Glossary

11.1 The influence of British literature on American writers

12 min read•august 20, 2024

The influence of British literature on American writers was profound during the 18th and 19th centuries. British authors served as models and inspirations, shaping the tastes and expectations of American readers and writers alike.

As American literature developed, it began to diverge from its British roots. Writers like Emerson, Hawthorne, and Whitman crafted a distinct American voice, celebrating unique experiences and perspectives that reflected the nation's growing cultural independence.

Transatlantic literary exchange

  • The exchange of literary ideas, themes, and styles between Britain and America during the 18th and 19th centuries had a profound impact on the development of both nations' literatures
  • This was facilitated by increased travel, communication, and publication opportunities between the two countries
  • The influence flowed in both directions, with British writers inspiring American authors and American writers leaving their mark on British literature

British influence on American writers

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  • British literature served as a foundation and inspiration for many American writers, particularly in the early stages of American literary development
  • American writers often looked to British models for guidance on literary forms, techniques, and themes
  • The works of British authors were widely read and admired in America, shaping the tastes and expectations of American readers and writers
  • Examples of British influence can be seen in the works of American writers such as Washington Irving (inspired by Sir Walter Scott) and Edgar Allan Poe (influenced by Gothic literature)

American influence on British writers

  • As American literature gained recognition and popularity in the 19th century, it began to exert its own influence on British writers
  • American writers introduced new themes, perspectives, and styles that captured the attention of British audiences and inspired British authors
  • The works of American writers such as James Fenimore Cooper, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville were widely read and admired in Britain
  • Examples of American influence on British literature can be seen in the works of authors such as Charles Dickens (influenced by American social novels) and Robert Louis Stevenson (inspired by American adventure stories)

British literary movements

  • The 18th and 19th centuries saw the emergence and development of several major literary movements in Britain that had a significant impact on both British and American literature
  • These movements reflected the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of Britain and introduced new literary styles, themes, and philosophies

Romanticism in Britain

  • emerged in Britain in the late 18th century as a reaction against the rationalism and classicism of the Enlightenment
  • British Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism in their works
  • Romantic writers celebrated nature, the sublime, and the power of the human spirit
  • The Romantic movement had a profound influence on American writers, particularly the Transcendentalists (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau)

Victorian literature

  • refers to the literary works produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
  • Victorian literature was characterized by a focus on , social commentary, and moral earnestness
  • Victorian writers such as Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy explored themes of social reform, class divisions, and the challenges of modern life
  • The Victorian novel, with its emphasis on character development and social critique, had a significant impact on American writers such as Henry James and William Dean Howells

American literary movements

  • The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the emergence of distinctly that reflected the unique experiences, values, and aspirations of the young nation
  • These movements showcased the growing confidence and independence of American writers as they sought to establish a literary identity separate from British influences

American Renaissance

  • The refers to a period of literary flourishing in the United States from the 1830s to the 1860s
  • Writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Walt Whitman produced works that explored uniquely American themes and experiences
  • The American Renaissance marked the emergence of a confident and distinctive American literary voice
  • Works of the American Renaissance often celebrated individualism, self-reliance, and the beauty of the American landscape

Transcendentalism

  • was a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in New England in the 1830s and 1840s
  • Transcendentalist writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized the importance of individual experience, intuition, and self-reliance
  • Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of both humans and nature, and sought to transcend the limitations of society and materialism
  • The Transcendentalist movement had a significant impact on American literature, promoting a spirit of individualism and a reverence for nature

Realism in American literature

  • Realism emerged as a dominant literary movement in American literature in the late 19th century
  • American Realist writers such as Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells sought to depict the realities of American life, often focusing on the experiences of ordinary people
  • Realist writers rejected the idealism and romanticism of earlier literary movements in favor of a more objective and accurate portrayal of society
  • The Realist movement in American literature was influenced by the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and the aftermath of the Civil War

British authors inspiring Americans

  • Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, British authors had a profound influence on American writers, serving as models, inspirations, and sources of literary techniques and themes
  • The works of British authors were widely read and admired in America, shaping the tastes and expectations of American readers and writers

Shakespeare's enduring influence

  • William Shakespeare's plays and poetry had a lasting impact on American literature, inspiring generations of writers
  • American writers such as Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, and Herman Melville drew inspiration from Shakespeare's works, adapting his themes, characters, and techniques to their own writing
  • Shakespeare's influence can be seen in the works of American poets such as Walt Whitman, who admired Shakespeare's free-flowing verse and celebration of the human spirit

Milton's impact on American poets

  • John Milton, the 17th-century English poet and author of "Paradise Lost," had a significant influence on American poets of the 18th and 19th centuries
  • American poets such as Philip Freneau, Joel Barlow, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow drew inspiration from Milton's epic style, religious themes, and use of blank verse
  • Milton's influence can be seen in the works of American poets who sought to create a distinctly American epic, such as Barlow's "The Columbiad" and Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha"

