Literature with an American Flavor

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Jane Doe Ms. Sherri Jacobs English 2120 21 Nov. 2011 Literature With an American Flavor Much of literature in history addresses the American ways of life. James Wright mentions financial issues. Eugene O’Neill addresses the differences in classes. Amy Tan talks of divorce, parents against the marriage, and not making decisions to avoid responsibility. Stephen Crane writes on drinking and arguing during tough times. I. “In Terror of Hospital Bills” by James Wright A. Fear of having no money and having to beg was and is a strong issue of Americans. 1. “In Terror of Hospital Bills” 2. “And frightened, knowing how soon/ I will waken a poor man.” (lines 3-4) 3. “What words to beg money with.” (line 8) 4. “I will have to beg coins/ After dark.” (line 23-24) B. Many Americans have pride and dread shame. 1. “I will have to leap barefoot through gas-fire veils of shame,” (line 14) 2. “But my life was never so precious/ To me as now.” (lines 21-22) II. The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neill A. Social class was an issue. 1. “I wants to convince yer she was on’y a representative of ‘er clarss.” I wants to awaken yer bloody clarss consciousness. Then yer’ll see it’s ‘er clarss yer’ve got to fight, not ‘’er alone.(1072; scene V) 2. “First cabin stiff. Her old man’s a millionaire, dey says – name of Douglas.” (1076; scene VI) B. All people want to fit in somewhere in life. Yank is no different. 1. “Listen to me! Sure, I’m part of de engines?” (1060; scene I) 2. “Dis was made for me! It’s my meat, get me!” (1065; scene III) 3. “I’ll shor her who belongs!” (1076; scene VI) III. Maggie; A Girl of the Streets by Stephen Crane A. Life in the late nineteenth century was hard and it was not uncommon for families to drink excessively and argue.

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