10.3 Themes and Styles in Early American Novels
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Early American novels grappled with themes like individual desire vs. societal expectations, , and . These works explored the tensions between personal aspirations and social norms, often rewarding virtuous characters while cautioning against moral missteps.
and were key literary techniques. Authors used emotional appeals to engage readers and reinforce moral messages. They also employed narrative strategies like and to convey their stories and lessons effectively.
Themes in Early American Novels
Themes in early American novels
Top images from around the web for Themes in early American novels
The history of Sir Charles Grandison (v.7, 22) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mary Rowlandson – Open Anthology of American Literature View original
Is this image relevant?
The history of Peggy Black (v.1, 132) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
The history of Sir Charles Grandison (v.7, 22) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mary Rowlandson – Open Anthology of American Literature View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Themes in early American novels
The history of Sir Charles Grandison (v.7, 22) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mary Rowlandson – Open Anthology of American Literature View original
Is this image relevant?
The history of Peggy Black (v.1, 132) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
The history of Sir Charles Grandison (v.7, 22) | Early Novels Database | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mary Rowlandson – Open Anthology of American Literature View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Conflict between individual desire and societal expectations
- Characters grapple with balancing personal aspirations and the demands of their society (pursuing a forbidden love vs. fulfilling familial duties)
- Tension arises when individual desires clash with societal roles and expectations leading to internal struggles and external conflicts (a woman desiring independence in a patriarchal society)
- Importance of virtue
- Novels emphasize the significance of moral uprightness and integrity as a guiding principle for characters' actions and decisions
- Characters who adhere to virtuous principles are often rewarded or portrayed positively serving as role models for readers (a honest and compassionate protagonist triumphing over adversity)
- Virtuous behavior is seen as essential for personal and societal well-being contributing to a stable and harmonious community
- Consequences of
- Characters who deviate from societal norms or engage in immoral acts face repercussions highlighting the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness
- Transgressions lead to personal downfall, social ostracism, or other forms of punishment serving as cautionary tales for readers (a character's adultery leading to public shame and exile)
- Novels demonstrate the negative impact of transgressive behavior on individuals and society emphasizing the importance of adhering to moral and social codes (a community unraveling due to the actions of a corrupt leader)
Sentimentalism and didacticism in literature
- Sentimentalism
- Novels evoke strong emotions in readers to elicit sympathy and empathy creating a powerful emotional connection to the characters and their plights (tearful scenes of heartbreak and loss)
- Emotional appeals are used to engage readers and reinforce moral messages making the lessons more impactful and memorable
- Sentimental scenes and language are employed to create a powerful emotional impact heightening the reader's investment in the story and its themes (elaborate descriptions of a character's grief and despair)
- Didacticism
- Novels explicitly convey moral lessons and teachings to educate and guide readers towards virtuous behavior and decision-making
- Characters serve as moral exemplars or cautionary tales to illustrate virtuous or unvirtuous behavior providing clear models for readers to emulate or avoid (a pious and charitable character contrasted with a selfish and deceitful one)
- Authorial intrusions or narrative asides are used to underscore the didactic purpose of the work directly addressing the reader and emphasizing the moral lessons (an author's commentary on the importance of honesty and integrity)
Narrative techniques of early novelists
- Epistolary format
- Novels are structured as a series of letters exchanged between characters creating a sense of intimacy and realism (Pamela by Samuel Richardson)
- Allows for multiple perspectives and a sense of immediacy and authenticity as characters express their thoughts and feelings directly to the reader
- Enables characters to reveal their inner lives, conflicts, and development through their own words and reflections
- Third-person narration
- Novels are narrated by an omniscient or limited third-person narrator providing a broader perspective on events and characters
- Allows for greater flexibility in describing settings, actions, and character motivations beyond the limited scope of individual characters' knowledge
- Offers a more objective and comprehensive view of the narrative, enabling the author to guide the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story
- Comparison
- Both techniques offer different ways of presenting the story and engaging the reader, each with its own strengths and limitations
- Epistolary format creates a more personal and subjective reading experience, allowing for a deeper connection with individual characters' experiences and emotions
- Third-person narration offers a more objective and comprehensive view of the narrative, providing a wider context and enabling the author to shape the reader's perspective more directly
British influence on American literature
- Influence of
