What Is American Literature? Essay Example

This Side of Paradise and I chose the character of Beatrice Blaine

What was your overall impression of the novel you chose? Was it what you expected?

The novel was interesting, although the dramatic story was somewhat sad in regards to the development of Avery throughout the story.  Although he seems to begin life with a lot of potential, he seems to ultimately lose out on this when he goes to war.  His loss of the women that he cares for is overshadowed by his inhibitions, which ultimately aim to turn him from this path towards happiness.  In this way, the story provides insight into the underlying conditions of the human existence.

What, in your opinion, are the most important characteristics that distinguish American literature?

The most important elements of American literature include landscape, which should provide sweeping geographic images, as well as the romantic ideas of love and loss.  These ideas are present within the story, and provide an idealistic representation of how American literature should develop its themes.  These underlying ideas are important in the development of imagery that could be established as uniquely American.

The character I chose was Beatrice Blaine.  The reason that she was chosen is because she represents the origins of the main character.  Her death seems to be the start of Amory’s woes, and if she had remained alive, then the story may have ended somewhat differently.  In this way, she is an important character that helps to propel the plot of the story forward throughout the book.

Works Cited

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. This Side of Paradise. Scribner. 1920. 305. Print.