How American Literature and Arts Begin to Change in the Mid-1800s?

How American Literature and Arts Begin to Change in the Mid-1800s?

How American Literature and Arts Begin to Change in the Mid-1800s?

Introduction:

The mid-1800s marked a transformative period for American literature and the arts. Several significant changes and movements emerged during this time, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes, cultural values, and artistic expressions. Here are key factors that contributed to the changes in American literature and arts in the mid-1800s:

How American Literature and Arts Begin to Change in the Mid-1800s - Key Factors

Transcendentalism:

The transcendentalist movement, which emerged in the 1830s and 1840s, had a profound impact on American literature. Led by figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, transcendentalism emphasized the inherent goodness of people, the spiritual connection between individuals and nature, and the importance of self-reliance. Transcendentalist writers encouraged a departure from strict adherence to European literary traditions, promoting a more intuitive and individualistic approach to writing.

Rise of American Romanticism:

The mid-1800s witnessed the flourishing of American Romanticism, a literary and artistic movement characterized by a focus on emotion, imagination, and the sublime. Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe contributed to this movement, exploring dark themes, psychological depth, and the mysterious aspects of human experience.

Regionalism and Local Color:

Writers in the mid-1800s began to explore regionalism and local color in their works, capturing the distinct characteristics and cultures of different regions in the United States. Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1884) are notable examples that vividly depict life along the Mississippi River and the Southern states.

Anti-Transcendentalism and Dark Romanticism:

In response to transcendentalism, a countermovement known as anti-transcendentalism or dark romanticism emerged. Authors like Herman Melville and Edgar Allan Poe explored the darker aspects of human nature and delved into the complexities of good and evil. Melville's "Moby-Dick" (1851) is a classic example of dark romanticism.

Literature of Social Reform:

The mid-1800s saw an increased focus on literature as a tool for social reform. Writers such as Harriet Beecher Stowe addressed the issue of slavery in her influential novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852), which played a significant role in shaping public opinion and fueling the abolitionist movement.

Realism and Naturalism:

Toward the end of the 19th century, there was a shift towards realism and naturalism in literature. Writers like Henry James and Stephen Crane sought to depict life as it truly was, exploring the complexities of human behavior and society without romanticizing or idealizing their subjects.

Visual Arts:

In the visual arts, the mid-1800s saw the emergence of the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters who celebrated the American wilderness. Artists like Thomas Cole and Albert Bierstadt created majestic landscapes that reflected the beauty and grandeur of the American continent.

American Renaissance:

The mid-1800s is often referred to as the American Renaissance, a period characterized by a flowering of literary and artistic achievements. Influential figures from this time include Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman, whose works made lasting contributions to American literature.

Conclusion:

Overall, the mid-1800s witnessed a dynamic and multifaceted transformation in American literature and the arts, encompassing a range of movements and styles that reflected the changing cultural and intellectual landscape of the nation. 0 0 0. How American Literature and Arts Begin to Change in the Mid-1800s?

Essays on American Literature:

1. Father of American Literature
2. African American Literature Books
3. Realism in American Literature
4. Early American Literature
5. American Literature - An Overview
6. How Are American Literature and American Identity Interrelated
7. What Impact Did Poe Have on American Literature
8. American Literature Syllabi
9. 19th Century American Literature
10. Best American Literature
11. Great American Literature
12. American Literature Timeline
13. American Literature Periods
14. American Literature Class
15. Health Anthology of American Literature
16. American Literature Textbooks
17. Romanticism in American Literature
18. How Did Archetype of Devil Symbolize American Literature
19. Latin American Literature
20. Apologia American Literature
21. Is American Literature Hard
22. Classic African American Literature
23. American Literature Antholotges
24. Survey of American Literature
25. 20th Century American Literature
26. American Literature Reading List
27. My Perspectives of American Literature
28. Modernism First Developed in American Literature
29. American Literature Syllabus
30. American Literature Books for High School
31. American Literature Example
32. American Literature Journal
33. American Literature
34. British English and American English Which is Easier
35. A Brief History of American English
36. Difference Between British English and American English
37. History of American Literature
38. Contemporary American Literature
39. American Literature Movements
40. Themes in American Literature
41. Mexican American Literature
42. Famous American Literature
43. American Association Conference 2017
44. Naturalism in American Literature
45. American Literature Short Stories
46. What Makes American Literature American.......
47. Characteristics of American Gothic Literature
48. What is American Gothic Literature
49. What is American Dream in Literature
50. What Do You Learn in American Literature
51. How American Literature in the Early 20th Century Differ
52. What is American Literature and What Makes it Unique
53. Why is Washington Irving the Father of American Literature
54. Characteristics of Native American Literature
55. What is Native American Literature
56. Why is American Literature Important
57. How Did the Civil War Transform American Literature
58. American Experience in American Literature
59. American Literature During the Roaring Twenties
60. Impact of the Age of Refom on American Literature..