Literature Time Periods

[helloworld12345]

Hi guys.

My teacher gave me the following writing prompt but I don't replay know how to do this. Its not like Im clueless, but I don't know how to connect the different time periods and say something about the true American Voice. I can't wait to get your help.
"discuss the growth of american literature from Native American to Modernism. How has it developed into a truly American Voice."

[YesNo]

I don't know the answer. There may not be an answer to this question. However, I'm no expert. I'm not even an amateur. I studied mathematics.

However, let me ask some questions that might stimulate others to respond.

1) Is there such as thing as an "American Voice"?
2) Why should one expect there to be such a thing?
3) Does "American" include Canada or Mexico or literature further south?
4) Does literature grow?
5) Are the time periods a meaningful division of literature. I can see how this might work for fossils laid down in sedimentary rock, but how does this work for literature?