Main-travelled roads

Definition

Main-travelled roads refer to the primary routes that people used for transportation and commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America. These roads were significant for connecting various regions and facilitated the movement of goods and individuals, reflecting the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the time, particularly within the context of naturalism in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Main-travelled roads were crucial in shaping the physical and economic landscape of America, allowing for easier access to remote areas.
2. The establishment of these roads often mirrored the growth of cities and towns, contributing to urbanization as people sought opportunities along these routes.
3. These roads became symbolic in literature, representing the journey of characters as they navigated their social realities and struggles.
4. Naturalist writers frequently used main-travelled roads to depict characters' encounters with nature and society, emphasizing the harsh realities they faced.
5. The rise of main-travelled roads coincided with the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the interconnectedness of transportation advancements and economic development.

Review Questions

• How did main-travelled roads influence the social dynamics portrayed in naturalist literature?
  • Main-travelled roads served as significant symbols in naturalist literature, where they represented the paths characters took through life, often leading them to confront societal challenges. These roads facilitated interactions between diverse populations, exposing characters to different cultures and economic conditions. Authors used these settings to illustrate the struggle against environmental and social forces that shaped human experiences.
• Discuss how the concept of main-travelled roads relates to regionalism in American literature.
  • Main-travelled roads are directly connected to regionalism as they provide access to various local cultures and practices. In literature, these roads allow authors to showcase unique regional identities while illustrating how they influence individual stories. By placing characters on these routes, writers can explore the interplay between their surroundings and personal struggles, emphasizing how geography shapes life experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of industrialization on the development of main-travelled roads and their representation in naturalist works.
  • Industrialization played a pivotal role in expanding main-travelled roads, as increased commerce and migration necessitated improved infrastructure. This development is reflected in naturalist literature, where authors depict characters navigating these routes amidst rapid societal changes. The representation of main-travelled roads symbolizes both progress and conflict, highlighting the tension between modernity and traditional ways of life as individuals grapple with their circumstances along these transformative paths.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that emphasizes a realistic portrayal of life, often focusing on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Regionalism: A literary approach that highlights specific geographic settings and cultures, illustrating how local customs and practices shape individual experiences.

Industrialization: The process of transforming economies from agrarian to industrial, which significantly influenced societal changes, including urbanization and shifts in transportation.