Nature and its relationship to the individual in 19th century American Literature

Exploring the theme Man and Nature in "Young Goodman Brown", "Song of Myself", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "The Scarlet Letter"

Essai , 2012 , 7 Pages , Note: 1

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

Dieses Essay untersucht die Beziehung zwischen Mensch und Natur im der amerikanischen Literatur des 19. Jahrhunderts. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf den Werken von Nathaniel Hawthorne und Walt Whitman.

This essay explores the relationship between man and nature in 19th century American literature. It mainly focuses on stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Walt Whitman.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Nature and its relationship to the individual in 19th century American Literature
• Gothic and Transcendentalism
• The Puritan Depiction of Nature
• Young Goodman Brown
• The Scarlet Letter
• Transcendentalism and the American Bard
• Song of Myself
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This essay explores the depiction of nature and its evolving relationship with society and the individual in 19th-century American literature. By examining the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Walt Whitman, with a focus on "Young Goodman Brown" and "Song of Myself," the essay aims to illustrate a transition from Gothic romances to Transcendentalist poetry. The essay analyzes how these literary movements portray nature as either a force opposed to humanity or as an integral part of human existence.

• The contrasting depictions of nature in Gothic and Transcendentalist literature
• The role of nature in shaping individual identity and societal values
• The influence of Puritanism on Hawthorne's portrayal of nature
• Whitman's embrace of nature as a unifying force in American society
• The relationship between nature and the development of a national identity in 19th-century America

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The essay begins by outlining the contrasting perspectives on nature found in Gothic and Transcendentalist literature. Gothic authors, such as Hawthorne, often depict nature as a dark and dangerous force, representing the hidden and often sinister aspects of human nature. In contrast, Transcendentalist writers, like Whitman, view nature as a source of inspiration and unity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things.

The essay then delves into Hawthorne's portrayal of nature in "Young Goodman Brown" and "The Scarlet Letter." In "Young Goodman Brown," the forest serves as a symbolic space where the protagonist confronts the darkness within himself and the hypocrisy of Puritan society. The forest is a place of temptation and moral ambiguity, where the lines between good and evil blur. In "The Scarlet Letter," the forest offers a refuge for Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale, providing a temporary escape from the judgmental eyes of the Puritan community. However, the forest remains a place of danger and uncertainty, reflecting the harsh realities of life in a society that prioritizes conformity and religious orthodoxy.

The essay concludes by examining Whitman's "Song of Myself," a poem that celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of all life. Whitman's vision of nature is one of unity and inclusivity, where the individual is seen as an integral part of the natural world. The poem's use of free verse and its embrace of all aspects of human experience, from the mundane to the sublime, reflect Whitman's belief in the inherent goodness and potential of humanity.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include nature, Gothic literature, Transcendentalism, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, "Young Goodman Brown," "Song of Myself," Puritanism, American identity, and the relationship between nature and society. The essay explores the contrasting depictions of nature in these literary movements, highlighting the influence of Puritanism on Hawthorne's work and the embrace of nature as a unifying force in Whitman's poetry. The essay also examines the role of nature in shaping individual identity and societal values in 19th-century America.

• Université: University of Aberdeen (English department)
• Cours: AMERICAN LITERATURE TO 1900
• Note: 1
• Auteur: Mag.phil. Johannes Zeller (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2012
• Pages: 7
• N° de catalogue: V276373
• ISBN (ebook): 9783656698326
• ISBN (Livre): 9783656700203
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Emerson, Hawthorne, Whitman, Young, gothic, Puritan, Transcendentalism