In the middle of the 19th century, political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville claimed, "The inhabitants of the United States have...properly speaking, no literature." Based on what you learned in the New World, New voices, American Romanticism, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, and Realism and Regionalism units, is this statement accurate? Evaluate the contributions of two or more writers in this semester to the development of uniquely American literature. What genres, subjects, themes, settings, or characters did these writers develop?
pick two authors from the early america era and just describe their work. so like edgar and mark twain
To evaluate the accuracy of Alexis de Tocqueville's statement and discuss the contributions of two writers in the development of uniquely American literature, we will examine the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain. These two writers made significant contributions to American literature during the time periods covered in the New World, New Voices, American Romanticism, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, and Realism and Regionalism units.
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a key figure in the American Romantic movement and played a significant role in shaping American literature. His essays, such as "Self-Reliance" and "Nature," explored transcendentalist ideas and celebrated individualism. Emerson encouraged readers to trust their own instincts and to rely on their own experiences to discover truth.
Genres: Emerson primarily wrote essays and lectures, which had a significant influence on American literature.
Subjects and Themes: Emerson explored the relationship between nature and spirituality, promoting the belief that individuals could find divine truth through personal reflection in the natural world. He advocated for self-reliance, nonconformity, and the importance of individual freedom.
Settings and Characters: Emerson's work did not revolve around specific settings or characters but focused more on the individual's connection to nature and society.
2. Mark Twain:
Mark Twain, a prominent American writer in the late 19th century, is known for his satirical and realistic works that captured the spirit of American society during that time. His most famous novels, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," offered critical commentary on social issues such as racism, slavery, and the questioning of societal norms.
Genres: Twain's contributions to American literature include novels, travel narratives, short stories, and essays.
Subjects and Themes: Twain tackled themes of morality, individual freedom, and the hypocrisy of society. His works frequently critiqued social institutions and provided commentary on racial and societal divisions.
Settings and Characters: Twain's writings often took place in the American South, particularly along the Mississippi River. His characters, such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, portrayed the adventurous spirit and complexities of American youth, while other characters delved into the racial dynamics of the time.
In evaluating the contributions of Emerson and Twain, it becomes clear that de Tocqueville's statement about the absence of American literature was inaccurate. Both writers played significant roles in shaping uniquely American literature by addressing American experiences, idealizing the individual, critiquing societal norms, and exploring the complexities of American society.
To answer this question, we need to evaluate the contributions of two or more writers from the units mentioned: New World, New Voices, American Romanticism, The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, and Realism and Regionalism. We will explore the genres, subjects, themes, settings, and characters developed by these writers to determine if de Tocqueville's claim of America having no literature is accurate.
1. American Romanticism:
One writer from this period who contributed significantly to the development of uniquely American literature is Washington Irving. He is known for his short stories, including "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." These stories have become iconic in American literature, reflecting themes of supernatural elements, folklore, and the natural landscape. They embrace the beauty and mystery of the American wilderness, creating a sense of national identity.
Another key figure in American Romanticism is Edgar Allan Poe. His works like "The Raven," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Tell-Tale Heart" are known for their gothic themes, macabre settings, and exploration of the human psyche. Poe's writings delve into dark and psychological aspects, forming a distinct genre in American literature.
2. Realism and Regionalism:
Moving to the Realism and Regionalism period, two writers who made significant contributions are Mark Twain and Kate Chopin. Mark Twain's novel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a quintessential work that reflects regionalism. Twain explores the themes of race, identity, and morality through the journey of the protagonist Huck Finn along the Mississippi River. His writing captures the dialects, social customs, and landscape of the American South during the post-Civil War era, presenting a realistic and satirical depiction of society.
Kate Chopin is known for her novel "The Awakening," which explores themes of female sexuality, repression, and independence. Set in Louisiana, the novel reflects the cultural and societal constraints faced by women during the late 19th century. Chopin's focus on women's perspectives and her bold portrayal of female characters challenged the prevailing gender norms, making her work significant in shaping American literature.
In conclusion, de Tocqueville's claim that the United States had no literature is not accurate. In the periods of American Romanticism and Realism and Regionalism, writers like Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, and Kate Chopin made significant contributions to the development of uniquely American literature. These writers explored various genres, including supernatural tales, gothic fiction, regional novels, and feminist literature. They developed themes related to national identity, the human psyche, social issues, and women's struggles. Moreover, they created settings and characters deeply rooted in the American landscape and culture, establishing a literary tradition that continues to shape American literature today.