American Literature: Antebellum Era and Independence

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Questions and Answers

What was a major challenge faced by American writers before 1891?

Lack of copyright law (correct)

British criticism

Limited access to education

Lack of readership

What was the significance of the 1820s in American literary history?

American writers began to focus on European identity

American writers began to write more patriotic literature

American writers started to abandon old world ideas and focus on the new continent (correct)

American writers stopped responding to British critics

What was the impact of mass book production and urbanization on the literary market?

It led to the emergence of social classes and increased demand for travel books (correct)

It made it easier for writers to make a living

It led to a decrease in the popularity of travel books

It led to a decline in the popularity of imaginative literature

What was the main argument of Margaret Fuller in the context of women's rights?

Women should have equal rights with men Signup and view all the answers

What was the main theme of the Transcendentalist movement?

Emphasis on the mind's creative power and individual connection with a higher power Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Seneca Falls convention in 1848?

It was the first women's rights convention Signup and view all the answers

What was the main theme of dark romanticism?

Pessimism and criticism of social issues Signup and view all the answers

What was the paradox of the American Revolution?

The paradox of Indian genocide, slavery, and foreign wars conflicting with freedom values Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Fugitive Slave Law?

It formed the first American police system to capture black people in Northern cities Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern of Sydney Smith, a British critic?

Who reads an American book? Signup and view all the answers

What characterized American literature during the Antebellum Era?

Maturity and independence, marking a defining period in terms of ideas, philosophy, and connotation Signup and view all the answers

Why is the term 'American Renaissance' problematic?

Because it implies a rebirth when American literary identity was just beginning to take shape Signup and view all the answers

What influenced the American identity during this era?

The rise of Napoleon in Europe and the Mexican revolutions Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the War of 1812 in terms of American nationalism?

It further bolstered American nationalism, making Andrew Jackson a 'mythological hero of the republic' Signup and view all the answers

What emerged during this era, promoting the idea that America needed its own literature?

Magazines like 'North American Review' Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthiessen's 1941 book 'American Renaissance' review?

Works such as 'The Scarlet Letter', 'Moby-Dick', and 'Leaves of Grass' Signup and view all the answers

What were the two epic poems that helped shape the American identity?

'Conquest of Canaan' and 'The Columbiad' Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthiessen's book problematic for excluding?

Female and African American writers, as well as significant social and political issues Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Antebellum Era: Maturity and Independence

American literature shows first signs of maturity and independence during this period, marked by definable ideas, philosophy, and connotation.

Perceived Inferiority and the American Renaissance

American writers were overshadowed by English literature, seen as lacking original ideas and merely exploring existing English ideas.
The term "American Renaissance" was coined by Matthiessen in 1941, reviewing notable works such as "The Scarlet Letter", "Moby-Dick", and "Leaves of Grass".
However, Matthiessen's book is problematic, excluding female and African American writers, focusing only on Massachusetts and New York, and ignoring significant social and political issues.

Nationalism and Identity Formation

This era was characterized by nationalism, with Revolutionary writers shaping American identity through epic poems like "Conquest of Canaan" and "The Columbiad".
The rise of Napoleon in Europe and the Mexican revolutions influenced American identity, highlighting the fragility of democracy and the importance of clinging to values.
The War of 1812 further bolstered American nationalism, making Andrew Jackson a "mythological hero of the republic".

Literary Independence and Criticism

Magazines like "North American Review" emerged, promoting the idea that America needed its own literature.
Writers debated the originality of American literature, with some emphasizing the need for independent literature.
British critics often belittled American literary efforts, questioning the relevance of American books.

Evolution of Literary Dialogue

By the 1820s, American writers stopped responding to English monarchy values and began a dialogue about American versus English identity.
Writers aimed to abandon old world ideas and focus on the new continent's pure landscape, later using it as a symbol of American identity.

Challenges and Changes in the Literary Market

The lack of copyright law in the US until 1891 hindered American writers from making a living through their writing.
Mass book production and urbanization led to the emergence of social classes, and the expansion of the US made travel books popular.
Immigration and Social Reform
The influx of Chinese and Irish immigrants raised urban populations, creating antagonism between established Americans and immigrants.

Women's participation in the literary market was controversial, with some fearing imaginative literature would harm women's minds.
Key reform movements of this period included the abolitionist, temperance, and anti-Catholicism movements.

Key Figures and Movements

Emerson emerged as a prominent intellectual, supporting abolition and temperance.
Transcendentalism emphasized the mind's creative power and forming an individual connection with a higher power, with key figures including Fuller, Thoreau, Whitman, and Emerson.

The first women's rights convention in 1848 in Seneca Falls saw speeches from Fuller and Stanton, with Emerson as the keynote speaker.
Stanton's Declaration of Sentiments mirrored the Declaration of Independence, highlighting gender inequality.
The paradox of the American Revolution involved Indian genocide, slavery, and foreign wars, conflicting with freedom values.

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Description

Explore the Antebellum Era, a defining period in American literature, marked by growing maturity and independence. Discover how American writers overcame perceived inferiority and contributed to the American Renaissance.