology of progress and exploring alternative pasts and futures. It argues that the literature of this period should be seen as a response to the end of Reconstruction and the haunting aftermath of its emancipatory potential.

Format: Hardback
Length: 381 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive volume delves into the rich tapestry of US literature from 1876 to 1910, a period marked by profound transformations and a challenging of the prevailing ideology of progress. It seeks to unravel the diverse forms and formations that emerged during this transformative era, challenging the notion that post-Reconstruction American literature should be solely defined by the logic of temporal and social advancement. Instead, the volume proposes a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that the literature of this period, often referred to as the "turn-of-the-century," may be better understood through the lens of Reconstruction's lingering aftermath and the emancipatory potential it held.

By acknowledging that nearly all US literature after 1876 can be considered post-Reconstruction, the volume invites readers to reimagine this period by exploring how it challenged or consolidated the nation as an affective, political, and discursive phenomenon. It prompts us to consider the alternative pasts and futures that post-Reconstruction American literature has written into existence, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of this era's literary landscape.

In the first chapter, the volume provides a historical overview of the period, tracing the social, political, and economic developments that shaped the literary landscape. It explores the impact of Reconstruction on African American literature, the rise of realism and naturalism, and the emergence of new literary genres such as the novel and the short story. The chapter also highlights the significant contributions of women writers to this period, who challenged traditional gender roles and explored the complexities of female identity.

The second chapter delves into the literary themes and motifs that emerged during post-Reconstruction. It examines the representation of race, class, and gender in literature, exploring how these themes were used to challenge dominant ideologies and promote social change. The chapter also explores the influence of technology and industrialization on literature, as writers sought to capture the changing nature of American society and the impact of modernity on traditional values.

In the third chapter, the volume examines the literary responses to the Great War and the aftermath of World War I. It explores how literature responded to the trauma of war, the challenges of rebuilding society, and the emergence of new political ideologies. The chapter also highlights the role of literature in promoting cultural nationalism and the idea of American exceptionalism.

The fourth chapter explores the literary legacy of post-Reconstruction. It examines how the literature of this period influenced subsequent generations of writers and how it continues to shape our understanding of American history and culture. The chapter also considers the impact of post-Reconstruction American literature on the broader world, exploring how it contributed to the development of modernism and international literature.

In conclusion, this volume offers a fresh and insightful perspective on post-Reconstruction American literature, challenging the notion of progress as the sole defining ideology of this period. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse forms and formations that emerged during this transformative era, highlighting the significant contributions of women writers, the literary responses to war and social change, and the enduring legacy of post-Reconstruction American literature. By engaging with the rich tapestry of this period's literature, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of American history and culture.

Weight: 746g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108477505