American literature refers to the body of written works produced in the United States and its preceding colonies. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including novels, poetry, essays, and plays, reflecting the diverse experiences and cultures of the American people. Key periods include the Colonial era, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, and Contemporary literature. Notable authors such as Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Toni Morrison have significantly shaped American literature. Themes often explore identity, freedom, and the American experience, while styles vary from the straightforward narratives of Hemingway to the complex structures of Faulkner.