African-American literature’s Contribution To American Literature 英语专业毕业论文.doc

African-American literature’s Contribution To American Literature Introduction In broad terms, African-American literature can be defined as writings made by people of African descent living in the United States. It is highly varied. African-American literature has generally focused on the role of African Americans within the large American society and what it means to be an American. It begins with the works of such late 18th century writers as Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano, reaching early high points with slave narratives of the nineteenth century. African-American literature has three flowering periods in 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s the Harlem Renaissance approached dualism. The Harlem Renaissance refers to the African-American boom of cultural expression that peaked in the 1920s. It was a celebration of African-American heritage expressed through an outpouring of art, literature, dance, and music. It was helped along by intellectuals and the expansion of urban cultures. Artistic expression and articulated appreciation of African-American culture helped to get white Americans to take notice of the talents of black Americans for the first time. The Harlem Renaissance succeeded in destroying some racist ideas through brilliant works in song, dance, paint and print. For the first time, white-owned publishing houses published books written by black authors. Some white Americans helped to promote the literary works of black Americans to the white community. Black-owned businesses helped black artists. The Harlem Renaissance was about being proud to be African-American, or a black American. Black figures were now being depicted in American art. Black musicians were playing to white crowds. Jazz and blues as well as gospel types of music were very popular during the Harlem Renaissance. African-American plays, poetry, fiction and essays were produced at a high rate. Langston Hughes wrote fiction works relating to black American experiences such as in his