The Letter as a Genre

We have looked at some literary genres so far this semester that may not first come to mind when thinking of American literature. The historical account, the public speech, and now the letter. Often overlooked as a literary genre, the letter offers unique angles to the audience, tone, and voice that the poem, novel do not. To begin with, let’s examine John/Abigail Adams’ letters to each other. Here, the reader gets insight into two prominent historical figures are only possible through the letter genre. We see how the Adams’ relationship works; rather then faceless political figures we all know from 5^th grade social studies, we see two living, breathing human beings, loving, lamenting, and living together. The letter can also be a powerful medium when purposefully chosen for its unique properties. DeCrevocoeur’s “letters” are able to speak directly to its reader through its disguising itself as a letter. Likewise, CS Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters can function more powerfully and uniquely as a work of fiction through its use of letters.