Essential Questions
• What are the unifying themes in American literature until 1900?
• What is the role of nature in American literature?
• What is the human relationship with nature?
• How do religious beliefs and traditions influence American literature?
• How does American literature change over time? Consider the elements of literature (plot, setting, characterization, and theme), literary point of view, tone, and imagery?
• How does a writer improve by using varied sentence structure, modifying phrases and clauses, diction, and alliteration? Research vocabulary words using a dictionary and a thesaurus.