Sentimentalism

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentalism gained popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, influencing American novels as authors sought to engage readers' emotions.
2. William Hill Brown's 'The Power of Sympathy' is one of the earliest examples of sentimental literature, showcasing how characters' emotional struggles reflect societal issues.
3. The movement often presents idealized characters who embody virtue and goodness, aiming to inspire readers to develop their moral sensibilities.
4. Sentimentalism often critiques societal norms by portraying the emotional consequences of social injustices, particularly regarding gender and class.
5. The style frequently employs first-person narratives and vivid descriptions to immerse readers in the emotional experiences of characters.

Review Questions

• How does sentimentalism function in 'The Power of Sympathy' to convey moral messages?
  • 'The Power of Sympathy' uses sentimentalism to highlight the emotional turmoil of its characters, particularly through their moral dilemmas. The protagonist's experiences evoke empathy from the reader, illustrating the importance of compassion and virtue. By focusing on the characters’ inner feelings and struggles against societal expectations, Brown crafts a narrative that encourages readers to reflect on their own moral choices and societal norms.
• Discuss how the themes of compassion and empathy in sentimentalism influence character development in early American novels.
  • In early American novels influenced by sentimentalism, character development is heavily rooted in the portrayal of emotions. Characters are often depicted navigating intense emotional experiences that reveal their virtues and flaws. This deep exploration of emotions not only serves to create relatable figures for readers but also emphasizes the moral lessons these characters embody. As they face challenges that provoke empathy, readers are encouraged to engage with the broader social issues reflected in their journeys.
• Evaluate the impact of sentimentalism on American literature's evolution from early works to later movements like Romanticism.
  • Sentimentalism played a crucial role in shaping American literature by prioritizing emotional depth and moral integrity, laying the groundwork for later movements like Romanticism. While Romanticism expanded upon these ideas by celebrating individual experience and nature, it retained the sentimental emphasis on emotion as a means of connecting with readers. The influence of sentimentalism can be seen in how subsequent authors continued to explore complex emotional landscapes and moral quandaries, highlighting its lasting legacy in American literary traditions.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, often a central theme in sentimental literature as characters navigate complex emotional landscapes.

Moral Tale: A story that conveys a moral lesson, frequently found in sentimental literature, where characters face ethical choices that highlight human values.

Romanticism: A literary movement that values emotion and individualism, which often intersects with sentimentalism in its focus on personal experience and feelings.