- Early American novels drew inspiration from British literary genres and conventions, adapting them to the American context
- Sentimental novels, gothic novels, and epistolary novels were popular forms adapted by American authors ( by William Hill Brown, influenced by British sentimental novels)
- American authors emulated British literary styles and techniques, such as the use of elevated language, complex plots, and moral themes
- of conventions
- American authors modified British literary conventions to suit their own cultural context, infusing them with American settings, characters, and concerns
- Novels incorporated distinctly American settings (the frontier, colonial towns), characters (Native Americans, Puritans), and themes (religious freedom, )
- Authors used British forms to critique or subvert colonial power structures and assert American , challenging British cultural dominance and forging a distinct American literary voice
-
- Early American novels grappled with issues specific to the American experience, exploring the complexities of life in the New World
- Themes of independence, individualism, and the formation of a national identity were prevalent, reflecting the ideals and struggles of the emerging American nation
- Novels explored the complexities of American society, including issues of race (the treatment of Native Americans and enslaved Africans), gender (the role of women in colonial society), and class (the impact of social hierarchies and economic disparities)
Key Terms to Review (25)
Adaptation and Subversion: Adaptation refers to the process of altering or reinterpreting existing texts or ideas to fit new contexts, while subversion involves challenging or undermining established norms and conventions. In early American novels, these concepts are crucial as authors often adapted European literary forms and themes while simultaneously subverting cultural expectations, social hierarchies, and genre conventions to reflect the unique American experience.
British Literary Traditions: British literary traditions refer to the body of literature that has been produced in Britain over the centuries, encompassing various genres, themes, and styles. These traditions have significantly influenced the development of literature in other regions, especially in America, as writers often drew upon British literary techniques and thematic concerns, leading to a rich interplay of ideas and forms.
Colonial America: Colonial America refers to the period in North American history from the late 15th century until the American Revolution in the late 18th century, when European powers established settlements and colonies. This era laid the foundation for American culture, politics, and society, influencing literature, religion, and governance in ways that are still felt today.
Consequences of transgression: The consequences of transgression refer to the repercussions or negative outcomes that result from violating societal norms, moral codes, or laws. In early American novels, this theme often highlights the struggles faced by characters who defy conventions or ethical boundaries, illustrating the moral and psychological impacts of their actions.
Didacticism: Didacticism is a literary philosophy that emphasizes the intention of a text to instruct or educate its audience while also entertaining. This approach often involves moral lessons or ethical guidance embedded within narratives, making it a prominent feature in various historical contexts and literary forms.
Epistolary format: The epistolary format is a literary style that uses letters, diary entries, or other forms of correspondence to convey a story. This format allows for an intimate glimpse into the characters' thoughts and feelings while also providing multiple perspectives on the plot and themes, creating a dynamic reading experience. It often gives voice to different characters, adding layers to the narrative and enhancing the emotional depth of the work.
Feminist literary criticism: Feminist literary criticism is an approach to literature that seeks to understand, critique, and challenge the ways in which gender influences literature and its interpretation. This perspective examines the representation of women, the dynamics of power, and the societal norms that shape narratives, emphasizing the need for equality and a more inclusive understanding of literary works. By analyzing texts through this lens, feminist critics illuminate the ways in which literature reflects and reinforces patriarchal values while advocating for diverse female voices and experiences.
Gothic novel: The gothic novel is a literary genre that combines elements of horror, romance, and the supernatural, often set against dark and brooding backdrops. This genre emerged in the late 18th century and is characterized by its exploration of the uncanny, the psychological depths of its characters, and themes of madness and isolation, reflecting the anxieties and complexities of early American society.
Identity: Identity refers to the understanding and expression of oneself, shaped by personal experiences, cultural background, and societal influences. It encompasses various aspects such as race, gender, class, and beliefs, reflecting how individuals see themselves and are perceived by others. In literature, identity often plays a crucial role in character development and thematic exploration, revealing the complexities of the human experience within different contexts.
Individualism: Individualism is a social and philosophical concept that emphasizes the moral worth and autonomy of the individual over the collective. It advocates for personal freedom, self-reliance, and individual rights, often celebrating unique perspectives and personal expression. This idea became particularly influential during significant cultural movements, shaping literature and thought, as writers began to explore the importance of the self in relation to society.
