Early National Era

Overview of the early national period in American literature

The Early National Era of American literature spans from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, encompassing the transition between colonial and Revolutionary War-era writing and the emergence of distinctly American literary voices. This period witnessed the birth of the United States as a new nation, which initiated both the exploration and definition of the unique American experience.

Key figures of the colonial and early national period

The early national period in American literature produced an array of notable writers, including...

• Benjamin Franklin: A statesman, inventor, and writer known for his autobiography, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" and the satirical "Poor Richard's Almanack."
• Thomas Paine: A political philosopher and author of influential works such as "Common Sense," which played a key role in the American Revolution, and "The Rights of Man."
• Phillis Wheatley: The first African-American female poet to be published, her poetry collection "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" reflected her talents and perspective in the face of personal hardships and societal conflict.
• Washington Irving: An acclaimed writer of short stories and essays, best known for "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

Influential literary works of the early national era

Several important works emerged throughout the early national period in American literature, often addressing subjects like politics, national identity, and religious perspectives...

1. "The Declaration of Independence" by Thomas Jefferson: This pivotal document shaped the foundation of the United States and influenced other literary works within the era.
2. "The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay: A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, presenting an in-depth look at the political intentions of the founding fathers.
3. "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper: A historical novel addressing the struggle and displacement of Native Americans during the French and Indian War.

Issues and themes in the early national period

In the early national period, American literature often reflected the political beliefs, societal values, and religious sentiments of the nation's inhabitants...

Early national era's impact on American society

The writings of the early national era contributed to shaping American identity as a distinctive cultural and societal entity. Authors used literature as a means of exploring and articulating shared experiences and beliefs, often focusing on political and religious concerns...

Politics, culture, and religion in the early national period

The early national era authors frequently delved into matters of politics, culture, and religion in their works, addressing topics such as...

• the founding principles and aspirations of the United States, demonstrated in the works of Thomas Paine and the Federalist Papers.
• the emerging sense of national identity and unity, as evidenced within the works of Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper.
• the struggles faced by marginalized communities, illustrated by the writings of Phillis Wheatley and her exploration of both her personal and collective experiences as an African-American at the time.

By examining the Early National Era of American literature, you can gain a greater understanding of the factors and challenges that shaped American self-perception and evolved its literary tradition into the diverse and dynamic canon appreciated today.

Characteristics of Early National Era Literature

The Early National Era in American literature is marked by multiple literary trends that define both its stylistic and thematic characteristics. Prominent themes include national identity and nation-building, exploration of individual experiences, and the influence of Romanticism on early American writers. These aspects allowed authors to venture into creating unique literary styles and establish a distinctly American literary tradition.

Unique themes and styles in early national era works

Early national era works often exhibited a pronounced focus on the themes of national and individual identity, political introspection, religious viewpoints, and the influence of nature on the human experience. These prevalent subjects allowed authors to build their unique literary styles, fostering both the exploration of America's self-perception and individuality.

Some of the most notable unique themes and styles observed in the early national era include:

• Capturing the spirit of nationalism and revolutionary ideals, with motives of liberty and democracy expressed in works such as Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” and the Declaration of Independence.
• Emphasising the struggles and triumphs of individuals, as seen in the narratives of Benjamin Franklin’s "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" and Phillis Wheatley's poetry, shedding light on personal and social aspects of American life during this era.
• Fostering a distinct American identity through a combination of religious, social, and political writings, often expressed in different genres and styles, such as Washington Irving’s chiaroscuro narratives and the political essays of the Federalist Papers.
• The adoption of European Romanticism and its influence on American literary development, translating the movement’s fascination with nature and emotion into an authentic American context.

Exploration of identity and nation-building in Early National Era

One crucial aspect of the Early National Era is the exploration of identity and nation-building. Authors often delved into the intricate balance between personal and national identity, the evolution of common values, and how the political landscape shaped the cultural and social fabric of the United States. This distinct focus on nation-building allowed authors to reflect on their works' contemporary circumstances and evolution of national myths.

Key examples showcasing the exploration of identity and nation-building include:

• James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans," reflecting on the symbiotic relationship between the American landscape, its inhabitants, and the impact of westward expansion on native populations.
• Ralph Waldo Emerson's interaction with Transcendentalism, fostering a sense of American intellect and spirituality by encouraging the rejection of European ideals and embracing self-reliance and individuality.
• Various regionalist works that aimed at capturing and understanding the local cultures, traditions, and beliefs, which eventually contributed to forming diverse elements of an overarching American identity.

Romanticism and the early national era characteristics

Romanticism, a literary and artistic movement originating in late 18th century Europe, made its way to the United States during the Early National Era. Early American writers embraced and adapted Romantic ideals, such as the emphasis on intuition, emotion, and the exploration of the natural world – translating these themes into an American context and integrating them with native literary developments.

