Final answer:
Connecting literature and history is about recognizing how events shape literary themes and narratives. American literature post-1945 was influenced by historical events like World War II and civil movements. Key learning involves identifying influential writers, and their works, and understanding the historical context in which they wrote.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connecting literature and history involves understanding how historical events, culture, and the socio-political context of a period influence literary works. For instance, American literature after 1945 has been significantly affected by events like World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War. These historical phenomena not only shape the themes within the literature but also the perspectives and narratives of writers.
Some examples include the works of the Beat Generation, which reflect the cultural and social upheaval of the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, the literature of the Harlem Renaissance provides a powerful insight into the lives and struggles of African Americans during the 1920s and 1930s, linking deeply to historical movements for racial equality.
For students learning literature, it is important to identify selected writers and works that have been influential in American culture since 1945 and to interpret, compare, and contrast the different works to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context that shaped these narratives.