Final answer:
American writers in the early 1800s were influenced by several themes and movements. One of the main themes was the development of a distinct American literary tradition that reflected American life and values. This led to the rise of Romanticism and the emergence of Realism.
Step-by-step explanation:
American writers in the early 1800s were influenced by various themes and movements. One prominent theme was the development of a distinct American literary tradition, which sought to reflect American life and values rather than mimic British literary customs. This led to the rise of Romanticism, a literary movement emphasizing freedom of self-expression and celebrating the individual in the American landscape. Writers like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson brought new forms of poetry, such as free verse, that inspired subsequent generations of American authors. Additionally, during this time, American writers began to focus on societal changes brought about by western expansion, industrialization, and urbanization. Realism emerged as a literary style, with authors like Mark Twain, William Dean Howells, and Henry James depicting ordinary people and everyday life in a more realistic and relatable manner.