American literature can be presented in different forms such as literary works, media arts, and dramatic productions. It is not necessarily depicted in one form because there are multiple ways to convey and portray literature. Religion has always been an integral part of the American culture. Ideas and beliefs, such as various moral issues that Americans have debated, have derived from the profound religious diversity within America. Over time religion has evolved just as minorities, a change that sculpts the basis of what American literature could be defined as. The Bill of Rights officially separates the state and church but that does not exactly hinder the influence of the church amongst American citizens.
What is Literature?
The Second Great Awakening is a key example of the impact of religion in American literature. It put an emphasis on religion and sought to bring Americans back to the church. One main contribution was the Christian literature that displayed the beliefs being revived at that point in history. The Awakening influenced other reform movements such as Women's Rights, abolitionism, and Temperance Movements. Once more, the Second Great Awakening helped minorities such as African-Americans and women to be more involved with reform movements. American literature should contain an element such as the notions and principles of people from different places that have contributed to the growth and development of the United States of America.