Impact of Literature in Society
Introduction
American literature was produced during the time of British colonization of American land in the early 17th century. The first writings evolved in five distinct stages which are, the Colonial and early national period, the Romantic era, Realism and naturalism, the modernist period and the contemporary period (Giles). In each time, the writings impacted the society in several ways both politically and socially. The period of romanticism was characterized by the free expression of feelings by writers and artists, originality of work and the importance of nature.
Thesis Statement
Romanticism was partly a revolt against aristocratic, social and political norms of the age of enlightenment and a reaction against the scientific rationalization of nature and was saturated mostly in art, music and literature.
Social and Political Impact of the Romanticism Literature Era on America
In the early 1830s, American writings focused on romance which saw rapid expansion and growth in the U.S that fueled intuition, imagination and individuality. After the revolutionary war that saw America achieve its independence, citizens became anxious to develop their own identity and distance themselves from the European {British} culture (Harding 1830-1865). Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow of (1820) and the Rip Van Winkle of (1819) emphasized on heroic simplicity. The author explained the need for maintaining a low profile while escaping weird situations that are way above ones resolving ability (Harding 1830-1865). In his poem, he describes a man who ran to the woods to escape the chores from his wife. Irving urges Americans to adopt a new life of good culture by avoiding the British beliefs that did not suit them.
The political and industrial revolutions of the 1830s in the United States idealized that politics and public morality could not only be emphasized by writers but also by the general American population. Godwin, a writer, stated that the discontent of the status quo would emanate attacks and worries about religious roles in keeping things and people in the right direction. Discovery of education also saw children as platforms where different classes gambled for the future of society (Giles). The revolution allowed Americans to be physically involved in the controversial politics that pertained the political issues of the country. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
The movement emphasized on intense emotions such as horror, terror, and apprehension as authentic sources of experience. It elevated cultural heritage through fork arts and folklores as something noble but desirable as well (Mustafayeva 52-53). The ideas manifested allowed people to value their culture and evolve back from British traditions and beliefs.
According to Giles, romanticism restored the ideology of medievalism and the various elements of arts that were thought to be medieval in an attempt to solve the problems of population growth, urban migration and mechanization.
Additionally, the ideology rejected nationalism and religious intellect. The movement only appealed to the opponents of Calvinism, which comprised of the belief that an individuals’ destiny was preordained. It emphasized on the value of achievements of the artists, writers and other individuals who were slowly raising the quality of the society (Mustafayeva 52-53). The movement promoted individual intuition as an essential command that allowed for freedom.
The movement also gave rise to the transcendentalism, which portrayed a less restrictive relationship between God and the world through the writers such as David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 1850s. A significant belief in the transcendentalism is in the inherent goodness and nature of people (Harding 1830-1865). The ideology, as depicted in Emily Dickson’s poetry, presented people with a better view of their relationship with God. The writers argued that society and its institutions had manipulated the purity of an individual. They emphasize that people are at their best when they are self-reliant.
American Romanticism rebelled against the embodiment of neoclassicism and religious traditions. It created a new genre of literature that continues to influence the spirit of American writers up to date. The main occupation of Americans was advocating for freedom which influenced writers to write more without fear of ridicule or criticism (Harding 1830-1865). They focused on the psychological development of their characteristics which displayed absolute sensitivity, maturity and excitement (Mustafayeva 52-53). According to Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, the two authors based their artistic works on the supernatural and human psychology. Hawthorne, in his magnum opus, The Scarlet Letter, describes issues concerning adultery and isolation.
Conclusion
As centuries pass by American literature sprouts still tremendously. With the emanate strength, passion and role models since the 17th century, artists are intrigued to produce more works of literature to increase awareness, express their feelings and contribute significantly to the societal advancements. Through such writings, the social and political strengths of the Americans rose as well as the knowledge of their rights. They developed an urge to create their own identity, separate from the already influenced British culture. Artists and writers sphered Their fight to regain total independence even after the end of the colonization period. Thanks to them that the American culture is as rich as it is right now. It is through their immense contributions that the U.S has uniquely identified culture and a robust political system compared to that of the other countries.
Works Cited
Giles, Paul. The global remapping of American literature. Princeton University Press, 2018.
Harding, Brian. American Literature in Context: 1830-1865. Routledge, 2016.
Mustafayeva, Mavlyuda Anvarovna. “THE BASIC PERIODS OF AMERICAN LITERATURE.” Достижения науки и образования 4 (2017): 52-53.