Contemporary+Literature

Literature of the Contemporary Era

 The Contemporary Era arguably began in the 1960s or 70s and continues to the present. There are those that contend it is merely an extension of post-modernism. Others will surely assert in the future an end point for this era and the beginning of one yet to be unnamed. The most “evident hallmark of contemporary American literature is its great range and diversity” (Conn). Many different types of writing can be attributed to the Contemporary era including narratives, both fiction and non-fiction and autobiographical essays. These are typically “anti-hero, emotion provoking, humorous irony, concern[ed] with the connections between people, [and] beginning a new century [where] media culture interprets values” (Perales, “American Periods”). One might think that anything published since the 1960s is Contemporary Literature, but that is a fallacy. Omitted from this category are “certain genre fiction such as sci-fi and romance” as well as “pieces with poor grammar and syntax” and “poorly constructed characters and storylines” (Perales, “Introduction to Contemporary Literature”). As such, popular romantic fiction and “chick lit” like Nora Roberts produces may not be categorized as Contemporary Literature; however, if beauty in composition is evident, then it may be included.

 Ernest J. Gaines //A Lesson Before Dying// published in 1993 is an outstanding example of Contemporary literature. It explores the themes of racism, obligation, redemption, heroism, and freedom as a state of mind, focusing specifically on fatalism vs. individualism: “whether people can change their own nature and by doing so effect their own environment (Perales, “Introduction to A Lesson Before Dying”). All of these are current and common themes in the United States, and it is written in discernibly high quality. Our current body of literature reflects the fact that we are one of the most diverse countries. According to Kathryn VanSpanckeren, "[Our] dynamic population of about 300 million boasts more than 30 million foreign-born individuals who speak numerous languages and dialects.” Building upon that, VanSpanckeren goes on to say that literature in the US is “likewise dazzlingly diverse, exciting, and evolving. New voices have arisen from many quarters, challenging old ideas and adapting literary traditions to suit changing conditions of national life” (VanSpanckeren). Contemporary literature forces us to “question our ability to accurately see and understand ourselves and our culture” (Perales, “Introduction to Contemporary Literature”), clearly evidenced in Gaines’ piece. Ethnic minorities have taken ownership of Contemporary literature.

 Two characteristics of Contemporary literature are that it “emphasizes the crossing of old boundaries” and “represents migration and immigration as a fundamental human experience” (Perales, “Introduction to Contemporary Literature”).//The Joy Luck Club// published by Amy Tan in 1989 focuses on the strained generational relationships of Chinese American immigrant families.The novels of Native American writer Leslie Marmon Silko, “combine realistic narration with songs and legends of the Indian Past” (Conn). Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, Pat Mora, and so many other Hispanic-Americans chronicle their journeys and trials of assimilating to American culture only further support the notion that migration is pivotal to the human experience. If we consider  the best-seller lists, we encounter other candidates for valuable Contemporary literature.In 2001, religious novels topped the lists in fiction and in non-fiction for the first time, and many book stores include separate sections for different major religions.Several notable works include Annie Dillard’s //The Writing Lif//e published in 1989, a writer writing about writing; Frank McCourt’s //Angela’s Ashes//, a humorous reflection on a difficult upbringing; Joan Didion’s //Where I Was From//, narrating her move westward to settle in California; and Stephen King’s collection of horror novels (VanSpanckeren).

Regardless of the genre, Contemporary American Literature tracks the changing identity that Americans have of themselves and the way they are viewed by the world. These days, anyone can publish a novel, but the great works of the Contemporary Era take risks, cross boundaries, question the past, and give voice to the silenced. **In the Revolutionary Era, we found our identity in patriotism and nationalism. In the Harlem Renaissance, we found our identity in cultural awareness and respect. Now, in the Contemporary era, we find our identity in diversity and individuality. **

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