Introduction
This essay explores the concept of American identity as depicted through the literary works of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Transcendentalism during the American Renaissance period following the Revolutionary War. Each ideology offers distinct characteristics deemed essential for Americans, reflecting diverse visions of what it means to be part of this nascent nation. The Enlightenment thinkers, represented by Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker,” emphasize pragmatism and moral caution. The Romantics, exemplified by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” highlight emotional depth and individualism. Lastly, the Transcendentalists, through Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance,” advocate personal integrity and non-conformity. This analysis will examine how each group contributes to the evolving American identity, supported by textual evidence, and will conclude with a considered perspective on the most vital characteristics of an American citizen today.
Enlightenment: Pragmatism and Moral Caution
The Enlightenment ideology, prominent in early American thought, emphasizes reason, hard work, and moral rectitude as central to American identity. Washington Irving’s “The Devil and Tom Walker” (1824) illustrates this through the cautionary tale of Tom Walker, whose greed leads to a pact with the devil, ultimately resulting in his downfall. Irving depicts Tom as a man driven by material gain, ignoring ethical considerations, which reflects a warning against unchecked ambition in the burgeoning American society. As the text notes, Tom’s agreement with the devil comes with the ominous condition that “he should not be a Christian” (Irving, 1824, p. 243), underscoring the moral peril of abandoning virtue for profit. This narrative suggests that Americans should temper their pursuit of prosperity with ethical restraint, a characteristic vital for a stable and just nation. Thus, the Enlightenment vision of American identity prioritizes a balanced approach to success, rooted in moral awareness, setting the stage for an exploration of more emotive and individualistic traits in Romantic literature.
Romanticism: Emotional Depth and Individualism
Transitioning to Romanticism, this ideology champions creativity, emotion, and the exploration of human nature’s complexities as defining American traits. Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (1845) encapsulates this through its intense emotional landscape and focus on personal loss. The poem’s narrator, consumed by grief over Lenore, encounters the raven that incessantly repeats “Nevermore,” amplifying his despair (Poe, 1845, p. 369). This repetition underscores the Romantic fascination with internal struggle and the darker facets of the human psyche, portraying Americans as individuals who embrace profound emotional experiences. Such a characteristic suggests that American identity is not merely rational but deeply personal and expressive. This emphasis on individuality contrasts with Enlightenment restraint, yet complements it by highlighting the multifaceted nature of the American spirit, leading naturally to the Transcendentalist focus on personal integrity.
Transcendentalism: Personal Integrity and Non-Conformity
Finally, Transcendentalism promotes the idea of Americans as individuals of integrity who resist societal conformity to pursue authentic lives. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” (1841) articulates this through its call for self-trust and independence from external pressures. Emerson asserts, “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist” (Emerson, 1841, p. 21), urging Americans to prioritize personal conviction over popular opinion. This characteristic positions American identity as rooted in the courage to stand apart, fostering a society where diversity of thought strengthens communal resolve. Transcendentalism thus envisions an America where individual moral compasses guide progress, balancing the Enlightenment’s practicality and Romanticism’s emotional depth with a commitment to personal truth.
Conclusion
Reflecting on these ideologies, it becomes evident that the most critical characteristics of American identity today encompass a synthesis of moral caution from the Enlightenment, emotional authenticity from Romanticism, and personal integrity from Transcendentalism. Such a combination ensures a society that values ethical prosperity, acknowledges the depth of human experience, and champions individual freedom. This balanced identity remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges, such as ethical dilemmas in economic pursuits or the need for diverse voices in a pluralistic nation. Therefore, fostering these traits arguably equips Americans to navigate modern complexities with both wisdom and compassion, sustaining a dynamic and resilient national character.
References
- Emerson, R.W. (1841) Self-Reliance. In Essays: First Series. 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. In The Raven and Other Poems. New York: Wiley and Putnam.
