Respond to the prompt in a 5-6 sentence well-developed paragraph using specific cited examples as evidence to support your claim. As the United States expanded in the nineteenth century, American literature became increasingly diverse, splintering into many voices, representing many experiences, regions, peoples, and viewpoints. Did the varying, sometimes contradictory nature of American literature at this time increase or diminish its strength? Why? Do you think this diversity in American literature whether resulting from different experiences, different geographic locations, or different ways of looking at life still exists?

Integrate and cite specific examples from works you have read or personal experiences you have had to illustrate the points in your response. Your response needs to be a well-developed and structured paragraph.