American civilization has undergone many changes over the past few centuries. From the first settlement to present day, our country has seen numerous wars, reformations, religious and social movements. These changes directly impacted the American citizens’ sense of self in relation to society. One of the best ways of monitoring these changes is through American literature.

The following are some literary examples from various periods in American history. While some may be fictious, they all embody the values and lifestyles of the time in which they were written and are reflections of the American sense of self during the time.

The Puritans were a group of people who left England for America in 1628 because they were unhappy with the church of England. They were deeply religious people, though they had an immense desire for independence and freedom. They put much emphasis on education and literacy. Their main source of literature, other than the bible, were sermons, which were preached in front of congregations.

Their ideas on religion are much different than ours are today. Puritans held

That is not the only thing this story does. This fairytale is a glance into the hearts and minds of Americans during the Revolution. America is changing so fast at this point in history. It is a metaphor for feeling as if you’ve woken up in a different time.

Rowlandson was held captive for close to three months (11 weeks, 5 days). The only thing that gave her hope was her faith in God. She blamed herself for her captivity, as if it were a means of punishment administered by God for an evil deed she did not recall committing; but acknowledged that God may have considered something a sin when she did not.

Douglass does not reflect the American sense of self in regards to white people and slave holders, but is a prime example of how American slaves viewed themselves in relation to society.

“He recognized on the sign, however, the ruby face of King George, under which he had smoked so many a peacful pipe; but even this was singulary metamorphosed. The red coat was changed for one of blue and buff, a sword was held in the hand instead of a sceptre, the head was decorated with a cocked hat, and underneath was painted in large characters, GENERAL WASHINGTON."

Some topics in this essay:
Reason Listing, King George, God Numerous, England America, Slave Written, , Age Reason, Van Winkle, Indians Rowlandson, Age Reason”, sense self, age reason, american sense self, american sense, sense self relation, self relation, rip van, rip van winkle, van winkle, relation society, frederick douglass, self relation society, unique identity, franklin believed,