Romantic poets and American writers

  • British Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats had a profound influence on American writers of the 19th century
  • American writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman were inspired by the Romantic emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individualism
  • The influence of British Romantic poetry can be seen in the works of American Transcendentalists, who celebrated nature, intuition, and the power of the human spirit

American authors inspired by Brits

  • Many American writers of the 18th and 19th centuries were deeply influenced by British authors, drawing inspiration from their works, themes, and literary techniques
  • These American writers adapted British influences to their own unique experiences and perspectives, creating a distinctly American literary voice

Emerson and Carlyle

  • Ralph Waldo Emerson, a leading figure of the American Transcendentalist movement, was greatly influenced by the works of Scottish essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle
  • Emerson admired Carlyle's emphasis on individualism, heroism, and the power of the human will, and incorporated these themes into his own essays and lectures
  • The influence of Carlyle can be seen in Emerson's works such as "Self-Reliance" and "Heroism," which celebrate the importance of individual experience and self-determination

Hawthorne's British influences

  • Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the key figures of the American Renaissance, was influenced by a range of British authors, including John Bunyan, Sir Walter Scott, and Gothic novelists such as Horace Walpole and Ann Radcliffe
  • Hawthorne's works, such as "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables," reflect the influence of British Gothic literature, with their emphasis on moral allegory, psychological depth, and the exploration of the dark side of human nature
  • Hawthorne's use of historical settings and his interest in the Puritan past of New England also reflect the influence of Sir Walter Scott's historical novels

Henry James and the British novel

  • Henry James, a key figure in the development of the American novel, was deeply influenced by British novelists such as George Eliot, Anthony Trollope, and Thomas Hardy
  • James admired the British novel's emphasis on character development, social realism, and moral complexity, and sought to incorporate these qualities into his own works
  • The influence of the British novel can be seen in James's works such as "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Ambassadors," which explore the psychological and social complexities of his characters' lives

Shared transatlantic themes

  • Despite the differences between British and American literature, there were many shared themes and concerns that emerged in the works of writers on both sides of the Atlantic during the 18th and 19th centuries
  • These shared themes reflect the common experiences, values, and anxieties of the period, as well as the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and influences

Nature in British vs American lit

  • Both British and American writers of the 18th and 19th centuries were deeply interested in the theme of nature, but their approaches often differed
  • British Romantic poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge celebrated nature as a source of spiritual renewal and aesthetic inspiration, emphasizing the sublime and the picturesque
  • American writers such as Emerson and Thoreau, influenced by Transcendentalism, saw nature as a source of spiritual truth and a means of escaping the corrupting influences of society
  • American writers also tended to emphasize the wildness and vastness of the American landscape, seeing it as a symbol of national identity and a source of moral and spiritual regeneration

Gothic elements across the Atlantic

  • Gothic literature, with its emphasis on the supernatural, the macabre, and the psychological, was a popular genre on both sides of the Atlantic during the 18th and 19th centuries
  • British Gothic novelists such as Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe, and Mary Shelley explored themes of terror, transgression, and the dark side of human nature
  • American writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville adapted Gothic elements to their own works, often using them to explore uniquely American anxieties and concerns
  • The influence of Gothic literature can be seen in works such as Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher," Hawthorne's "The House of the Seven Gables," and Melville's "Moby-Dick," which use Gothic elements to probe the depths of the human psyche and the mysteries of the natural world

Social issues in 19th century lit

  • Both British and American writers of the 19th century were deeply concerned with social issues and the challenges of modern life, using their works to explore themes of poverty, injustice, and the impact of industrialization and urbanization
  • British Victorian novelists such as Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell wrote works that exposed the harsh realities of poverty and social inequality in industrial Britain, calling for reform and compassion
  • American Realist writers such as Mark Twain and Henry James explored the social and moral complexities of American life, often critiquing the corrupting influence of wealth and power
  • The influence of social issues can be seen in works such as Dickens's "Oliver Twist" and "Hard Times," Gaskell's "North and South," Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and James's "The Bostonians," which use fiction to expose and critique the social ills of their time

Transatlantic literary circles

  • The 18th and 19th centuries saw the emergence of , as writers, intellectuals, and artists from Britain and America traveled, corresponded, and collaborated with one another
  • These transatlantic connections facilitated the exchange of ideas, influences, and friendships, creating a rich and dynamic literary community that spanned the Atlantic

Expatriate American writers in Britain

  • Many American writers of the 19th century spent time living and working in Britain, drawn by the country's literary and cultural heritage, as well as the opportunities for publication and recognition
  • Writers such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry James spent extended periods in Britain, immersing themselves in the country's literary scene and drawing inspiration from its culture and traditions
  • The experience of living in Britain had a profound impact on the works of these expatriate American writers, as they sought to bridge the gap between American and British literary traditions

