Regional Differences in American Literature

Regional Differences in American Literature

In American literature, the region of the country that the author was from had an impact on their writing and the kind of story they were telling to the audience. This is because each area had its own unique culture and tastes. The combination of these factors, were integrated together to create works that are a reflection of these attitudes.

Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than observations from Watts (2007). She found that regional factors had an impact on the author and their writings. This is because these ideas would have an effect on their beliefs. Over the course of time, these views were integrated into various forms of literature with different styles (depending upon the area of the country). (Watts 382 -- 285) This is illustrating how these ideas have been used throughout American literature to influence the audience. Once this takes place, is when they will have a greater understanding of the events and background (which makes the work more entertaining). To fully understand how this is occurring requires carefully examining: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. Together, these elements will provide specific insights as to the influences of regional factors on the author and their writings. (Watts 382 -- 285)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

In Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the story focuses on the lives of a Southern family and the challenges that they are facing. The way that this occurs is through discussing various themes that are most important to Southern society most notably lying. This is accomplished with the main character (Brick) serving as the one who sees this happening. During a series of events, he becomes angry about how Southern society is lying to everyone (with the divisions and inequality that exist). At the same time, he sees his family lying to Big Daddy and Big Mama about Big Daddy's cancer. As time goes by, there are no clear cut lies and truths. Instead, there is varying degrees of clarity. This is when the play ends by showing the traditions of Southern culture and how everyone is involved in these activities. As a result, all the characters are effectively lying to themselves about social relations and current events. Over the course of time, this has led to distortions about what is real. (Williams)

Evidence of this can be seen in the passage with Big Mama saying, "Now you listen to me, all of you, you listen here. There is not going to be any more catty talk in this house. And Gooper, you put that away before I grab it out of your hand and tear it right up. I don't know what the hell is in it. I am talking in Big Daddy's language now. I'm his wife not his widow. I'm still his wife. And I am talking to you in his language." (Williams 106) This is showing how there is focus on hiding from the truth within: the family and Southern society. (Williams)

The Road Not Taken

In the poem The Road Not Taken, Frost (2010) is discussing the choices that all individuals will face throughout the course of their lives. This is accomplished by using different metaphors to instill the feelings of change and indifference that many people are going through. Once this happens, is when the reader will have a greater understanding as to how this influencing their lives and the decisions that they will make. (Frost)

Evidence of this can be seen with the passage from the play which says, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood. And sorry I could not travel both. And be one traveler, long I stood. And looked down one as far as I could. To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair. And having perhaps the better claim. Because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for that the passing there had worn them really about the same. And both that morning equally lay. In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I marked the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh. Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." (Frost 10) This is illustrating how everyone will have choices and a sense of personal freedom. These ideas are reflecting the Northern society that Frost came from (with these views impacting how he sees the world). This is when these kinds of regional influences (i.e. personal responsibility and a classless society) became a major factor that is emphasized throughout the poem. Once this happens, is when these ideas will begin to affect the reader (by giving them a greater understanding of the author's views / social influences). (Frost)

North vs. South

The two different works of literature are showing how there are regional influences in American Literature. In a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, this used to highlight the way Southern society is often hypocritical and will lie to themselves about the truth. To illustrate these views, Williams is demonstrating how this is occurring inside a family (which is reflection of these social values). It is at this point that the reader can relate to Southern society and the challenges they are facing (by studying these regional influences). (Tischler 72 -- 98)

In the case of The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost is discussing personal choices and a classless society. These ideas were commonly embraced throughout the Northern United States. The fact that he is using metaphors to talk about these issues is a sign of the social influences upon his life (which is reflected in his writing). This helps to give the reader a greater sense of understanding the different ideas and what is most important inside specific regions. (Miller 103 -- 112)

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Moss (1992). She found that there were varying styles of writing based upon regional difference. As Southern writers were often less concerned about the accuracy of their descriptions of events, people and places that were discussed. While, Northern writers' depicted images of: a classless society and someone taking responsibility for their own actions to improve their lives. These differences in viewpoints are highlighting how most Northern writers were from large cities (with industrialization occurring). This is where they were exposed to more liberal ideas. While Southern authors, were limited in their experiences to agrarian society (which made them take a more conservative and often taking a delusional tone). In both works these ideas are apparent, with The Road Not Taken discussing these values through different metaphors and similes. Whereas, a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is showing how dysfunctional Southern society can be through the writings. These elements are illustrating the differences in American literature from one part of the country to the next. (Moss 21 -- 24)