The Evolution of Capitalism: A Comparison of British and American Literature

This paper discusses the evolution of capitalism in British and American literature. The impact of capitalism on the lives of individuals has been well represented in both American and British literature throughout the centuries. The paper will discuss how seminal British authors such as Thomas More, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and George Orwell use capitalism as central themes in their writings. In addition, the paper will also discuss how seminal American authors such as Benjamin Franklin, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck and Ayn Rand use capitalism in the development of the characters and themes in their writings. One dominant theme from both streams of literature is how capitalism impacts the lower class citizens in society. Another dominant theme that will be presented is how wealthy capitalists are portrayed in both American and British Literature. The concluding section of the paper will compare and contrast how British and American writers use capitalism in their writings.