It is widely accepted that providing one concrete definition of a “major American author” is a nearly impossible task. This definition is flexible and opinionated, and the criteria that one critic or audience may consider will generally differ throughout other groups. This criteria of a major American author varies extensively; some readers grant this title only to those who have received awards, while others argue that an unrecognized author has an equal amount of potential. Historical content, prevalence, and time period are also considered to be among the essential components necessary for branding someone as a “major American author.” Though I support these previous claims, the most crucial factor is the representation of the values of Americans within their writings. A major American author is one who laces the values of American society within their works and impacts their readers by presenting to them the core of American culture and moral code.

An author who gives their audience the ability to recognize the values and standards of our society is treasured, as they provide knowledge of culture, moral code, and viewpoints of the American people. These knowledges are lauded, as they allow America as a whole to share similarities, as well as allowing foreigners to understand to our societal beliefs. A major American author is one who gives individuals from all over the world an opportunity to connect with American society, even if they are unfamiliar with the perspectives and values they share. One author who has been helpful in representing our values is O. Henry in his “The Municipal Report.” The way O. Henry depicts slavery in the story proves to the audience that, America, as a whole, has gotten past this appalling issue. The use of the a black man as a protector over a white woman represents the efforts American society has made to brush away slavery and our racist past. Contrasting the positive efforts of America, O. Henry also uses name-calling and stereotypes within the story that illustrate racism. These elements assist in providing a realistic story as they reveal the actuality that some racism remains within our society, as well as exposing some of its imperfections. Authors such as O. Henry, who accurately portray our societal values, earn the label of a “major American author” because they are a positive impact, aiding in the understanding of American values and thus creating an intercultural relevance and connection between Americans and foreigners.

Emily Dickinson is also considered “major American author,” as she too expresses the values in American society within her literature. Her poem “It Feels A Shame To Be Alive” represents the gratitude and sincerity Dickinson felt towards the soldiers fighting in the Civil War and depicts the appreciation Americans typically have towards those who sacrifice their lives for the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness of our society. The poem is successful in revealing our society’s gratefulness for its loyal citizens, and and allows the audience to recognize the moral values we consider to be essential, which is why Dickinson earned the label of a “major American author.”

It is not about how prominent the author is, the amount of publicity they receive, or how many people read their works. In this particular situation, the term “major” is not viewed as something prevalent, but something influential. A “major American author” represents American societal values in their literature and creates a sense understanding that permits its audience to connect with the society as a whole. The story does not need to have historical relevance or even a slight truth as long as it reaps the benefits of portraying America’s values. A “major American author” is someone who establishes and represents within their writings the virtues and principles that are of utmost importance in American society.