America vs. Literature

Here is a Post I did for my English Literature class. It's just the indroduction to the class. However, I  am looking to get a better understanding of in what ways(good or bad) American lit has and does effect us, the general public, and what we are doing about it.  So offer thoughts..Discussion is helpful.          What does it mean to be an American? - Fighting together in unity, despite our differences, for truth, justice and equality which gives us Freedom. An american understands the need for justice (law/order) and is willing to support and follow that law. Respect for differences in culture, religion and opinions is important to authentic patriotism of a true American.                  Success is defined in short as the freedom which ultimately gives American's the right to decide what happiness and success are for their own life. This success can also be defined as the as the justice and equality set in place at the start of our nation. We have not really lived up to this so called "success of America". We can believe in success and equality because American success is that lifestyle of equality of persons and freedom. We must believe in individual rights in order to believe every man has the capability to equally pursue happiness.                   There are many national "conversations" that have allowed Americans to answer these questions. Some being: gun control, religion in the school systems, murder, capital punishment, health care, and especially our economy. There could be a much larger list. However, even these issues bring about discussion, opinions and hopefully answers to which we look for often through our own Literature. Literature has often has political meaning, and reflects our leadership and religion.  Literature reflects society and changes with culture. Therefore, the rhetoric of literature is very similar to the rhetoric of our culture and it has changed over time to become less traditional and more liberal.  I believe it answers some questions but not all. It tends to be reflexive and gives meaning to our society.                     The issue of work ethics, social status, economics, governing authorities seem to be a consistent theme in literature and are often given thought provoking answers to these repeating American issues. Too often we are not inspired enough by the experience or second hand writings of these problems to really allow it to change us. As a whole I believe we do not reflect on past English Literature enough.