Describe the historical context of the time period. What "big" events/people define that period in our history? What ideas of the time shaped the writing? How did the writing influence the people? b. Identify the unique features of the literature of the time period (main ideas, themes, questions, etc.) c. Describe and explain the prevalent genres/styles/literary techniques (be sure to discuss key literary terms found in the reading) d. Provide a short list of important authors/works from that particular time period e. Discuss the importance of this period of American Literature within the context of the larger development of American Literature as a whole.