1. American Romanticism(美国浪漫主义) ①Romanticism refers to an artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the late 18th century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual’s expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and conventions. ②The romantic period in American literature stretches from the end of the 18th century through the outbreak of the Civil war. ③Irving, Whitman and Thoreau are the representatives. Background (1) Political background and economic development (2) Romantic movement in European countries Derivative – foreign influence features (1) American romanticism was in essence the expression of ―a real new experience and contained ―an alien quality‖ for the simple reason that ―the spirit of the place‖ was radically new and alien. (2) There is American Puritanism as a cultural heritage to consider. American romantic authors tend