Homer wrote enduring epics The Iliad and The Odyssey. Sappho, an ancient Greek poet, wrote about love and religion. Sappho's poems were set to music and earned her "Ode to Aphrodite" fame
American literary tradition began with English colonists' New World adventures. First published book in America was Bay Psalm Book in 1640. Puritan colonies produced religious-themed works like Thomas Hooker
Sentimentality originally referred to relying on feelings as truth guides. Term gained negative connotations in 19th century. Enlightenment promoted sentimentality as cure for social isolation. Schiller divided poets into "naive" and "sentimental" classes
Antihero lacks conventional heroic qualities and moral attributes. Typically serves as focal point of conflict in stories. Focuses on personal motives rather than societal good
First recorded in 1797 in Samuel Arnold's Juvenile Amusements. Original rhyme contained four-score men and "could not make Humpty Dumpty". Modern version published in 1882 with trochaic meter and external rhymes
'The Metamorphosis' tells story of Gregor Samsa's transformation into insect. 'The Trial' follows Josef K.'s investigation into unsolved crime. 'The Penal Colony' depicts brutal execution process. 'The Castle' follows protagonist K. seeking castle access