In the middle of the 19th century, political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville claimed,
"The inhabitants of the United
States have…properly speaking, no literature."
Based on what you learned in Semester A, is this statement accurate? Evaluate the contributions of two or more writers in this semester to the development of uniquely American literature. What genres, subjects, themes, settings, or characters did these writers develop?
Alexis de Tocqueville's claim that the United States had no literature in the 19th century can be seen as inaccurate, considering the rich and diverse literary contributions made by American writers during that time. In Semester A, we have studied the works of several influential American authors, two of whom stand out in terms of their contributions to the development of uniquely American literature: Washington Irving and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Washington Irving, often considered the first American man of letters, played a significant role in shaping American literature during the 19th century. His collection of short stories, "The Sketch Book," introduced the genre of the short story to American literature. Notably, his story "Rip Van Winkle" became an iconic tale, exploring themes of change, tradition, and the American experience. Through Irving's writing, he developed a distinctly American setting by placing his stories in the Hudson River Valley and incorporating elements of American folklore, history, and the supernatural.
On the other hand, Ralph Waldo Emerson was a transcendentalist philosopher and writer who profoundly influenced American literature with his works. Emerson's essay, "Self-Reliance," challenged traditional societal norms and advocated for individualism and trusting one's intuition. His writings embody the spirit of the American experience and the belief in personal growth and autonomy. Through his essays and speeches, Emerson developed themes of nature, self-discovery, and the power of the individual. He encouraged readers to explore their own potential and to seek a spiritual connection with nature.
Both Irving and Emerson, through their respective genres and unique writing styles, contributed to the development of uniquely American literature. Irving's short stories pioneered the form and incorporated American settings and folklore, while Emerson's transcendentalist essays explored individualism and the connection between humans and nature. Together, these authors laid the foundation for the American literary tradition, proving that Tocqueville's claim of the United States having no literature was unfounded.