Significant characteristics of Romanticism observed within Early National Era literature include:

• The celebration of nature and its relationship to human emotions, often depicted in the works of poets like William Cullen Bryant and Henry David Thoreau.
• A fascination with the Gothic, with early American Gothic literature showcasing supernatural elements, the exploration of human psychology, and dark, mysterious settings, as seen in the works of Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe.
• The prioritisation of personal freedom and expression over societal constraints, illustrated by authors like Margaret Fuller and Emily Dickinson, who tackled themes related to gender roles, societal expectations, and the limitations they imposed.
• The pursuit of higher truth, spiritual insight, and a sense of connectedness to the universe, leading to the emergence of Transcendentalism, an influential movement championed by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and other distinguished literary figures of the time.

The integration of Romanticism within the Early National Era in American literature further enriched and diversify the literary landscape, encouraging authors to explore emotions, nature, personal freedom, and spiritual insights.

Early National Era Timeline and Milestones

The Early National Era, ranging from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, encompassed a multitude of significant events, personalities, and movements that contributed to the evolution of American literature. During this period, major literary figures emerged, and socio-political changes occurred, ultimately influencing and shaping the early national literature landscape.

Key events shaping the early national period in American literature

Several important historical and literary events moulded the early national period in American literature, helping to refine the national character and defining the literary tradition. Key milestones throughout the era influenced the emergence of prominent literary figures, the formation of significant literary movements, and directed the course of literature in response to sociopolitical changes.

1. 1776: The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, not only established the United States as a sovereign nation but also played a crucial role in shaping the themes and motifs of the early national era of literature.
2. 1787-1788: The Federalist Papers, authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, were published and presented an in-depth perspective of the founding fathers' intentions for the newly established nation. They became a key reference in the development of political philosophy in American literature.
3. 1791: The Bill of Rights, as the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrined civil liberties and protection against government abuse, influencing works and perspectives on individual rights, equality, and social justice.
4. 1807-1812: Washington Irving published his satirical "Salmagundi" series and later wrote "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.," which included the famous stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." These works have become exemplary representations of early national era writings.
5. 1820-1861: The antebellum period saw the emergence of potent literary movements such as Transcendentalism, represented by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and Gothic Romanticism, displayed in Edgar Allan Poe's dark and macabre stories.
6. 1845: American journalist and social reformer Margaret Fuller's "Woman in the Nineteenth Century" heightened the discourse on women's rights and gender roles, directly impacting early national era writings on feminism and societal expectations.

The emergence of major literary figures and movements

The early national period in American literature was marked by the rise of significant literary figures and the formation of influential movements, both of which became the driving forces behind the evolution of American literature during this era. Some prominent literary figures and movements that emerged during this time are:

• Benjamin Franklin, whose works addressed themes of self-improvement, hard work, and human nature, contributed greatly to the development of autobiographical writing.
• Phillis Wheatley, as the first African American female poet to be published, broke barriers in literary representations while exploring themes of race, religion, and liberty.
• Romanticism, a European literary and artistic movement, influenced American authors, who adapted its focus on intuition, emotion, and the natural world, to create distinct American literary styles.
• Transcendentalism, a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century, foregrounded the importance of personal experience, self-reliance, and one's spiritual connection to nature.
• Regionalism and local colour, portrayed through works like Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," aimed to capture the essence of specific regions and their idiosyncrasies, further establishing the diversity in the American literary canon.

Socio-political changes influencing early national era writers

During the early national period, literature was heavily influenced by the socio-political changes that took place in the United States. Writers often used their works to reflect on and respond to the events and ideas that shaped this era. Key socio-political changes that influenced early national era writers include:

• The American Revolution: The struggle for freedom and independence from British rule influenced early American writers' themes and expressions of patriotism, as well as individual and collective responsibility.
• Westward expansion: The growing migration to the western territories contributed to the exploration of national and regional identities, inclusion of Native American perspectives, and an insight into frontier life through literature.
• Industrialisation: The rapid technological advancements and economic growth prompted authors to contemplate the impact of progress on individual lives and society at large.
• The abolitionist movement: The fight against slavery led writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Frederick Douglass to address themes of racial injustice and advocate for change through powerful narratives.
• Women's rights movement: Notable early national era writers, such as Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, championed women's rights and gender equality, prompting discussions surrounding societal expectations and roles of women during this time.

The timeline and milestones of the Early National Era provide invaluable context to understand the literary landscape of this period. These figures, movements, and socio-political changes played a crucial role in shaping American literature and forging its distinctive identity.