Questions and Answers
Which writer is NOT associated with the exploration of American identity and societal conditions in essays during the nineteenth century?
What was a significant influence on American essay writing from Eighteenth Century England?
Which of the following statements is true regarding Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'?
Which philosophical movement emphasized human intellectual potential and included figures like Montesquieu and Voltaire?
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Which essayist is noted for their contributions during the Colonial era concerning political ideas?
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What central theme is emphasized by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay "The Poet"?
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How did the American Renaissance reflect Romantic ideals?
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What significant social issues did 20th-century writers often address in their works?
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What transformation occurred in the essay form during the 20th century?
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Which aspect of literature did minority group writers contribute to in their diasporic reflections?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Essay Writing in America
- Essays are brief prose compositions that express ideas and opinions on a single topic.
- Eighteenth Century English periodicals, like The Tatler and The Spectator, influenced American essay writing with their satirical approaches.
- Romantic writers in the nineteenth century valued the personal expression found in essays, leading to notable writers such as William Hazlitt and Charles Lamb.
- American essays evolved from being perceived as a 'British' form to becoming a cultural statement addressing American identity and society’s conditions.
Eighteenth Century Essays
- Puritanism was communicated through sermons and pamphlets, focusing on religious philosophies.
- Prominent Puritan writers included Cotton Mather and Jonathan Edwards.
- The Enlightenment (early 1700s to 1810s) emphasized human potential, liberty, and rational thought, influencing political ideas and revolutionary thoughts.
- Key Enlightenment figures: John Locke, Jeremy Bentham, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Condorcet, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson.
- Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" (1776) was pivotal in advocating for political democracy.
- The Founding Fathers played significant roles in shaping an 'American' identity.
Nineteenth Century Essays
- Writers sought to differentiate American literature from British influences, notably through the works of Washington Irving, Mark Twain, Charles Brockden Brown, and James Fenimore Cooper.
- The American Renaissance and Transcendentalism emerged, emphasizing Romantic ideals, nature, and individual experience.
- Essays became a means of creative expression and exploration of complex philosophies.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "The Poet" discusses the essential nature of expression for personal truth and identity.
- The Civil War and Abolitionist Movement inspired essays commenting on slavery and racial discourse.
Twentieth Century Essays
- Essays addressed social issues like racism, marginalization, and gender dynamics, responding to contemporary conflicts.
- Focus on cultural diversity and inclusivity became prominent, reflecting the experiences of minority groups.
- The essay form evolved with the rise of newspapers, magazines, and a quicker information consumption style.
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Description
Explore the evolution of essay writing in America, including historical influences and prominent writers. Discover how Eighteenth Century English periodicals shaped this genre and how Romantic writers of the nineteenth century made their mark on essay composition. Learn about themes that characterize American essays and their significance in literature.
