American Renaissance

The American rebirth period is widely acknowledged as the countrys richest time in literature. It was during this years that legendary writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne lived and do their contributions. According to Woodlief (2001), calling the time between 1840-1865 a renaissance or rebirth is a misnomer because thither was no rebirth of greatness in American literature or culture. This period was, in fact, the scratch line era of maturity for American literature. For the first time, literary figures sought and established their marks in the world. literary works of great value were published and influenced society.Writers of this time were struggling to establish the American identity as opposed to the British and other Europeans. They were looking for ways to realize their potentials in order to satisfy one-on-one egos and rise above what they perceived as social concerns. The search for identity was deeper for it delves into the individuals military position and role in society. Considering the short period that American literature blos whateverd and flourished, one would wonder what brought on the sudden burst of literary enthusiasm. There are no distinct 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 indulge its senses as realistic matters were settled. Publishers became available to print and distribute materials for a open that was ready to embrace new thoughts and expand its pick up and knowledge. The social structure, perhaps, too contributed to this golden age in literature. There were many an(prenominal) clashing ideas and realities that gave rise to many American Renaissance 2 inspirations for writers.The society was also rich enough to afford patronizing writers, and anew class emerged who sought cultural enrichment. American writers during the Renaissance struggled to be original and different from Europes acclaimed literary figures. Because of this desire to establish identity, the writers questioned and found wanting established norms. The questions and wonderings turned into a distinct style of writing that was exclusive to America. literary writers of this time sought new roots that would require mortalal involvement in a meaningful level. They wanted to escape the cloying tendencies of tradition and the increasingly materialistic drive of their time.In a way, the renaissance writers could be considered rebels. They rebelled against restraints imposed by classic dogmas and traditions. Society and literary cultures were skillful of clashing moralities and ambiguousness that literary responses became expected and natural. In literature, the classic school advocated form more than the perception or the senses, a drill that the Renaissance writers changed. In short, individuation was collective in this period. American Renaissance writers sty le of writing exhibited little restraint and fewer adherences to traditional 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 sooner than following conventional styles. The American way of writing was centered on human race temperament and the person as an individual. From Emerson to Dickens, the individual was always encouraged to be the best he can be. Emotions and the reactions against realities in the society were also favorite subjects 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 explore and discover the wonder of what had been lost to progress.They turned to nature for inspiration and ideas. Writers also wrote reactions and opinions about slavery and its abolishment. The writers even declared their independence from Britain. By doing so, the American writers showed that their writings were distinct and bewilder their own brand. The writers during this time knew and influence each 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 moralistic or political poetry and the transcendentalism began by Ralph Waldo Emerson.These writings unnatural society in great measures. Some dictated proper behavior for women and men. Some were intended to locomote political issues and help fuel the movement for the abolition of slavery, Despite the public opinion opposing emancipation, writers back up and advocated for abolitionism. umpteen writings were also published to allow Americans to think back on their past in order to establish their individualization. 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.A bolitionism Ralph Waldo Emerson was considered by many literary scholars as the proverbial match who sparked the literary creativity 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 obstetrical delivery, which is deemed to be the formal declaration American Renaissance 4 of Americas intellectual independence, presumably, this means the memorial tablet of American literary writers as serious writers comparable to their peers in Europe.In his time, Emerson was the leader of the American Transcendentalist movement, which was a company 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 vocabulary that descri bed 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) say 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 political discourse and self-d etermination. His overall speech was centered 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 despite this setback, he did not lose his place as the foremost literary master of the time. American Renaissance 5 IndividualismIndividualism 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 foster growth. As an ardent assistant of Emerson, Henry David Thoreau followed his philosophies and applied them to his own writings and in his personal life.In relation to Emersons doctrine o n self-reliance, Thoreau spread out 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 existence 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 remodel his life away 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 carrefour 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. Studying nature and getting invigorate by it later became a traditional mark of individual ism. Thoreaus focus on nature was his way of abject 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 contain 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. Human 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 condone 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 flunk resulted to con flicts in society. His Puritan upbringing was also evident in the way he portrayed sinners in a strictly moral community. Hawthorne was a descendant 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 by means of 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 too radical in his time, like adultery and sexual conduct. Despite his being secretive and shy, he successfully wrote about sexual and moral guilt 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, in that location are those who think his works as too gloo my and moralistic.