In the excerpt below, McLean focuses on Bryant's poetic theory and poetic technique, observing a distinct division between the poet's artistic intention and his poetic achievement.

In the following essay, Rio-Jelliffe considers the traditional and innovative elements of "Thanatopsis, " examining its relationship to Bryant's own poetic theory and to the subsequent development of American literature.

In the following essay, originally presented at the 1978 Centennial Conference at Hofstra University, Moriarty re-evaluates Bryant's poetic imagery from a modernist point of view, suggesting that the poet's nature images are still alive, renewable, suggestive, for the reader of today.

In the following essay, Harrington investigates the "profound influence of the senses" in Bryant's poetry.

In the following excerpt, Strong discusses various aspects of Christian theology in Bryant's poetry, including the poet's expressions of divine compassion, salvation, and immortality, and also notes his limitations.

In the following excerpt, Peach shows how Bryant made use of Wordsworth's poetry, highlighting the similarities and differences of British and American literary romanticism.

Below, Budick demonstrates the relationship between images and ideas in "Thanatopsis, " which represents the complexities of man's apprehension of transcendent truths in natural images.

In the essay below, Booher discusses Bryant's pastoral and sometimes primitive treatment of the American Midwest in "The Prairies," noting his contributions to the mythology of the American West as a literary theme.

In the essay below, Herrick analyzes Bryant's attitude toward the relationship of poetry to rhetoric and vice versa, demonstrating its influence on the poet's theory and works.