American Renaissance

The the Statesn renascence stream is widely acknowledged as the countrys blueest time in literature. It was during this geezerhood that legendary writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne lived and make their contributions. According to Woodlief (2001), calling the time surrounded by 1840-1865 a renaissance or rebirth is a misnomer because there was no rebirth of smashingness in American literature or culture. This period was, in fact, the first era of maturity for American literature. For the first time, literary figures desire and set up their marks in the world. Literary works of great value were published and influenced clubhouse.Writers of this time were struggling to establish the American identity element as inappropriate to the British and other Europeans. They were looking for ways to net their potentials in order to satisfy individual egos and surface above what they comprehend as social concerns. The search for identity was deeper for it delves into the in dividuals place and role in society. Considering the short period that American literature blossomed and flourished, one would enjoy what brought on the sudden burst of literary enthusiasm. There ar no unequivocal and clear-cut explanations for this, only speculations.Some believe that literature became popular because at this point, America was well established as an independent nation. The society was ready to flub its senses as practical matters were settled. Publishers became available to print and distribute materials for a cosmos that was ready to embrace new purposes and expand its experience and knowledge. The societal structure, perhaps, to a fault contributed to this golden age in literature. There were legion(predicate) clashing ideas and realities that gave rise to valety American renascence 2 inspirations for writers.The society was to a fault rich enough to afford patronizing writers, and anew class emerged who seek cultural enrichment. American writers durin g the Renaissance struggled to be original and different from Europes acclaimed literary figures. Because of this desire to establish identity, the writers oral sexed and found wanting established norms. The questions and wonderings turned into a unmistakable style of makeup that was exclusive to America. Literary writers of this time sought new roots that would require personal involvement in a meaningful level. They wanted to escape the cloying tendencies of tradition and the increasingly buttoned-down drive of their time.In a way, the renaissance writers could be considered rebels. They rebelled against restraints imposed by unsullied dogmas and traditions. Society and literary cultures were full of clashing moralities and ambiguousness that literary responses became expected and natural. In literature, the classic school advocated form more than the emotion or the senses, a practice that the Renaissance writers changed. In short, individualism was embodied in this period. American Renaissance writers style of writing exhibited less restraint and fewer adherences to conventional styles and forms. They wrote according to how they think they should.In their works, the writers were more foc apply on inspiration and emotion rather than following conventional styles. The American way of writing was touch on kind-hearted nature and the person as an individual. From Emerson to Dickens, the individual was everlastingly encouraged to be the best he can be. Emotions and the reactions against realities in the society were also favorite numbers among writers. Writers also often talked of nature and how it was lost to industrialism and modernism. American Renaissance 3 The writers used literature to look and examine the wonder of what had been lost to progress.They turned to nature for inspiration and ideas. Writers also wrote reactions and opinions about bondage and its abolishment. The writers even declared their independence from Britain. By doing so, the American writers showed that their literary reapingions were distinct and have their own brand. The writers during this time knew and influence severally others thoughts and works. They wrote and respond to each others writings, but they would insist that each was an individualist. Literary forms included tales of slavery novels whose themes were moral or political poetry and the transcendentalism began by Ralph Waldo Emerson.These writings touch society in great measures. Some dictated proper behaviour for women and men. Some were intended to affect political issues and help fuel the straw man for the abolition of slavery, Despite the public opinion opposing emancipation, writers supported and advocated for abolitionism. some writings were also published to allow Americans to think back on their past in order to establish their individualism. To thoroughly understand the American Renaissances style of writing and its characteristics, it is necessary to discuss some of the great ones who graced the era.Abolitionism Ralph Waldo Emerson was considered by many literary scholars as the proverbial match who sparked the literary creative thinking of his time. Many of his contemporary writers followed his doctrines and his influence remained long after he died. As an essayist, poet, and philosopher, he made the famous The American Scholar speech, which is deemed to be the black-tie declaration American Renaissance 4 of Americas intellectual independence, presumably, this means the