Writers such as Herman Melville Nathaniel Hawthorne Walt Whitman Emily Dickinson and others were influenced by the literary moment called what?

The literary moment that influenced writers like Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson is called American Romanticism.

Here's why:

* Emphasis on Individuality: American Romanticism celebrated the individual experience, exploring emotions, intuition, and personal expression. This is evident in the works of Whitman with his focus on the self and Dickinson's introspective poetry.

* Nature as Inspiration: Nature was seen as a source of inspiration and spiritual connection. Hawthorne used nature as a symbol in his stories, and Melville's "Moby Dick" explores man's relationship with the vastness of the ocean.

* Exploration of the Dark Side: American Romanticism wasn't solely about idyllic settings and noble sentiments. It also explored the darker aspects of human nature, like guilt, sin, and isolation, as seen in Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" and Melville's "The Confidence-Man."

* National Identity: American Romanticism aimed to define a distinct American literary voice, exploring themes and experiences unique to the American landscape and history.

While these writers shared this general movement, they each had their own unique styles and approaches, contributing to the diverse and rich literary landscape of 19th-century America.