msnoel.com
Melissa W. Noël
English Teacher
Clayton High School
American Literature
I have great respect for British literature, but my heart remains with American authors. Maybe it's because I relate to their great rebellious nature, but I appreciate the nonconformity within the themes of American literature. It's true, the earlier the literature, less interesting it is, but the further away from the British rule, the more fascinating it becomes.
It's after the Colonial period that the rebels start to make the literary style truly unique and, well, American. Ralph Waldo Emerson must have shocked the British with his unique views when his writings reached the grand old isles! By the time that Walt Whitman crossed the ocean blue, I doubt the British knew how to handle us! Oh Walt! I can't wait to tell you about him!
Together we will explore the great authors of American Literature from the pre-colonial era to the modern period. I think you'll have fun as you watch our rebels shock the rigid Brits!