Nathaniel Hawthorne: Nathaniel Hawthorne was a prominent American novelist and short story writer of the 19th century, best known for his exploration of themes such as guilt, sin, and morality within the context of Puritan New England. His works, including 'The Scarlet Letter' and 'The House of the Seven Gables', often reflect the complexities of human nature and the darker aspects of society, making him a key figure in early American literature and Gothic fiction.
Nature: Nature refers to the physical world and its phenomena, encompassing landscapes, plants, animals, and natural processes. It often symbolizes purity, truth, and the essence of life itself, reflecting a deep connection between humanity and the environment. In literature, nature can serve as a backdrop for human experiences or be personified to express emotions and themes.
New Historicism: New historicism is a literary theory that emerged in the late 20th century, focusing on understanding literature within its historical and cultural contexts. This approach argues that literary works cannot be separated from the conditions of their time, emphasizing the interplay between text and the socio-political factors surrounding its creation and reception.
Puritanism: Puritanism was a religious reform movement that emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, aiming to purify the Church of England from remnants of Catholicism and promote a strict adherence to biblical principles. This movement emphasized personal piety, community morality, and a commitment to an austere lifestyle, profoundly shaping early American culture and literature.
Reflection of American Cultural Context: Reflection of American cultural context refers to how early American novels represent and encapsulate the social, political, and historical experiences of America during their time. This reflection is visible in themes such as identity, community, and the struggle for independence, which reveal the values, beliefs, and challenges faced by early Americans.
Sentimentalism: Sentimentalism is a literary movement that emphasizes emotion, feelings, and the moral significance of human experience. It seeks to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader, often highlighting themes of compassion, empathy, and the inner lives of characters. This approach is particularly evident in early American literature, where authors aimed to connect with readers on an emotional level while exploring moral dilemmas and social issues.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, concepts, or qualities in literature and art. It allows deeper meanings to emerge, conveying emotions and themes through tangible objects or images that resonate with the audience, often enriching storytelling and cultural expression.
The Last of the Mohicans: The Last of the Mohicans is a historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper, published in 1826, set during the French and Indian War. It explores themes of survival, the clash of cultures, and the complexities of loyalty and identity, while also reflecting early American literature's style through its romanticism and vivid portrayal of nature.
The power of sympathy: The power of sympathy refers to the emotional connection and shared feelings that characters in early American novels often experience, which fosters empathy among readers. This concept highlights the importance of emotional understanding and compassion in storytelling, shaping characters' motivations and driving narrative conflict. It plays a vital role in building relationships and exploring moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to reflect on their own emotions and ethical considerations.
The Revolutionary War: The Revolutionary War, also known as the American Revolution, was a conflict between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, which resulted in the founding of the United States. This war was driven by colonial resistance to British rule, including issues like taxation without representation, and it sparked ideas about freedom, democracy, and national identity that would influence various forms of American literature and theater in the years to come.
The Scarlet Letter: The Scarlet Letter is a novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne published in 1850, which explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption through the story of Hester Prynne, a woman shunned by her Puritan community for bearing an illegitimate child. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of societal judgment and personal struggle, showcasing the conflict between individual morality and public scrutiny. This novel exemplifies early American literature's focus on moral complexities and the human condition while paving the way for Gothic elements in storytelling.
The scarlet letter: The scarlet letter is a symbol of shame and public punishment in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name, published in 1850. It represents the consequences of sin, guilt, and societal judgment in Puritan New England, encapsulating themes of isolation, morality, and redemption. The letter 'A' worn by Hester Prynne becomes a powerful representation of how personal sin can be publicly branded and the complexities surrounding individual identity within a rigid moral framework.
Third-person narration: Third-person narration is a storytelling technique where the narrator is not a character in the story and refers to characters using third-person pronouns like 'he,' 'she,' or 'they.' This style allows for a broader perspective on events and characters, enabling readers to gain insights into multiple viewpoints and the overall narrative arc.
Transgression: Transgression refers to the act of violating a boundary, rule, or moral principle. In literature, it often represents characters who break societal norms or laws, leading to conflict and transformation. This concept is crucial in understanding how early American novels depict the struggles of individuals against established conventions, reflecting broader themes of identity, freedom, and rebellion.
Virtue: Virtue refers to moral excellence and righteousness, embodying qualities such as integrity, honesty, and moral courage. It serves as a guiding principle for individuals, influencing their actions and decisions. In literature, virtue is often depicted through characters who strive to act morally and ethically, often facing challenges that test their principles.