Nationality and Citizenship:
* Born in the US: Many consider this the most basic requirement. However, this excludes authors who immigrated to the US but became naturalized citizens or who adopted American culture and themes in their writing.
* US Citizenship: This is another common definition, encompassing individuals who hold US citizenship, regardless of birthplace.
* Residency in the US: This definition is more flexible, including authors who live in the US for a significant portion of their lives, even if they were not born or naturalized there.
Cultural and Artistic Connection:
* Themes and Influences: Do their works primarily explore American experiences, values, and issues? Do they draw upon American history, literature, or folklore?
* Style and Language: Does their writing reflect American linguistic norms and cultural nuances? Do they use American slang, dialects, or literary traditions?
* Reception and Impact: Are their works recognized and celebrated within American literary circles? Do their themes and perspectives resonate with American audiences?
Personal Identity and Perspective:
* Subjectivity: Do they identify as American in their own personal narratives and perspectives? Do they see their work as reflecting their Americanness?
* Cultural Background: Some argue that an American author should be defined by their diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences within America, reflecting the country's multicultural reality.
Ultimately, the definition of an "American author" is subjective and can be debated. No single factor definitively defines it. Instead, it's about a complex interplay of nationality, cultural connection, personal identity, and the themes explored in their writing.
Some examples to illustrate the complexities:
* J.K. Rowling: Born in the UK, she lived in the US for a period and her works have a significant American audience.
* Toni Morrison: Born and raised in the US, her works deeply explore the African American experience in America.
* Salman Rushdie: Born in India, he's a naturalized US citizen and his works reflect both his Indian heritage and his life in America.
Instead of trying to fit authors into a rigid definition, it's more enriching to consider the nuances of their individual stories and their contributions to American literature as a whole.