12 Questions
write short notes about American Novel in the 19th century?
What was the primary focus of transcendentalism as discussed in the text?
Connection to nature and simplicity
Which literary movement emerged as a response to industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century?
Realism
Who is known for critiquing American society, particularly in relation to land speculation and the Erie Railroad scandal?
Charles Dickens
Which novel brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of public discussion in the United States?
Uncle Tom's Cabin
In what way did realism differ from transcendentalism in terms of focus?
Everyday life and ordinary people
Who explored the possibilities of a society free from patriarchy in their novel Herland?
Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Which literary movement emphasized the direct communion with nature and the divine as a path to higher consciousness?
Transcendentalism
Who are two prominent proponents of Transcendentalism mentioned in the text?
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau
Which work by Henry David Thoreau is specifically mentioned in the text as part of the Transcendentalist writings?
Walden
What aspect of life did Transcendentalist writers like Emerson and Thoreau seek to illuminate through their works?
The spiritual dimension of life
Which literary movement emerged as a response to the idealism of Transcendentalism and focused on depicting everyday life?
Realism
Study Notes
American Novel in the 19th Century
- The primary focus of Transcendentalism was on individualism, spirituality, and the connection with nature and the divine.
Literary Movements
- Realism emerged as a response to industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life.
- Transcendentalism emphasized the direct communion with nature and the divine as a path to higher consciousness.
Authors and Works
- Mark Twain is known for critiquing American society, particularly in relation to land speculation and the Erie Railroad scandal.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of public discussion in the United States.
- Charlotte Perkins Gilman explored the possibilities of a society free from patriarchy in her novel Herland.
Transcendentalism
- Transcendentalism differed from Realism in terms of focus, with Transcendentalism emphasizing the spiritual and idealistic, while Realism focused on the mundane and everyday.
- Prominent proponents of Transcendentalism mentioned in the text are Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
- Henry David Thoreau's work Walden is specifically mentioned in the text as part of the Transcendentalist writings.
- Transcendentalist writers like Emerson and Thoreau sought to illuminate the individual's inner life and spiritual experiences through their works.
Key Contrast
- Realism emerged as a response to the idealism of Transcendentalism, focusing on depicting everyday life and mundane experiences.
Learn about the development and characteristics of American novels in the 19th century, including key themes, notable authors, and literary movements. Explore the impact of historical events on American literature during this period.
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