Essay Response: Consider what you have learned about American history during the period of 1820 to 1864. How do the stories in the American Romanticism reflect what was going on in the country then? (16 Points)
The period from 1860 to the early 1900s in American history was a time of extreme change. The nation was struggling with the aftermath of the Civil War, witnessing the rise of cities, the surge of industries, and immigration. The narratives found in the Realism and Regionalism unit mirror the social, economic, and political conditions of the United States from the 1860s to the early 1900s. The stories in this unit were about Realism, Regionalism, and Social issues.
Realism, it was a literary movement that tried to see thing how they were, without romanticizing or idealizing it. Several of the stories in this unit focused on the hardships faced by working class people, such as farmers, workers, and immigrants. These stories showed the struggles of the impact of industrialization, and the inequalities occuring during this time
Regionalism was the movement that emphasized the unique characteristics of specific regions in the United States. The country was going through several changes due to westward expansion, urbanization, and immigration.
There were various social issues occuring in American society during this period. Issues such as racism, poverty, gender roles, and the effects of war. An example by one of the authors from this unit, Mark Twain and his story, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" annalised both racism and slavery.
The stories in this unit showed the challenges everyday individuals faced, and the various regional cultures that existed as well as the social and political problems during that era. From these stories we are able to gain insight on the experiences of ordinary people, the diverse nature of regional cultures, and the significant social and political issues that influenced this time.
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The period from 1820 to 1864 in American history was a time of great change and turmoil. The country was grappling with issues such as westward expansion, industrialization, and the growing tensions over slavery. The stories in the American Romanticism unit reflect the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States during this time.
American Romanticism was a literary movement that focused on imagination, individualism, and the reverence for nature. It sought to break away from the constraints of established society and explore the depths of human emotions and desires. Many of the stories in this unit embody these themes and capture the spirit of the era.
One recurring theme in the stories from this period is the conflict between civilization and nature. As the country expanded westward, settlers encountered the vast, untamed wilderness of the frontier. Stories like James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" and Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" depict the struggle between the wilderness and the encroaching forces of civilization. These stories highlight the tension between the natural world and the growing industrialization of America.
Another prevalent theme in American Romanticism is the exploration of individualism and personal freedom. During this time, the idea of Manifest Destiny was spreading, with many Americans believing it was their God-given right to expand westward. This sense of individualism is evident in stories like Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance" and Henry David Thoreau's "Walden." These works advocate for self-reliance and self-discovery, encouraging individuals to trust their own instincts and follow their own path.
Furthermore, the topic of slavery and the moral struggles of the nation are central to many stories from this period. The Romantic writers grappled with the hypocrisy of a country founded on principles of freedom, yet still allowing the institution of slavery to exist. Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and Frederick Douglass' narrative shed light on the horrors of slavery and the fight for emancipation. These stories serve as a call to action and highlight the need for societal change.
In conclusion, the stories in the American Romanticism unit reflect the social, political, and economic conditions of the United States from 1820 to 1864. They explore themes of the conflict between civilization and nature, individualism and personal freedom, and the moral struggles of the nation. Through these stories, we gain insight into the challenges and ideals of this transformative era in American history.