American Literature and Media History Quiz

What is a central belief of the Transcendentalists regarding human potential?

Which literary style is exemplified by Charles Brockden Brown's novel Wieland?

What major movement began to influence American writers in the 1820s?

What do Transcendentalists believe is necessary to reach basic truths?

How did early American novels typically approach their themes?

What was the primary role of Sarah Josepha Hale at Godey's Lady's Book?

Which significant development in American newspapers occurred in 1833?

What genre does The Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Child belong to?

How did Romanticism influence American literature according to the passage?

What aspect of Edgar Allan Poe's writings distinguishes them from those of Ralph Waldo Emerson?

What was a common feature of the broadsides mentioned in the passage?

What characteristic is associated with the American consciousness as described in the text?

What notable attribute defines the Transcendentalists of nineteenth-century New England?

Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Josepha Hale became a well-known American writer and editor.
She edited two prominent magazines: Ladies' Magazine and Godey's Lady's Book.
She is also known for writing Poems for Our Children, which includes the popular rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb".

Newspapers in America

By 1765, America had over 30 newspapers.
By 1830, the number grew to approximately one thousand.
Benjamin H. Day introduced the "penny paper" in 1833, aiming to make news accessible to everyone.

The Frugal Housewife

Lydia Maria Child published The Frugal Housewife in 1829.
The book provided guidance on cooking, housekeeping, and home remedies.
It became a best-selling book.

American Literary Emergence

Americans expressed their views on current events through various means, including broadsides.
19th-century American literature reflected the growing nation's optimism and spirit.
The Romanticism literary movement influenced American writers, emphasizing individualism, emotional expression, and nature.
Writers like Emerson embraced the movement's optimistic view, while others like Hawthorne and Poe explored its darker aspects.

Transcendentalism

The Transcendentalist movement emerged in 19th-century New England.
Emerson was a key figure in Transcendentalism, emphasizing the unity of creation and inherent goodness of humanity.
Transcendentalists believed in reaching beyond reason and understanding the world through intuition.
They strived to transform the world through writings and social activism.

Early American Novels

American writers sought to create a distinct national literature while influenced by European traditions.
Early American novels often used British models to explore American themes.
Wieland, written by Charles Brockden Brown in 1798, exemplified the Gothic style.
By the 1820s, truly American novels emerged, embracing Romanticism and its emphasis on individualism and nature.

Test your knowledge on key figures and publications that shaped American literature and media, including Sarah Josepha Hale and Lydia Maria Child. Explore the rise of newspapers and the influence of Romanticism in the 19th century. This quiz covers significant works and trends that defined early American writing.