shaping of American literary writers as serious writers comparable to their peers in Europe.In his time, Emerson was the attractor of the American Transcendentalist fecal matter, which was a group of people who protested against the prevalence of materialism in the society. The members of this group embraced new literary, cultural, religious and philosophical ideas in rejection to societal norms and concerns. Among his many accomplishments, Emerson was notably known for his 1844 speech that described his thoughts and position regarding slavery in the country. This speech was the first time that Emerson admitted openly to the public that he was for abolition.The abolitionist movement in the United States was in full swing by the time of the American Renaissance. As such, it was often used as subject for literary discourse and debates. Emerson, one of the literary giants of the period, was one of its biggest supporters. In his speech, the writer spoke against slavery even if public opinion was against abolition. Before Emerson made his famous speech, Henry David Thoreau helped convinced people to attend and listen to the speech. Lockard (2004) tell that Thoreau went door-to-door to ensure attendance.Emersons public rhetoric traced the history of slavery and the horrors associated with it. In keeping with his advocacy for individualism and the sense of self, Emerson informed the public that he welcomed the participation of the African-Americans in polit ical discourse and self-determination. His overall speech was come to on the emancipation of the slaves and welcoming them as equals in society. Emerson was criticized as a result of speech declaring his true position on slavery. But condescension this setback, he did not lose his place as the foremost literary master of the time. American Renaissance 5 individualityIndividualism was the central theme of the American Renaissance. It embodied the concept that a person must and always question the conventions of society. The individual should challenge accepted intellectual, as well as religious, ideals. Individualism requires a person to govern his thoughts and actions based on his personal standards rather than the dictates of society. It encouraged freedom of expression and the rejection of conventional ideas in order to rear growth. As an ardent follower of Emerson, Henry David Thoreau followed his philosophies and applied them to his own writings and in his personal life.In r elation to Emersons doctrine on self-reliance, Thoreau expanded this thought and considered individual freedom as societys highest ideal. He explored individualism as a writer, a man, and as an intellectual. To do this, Thoreau left the society he knew and lived where he was in closer contact with the natural world. As an individual, Thoreau wanted to explore new aspects of his cosmos and personality. By living along, he sought to discover a new self that was unencumbered by traditions and conventions. As an intellectual, he wanted to know how he would rebuild his life external from the established norms of a complex societal structure.As a writer, Thoreau experimented with different styles that reflected his individuality. His writings were the product of careful study. His essays were his experiences his poetry and prose reflected a thorough attention to languages nuances. Thoreau got his inspiration from nature. canvas nature and getting inspired by it later became a tralatit ious mark of individualism. Thoreaus focus on nature was his way of moving away from the traditions of a materialistic society. By moving away and living in a place far from the so-called civilized American Renaissance 6 society, Thoreau escaped and transcended the lures of the world.His voluntary exile and return to nature was also a form of sacrifice and self-renewal. By successfully turning to nature as his expression of individualism, Thoreau made his greatest legacy to the literary world. kind-hearted Nature and Morality Another person who was a part of Emersons Transcendentalist movement was Nathaniel Hawthorne, who authored The Scarlet Letter. In his stories, he repeatedly expressed his views on human nature and morality. He explored the side of humanity that is normally hidden from society. Hawthorne used human psychology to explain morality issues and ambiguities.Hawthorne did not believe that man is all good. His themes involved the wickedness of the human nature and how this weakness resulted to conflicts in society. His Puritan upbringing was also evident in the way he portrayed sinners in a strictly moral community. Hawthorne was a descendent of a Puritan New England family. In his exploration of human nature, Hawthorne questioned moral issues. Despite his background, he didnt believe in things like heaven or hell. Hawthornes individualism could be seen through his use of modern ideas in his themes that opposed the conservatism of the nineteenth century literature.Hawthorne used symbolism to express topics that were considered overly radical in his time, like adultery and sexual conduct. Despite his being secretive and shy, he successfully wrote about sexual and moral unrighteousness with depth. He also challenged, through his writings, the scientist and reformers of the time who dared experiment with nature. Reactions to Hawthornes brand of writing differ. Many thought his work to be sensitive, sentimental and pure. Still, there are those who think his works as too gloomy and moralistic.