JOURNALISTIC INFLUENCE OF WRITING ON THE GILDED AGE A TIMELINE OF AMERICAN LITERATURE

Abstract

The themes found in the writings by authors during the Gilded Age are still prevalent in writings of the twenty-first century. The Gilded Age, a term used to describe a period of economic boom after the American Civil War at the turn of the century, have influenced communication to readers by using the ethos unearthed by writers who were opposed to a particular politician and their policies. Newspaper writing played a crucial role in exposing scandals, the pathos of the American Dream, and the logos or persuasion by using the trials of society. Writing was a powerful tool of communication during the Gilded Age that allowed writers to target events during this era. Newspaper writing was important to communicate prominent issues to the public, as writing upheld ideals to question government and to keep it accountable. However, the Gilded Age writings helped to permanently etch in the minds of readers the importance of themes that were prevalent post-Civil War that impacted the writing and writers of American Literature.