How did African American literature evolve during the early 20th century?

During the early 20th century, African American literature underwent a significant transformation, particularly in its thematic focus. This period saw a shift towards exploring themes of resistance and identity, reflecting the broader cultural and social changes occurring within the African American community. Writers began to address not only personal and communal experiences of oppression but also the struggles for civil rights and social justice.

This era includes key movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, where authors, poets, and artists celebrated black culture and heritage while articulating the complexities of African American identity. The literature from this period became a powerful tool for expressing defiance against systemic racism and articulating a collective consciousness among African Americans. Works by authors like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay exemplified this shift, emphasizing pride in African heritage and the importance of cultural self-definition.

This thematic evolution marked a significant departure from previous literary traditions that were often more focused on rural histories or solely on the narratives of slavery, as well as a move away from literature that did not engage with the pressing social justice issues of the time. Therefore, the emphasis on themes of resistance and identity is a defining characteristic of early 20th-century African American literature.