湘潭大学美国文学课件.ppt

One living in his native culture does not realize his shortcoming. Foreign literature makes us find our even our nation’s shortcomings. The influence of literature is subtle and pervasive not apparent; far-reaching not direct.;Literature is a mirror reflecting the process of society. In the short period of 200 years, American literature has become an important part of literature world with its own unique characteristics and charm. Through the study of American literature, we can get well knowledge about American society and culture, which gives us examples and some lessons during social progress, especially modern literature.;There exists some similarities of evolution of human history and society. (Modern literature: urbanization, money worship, impersonalization, alienation and ment111al crisis) Besides, literature can bring pleasure and philosophy of life. Taking some poems for example: Frost ;从明天起，做一个幸福的人  喂马，劈柴，周游世界  从明天起，关心粮食和蔬菜  我有一所房子，面朝大海,春暖花开  从明天起，和每一个亲人通信  告诉他们我的幸福  那幸福的闪电告诉我的 ;The Road Not TakenRobert Frost;Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that, the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,;And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back. ;I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.;Ⅱ. Review of American Literature Before 1890s;That is to say, a person can achieve his success, no matter whether he is rich or not, through personal struggle and self-improvement. Thriftiness, diligence, self-discipline and self-improvement are elements of realization of American Dream and also ethical standard of rising bourgeois.;2. The cultural independence of American literature. Entering