Introduction
This essay explores the concept of American identity as depicted through the lenses of Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Transcendentalism during the American Renaissance period following the Revolutionary War. Each of these ideological movements contributed distinct characteristics to the evolving notion of what it means to be an American. The Enlightenment emphasized practicality and prosperity, Romanticism highlighted creativity and the complexity of human nature, and Transcendentalism advocated for individuality and personal integrity. By analyzing key texts from each movement—“The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving for Enlightenment, “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe for Romanticism, and “Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson for Transcendentalism—this paper argues that American identity is a multifaceted construct shaped by industriousness, emotional depth, and non-conformity. The conclusion will offer a perspective on the essential characteristics of an American citizen today, reflecting on the relevance of these historical ideologies.
Enlightenment: Industriousness and Moral Pragmatism
The Enlightenment period championed the values of hard work, frugality, and moral reasoning as cornerstones of American identity. Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” (1824) encapsulates these traits through its cautionary tale of greed and moral compromise. The story portrays Tom Walker as a man driven by the desire for wealth, a characteristic reflective of the Enlightenment pursuit of prosperity, yet it critiques the loss of ethical grounding in this pursuit. As Irving writes, “Tom now grew uneasy for her safety, especially as he found she had carried off in her apron the silver teapot and spoons” (Irving, 1824, p. 6). This quote illustrates Tom’s obsession with material gain, a value associated with building a strong, industrious nation, but also warns against unchecked ambition. Indeed, the text suggests that true American identity, from an Enlightenment perspective, should balance economic ambition with moral integrity. This duality showcases an ideal America as a land of opportunity, where success is achievable through diligence but must be tempered by ethical considerations, setting the stage for a discussion on the emotional complexities explored by the Romantics.
Romanticism: Emotional Depth and Individual Creativity
Transitioning to Romanticism, this movement emphasized the exploration of human emotions and the darker facets of individuality as essential to American identity. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (1845) exemplifies this through its intense focus on grief and existential despair. The poem’s narrator laments, “Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; / And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor” (Poe, 1845, p. 1). This vivid imagery reflects a deep emotional introspection, portraying Americans as individuals capable of grappling with profound loss and inner turmoil. Poe’s work suggests that American identity is not merely about rationality but also about embracing the full spectrum of human experience, both light and dark. This characteristic highlights an ideal America as a space for creative expression and personal exploration, a theme that contrasts with yet complements the Transcendentalist focus on individuality.
Transcendentalism: Non-Conformity and Personal Integrity
Transcendentalism, in turn, promotes the idea of individuality and resistance to societal norms as defining features of American identity. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” (1841) urges readers to trust their own instincts over external pressures, stating, “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist” (Emerson, 1841, p. 21). This assertion underscores the Transcendentalist belief in personal integrity as a fundamental American trait. Emerson’s text depicts Americans as individuals who prioritize self-trust and moral conviction, often standing in opposition to conformity for the sake of societal progress. This characteristic envisions an ideal America as a nation of independent thinkers who shape their destinies through conviction, thus contributing to a diverse and dynamic cultural landscape.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the characteristics proposed by these ideologies, the most enduring elements of American identity appear to lie in a synthesis of industriousness from the Enlightenment, emotional and creative depth from Romanticism, and the Transcendentalist emphasis on non-conformity. Arguably, these traits remain relevant today, as they foster a nation that values hard work, encourages personal expression, and champions individual freedoms. For instance, the modern American ethos often celebrates entrepreneurs who innovate (industriousness), artists who push emotional boundaries (creativity), and activists who challenge societal norms (non-conformity). Therefore, an ideal American citizen today might embody a balance of these qualities, contributing to a society that is both prosperous and profoundly human. This blend ensures that American identity continues to evolve, reflecting both historical roots and contemporary aspirations.
References
- Emerson, R. W. (1841) Self-Reliance. Boston: James Munroe and Company.
- Irving, W. (1824) The Devil and Tom Walker. In: Tales of a Traveller. London: John Murray.
- Poe, E. A. (1845) The Raven. New York: Wiley and Putnam.