British literary celebrities in America

  • British writers and intellectuals were also frequent visitors to America during the 18th and 19th centuries, often embarking on lecture tours or extended stays in the country
  • Writers such as Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Oscar Wilde were celebrated as literary celebrities in America, drawing large crowds to their lectures and readings
  • The visits of British literary figures to America helped to promote transatlantic cultural exchange and foster a sense of shared literary heritage between the two countries

Transatlantic literary correspondences

  • The 18th and 19th centuries saw a flourishing of , as writers, intellectuals, and artists from Britain and America exchanged letters, ideas, and works-in-progress
  • These correspondences helped to create a sense of shared literary community and fostered the exchange of influences and ideas across the Atlantic
  • Notable examples of transatlantic literary correspondences include the letters exchanged between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thomas Carlyle, as well as the correspondence between Henry James and his British friends and colleagues

Divergence of American voice

  • As American literature developed over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, it began to diverge from its British roots, establishing a distinct American literary voice and identity
  • This divergence was driven by a range of factors, including the unique experiences and perspectives of American writers, the influence of American culture and values, and the desire to create a national literature that reflected the country's growing sense of independence and self-determination

Emergence of distinct American style

  • American writers of the 18th and 19th centuries began to develop a distinct literary style that set them apart from their British counterparts
  • This style was characterized by a more direct and colloquial language, a focus on American themes and experiences, and a rejection of the formality and conventionality of British literary traditions
  • The emergence of a distinct American style can be seen in the works of writers such as Mark Twain, whose use of vernacular speech and humor reflected the unique character of American culture

Celebration of American experience

  • As American literature diverged from its British roots, it began to celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives of American life
  • American writers such as Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson celebrated the beauty and grandeur of the American landscape, seeing it as a source of spiritual renewal and national identity
  • Other writers, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe, used their works to expose the injustices of American society and call for social and political reform
  • The celebration of the American experience in literature helped to establish a sense of national identity and pride, and contributed to the growing cultural independence of the United States

Formation of American literary identity

  • The divergence of American literature from its British roots culminated in the formation of a distinct American literary identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
  • This identity was characterized by a rejection of European literary traditions, a focus on American themes and experiences, and a commitment to social and political engagement
  • The formation of an American literary identity can be seen in the works of writers such as Mark Twain, Henry James, and William Dean Howells, who sought to create a literature that was uniquely American in its language, themes, and values
  • The establishment of an American literary identity helped to cement the cultural independence of the United States and paved the way for the emergence of modernist and postmodernist movements in the 20th century

Key Terms to Review (30)

American influence on British writers: American influence on British writers refers to the impact that American literature, culture, and ideas had on British authors, especially during the 19th century. This interaction often led to a blending of styles, themes, and perspectives as British writers began to incorporate American experiences and voices into their own works. The result was a richer literary landscape in which both American and British writers inspired each other, creating a cross-pollination of literary innovation and social critique.
American literary movements: American literary movements refer to distinct periods and styles of literature that emerged in the United States, each characterized by unique themes, styles, and cultural contexts. These movements often reflect the influence of earlier British literature while evolving into new forms that resonate with American experiences, ideologies, and societal changes. Understanding these movements helps to recognize how American writers were shaped by and responded to their British predecessors and the cultural landscape of their time.
American Renaissance: The American Renaissance refers to a period of remarkable growth in American literature and culture during the mid-19th century, characterized by a flourishing of creativity and intellectualism that sought to define a distinctly American identity. This era emphasized themes of self-reliance and individualism, which were pivotal to the development of Transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that influenced many poets and writers. Furthermore, it was during this time that American authors began to make their mark on the European literary scene while being shaped by British literary influences.
British authors inspiring Americans: British authors inspiring Americans refers to the significant influence that British literature and writers had on the development of American literature and thought, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many American writers drew inspiration from British literary traditions, themes, and styles, which helped shape their own works and the emerging American literary identity. This cultural exchange facilitated the adaptation of British ideas to fit the unique context of American society.
British influence on American writers: The British influence on American writers refers to the significant impact that British literature, culture, and literary traditions had on the development of American literature from the 18th to the 19th centuries. This influence manifested in various forms, including themes, styles, and genres that American authors adapted and transformed in their own works, reflecting both admiration for and a reaction against British literary norms.
British literary celebrities in America: British literary celebrities in America refers to prominent British authors who gained significant popularity and influence among American audiences during the 18th and 19th centuries. These figures, such as Charles Dickens and Lord Byron, not only captivated readers with their works but also became cultural icons, shaping American literature and societal views through their writings and public appearances.
British Literary Movements: British literary movements refer to various trends and styles in literature that emerged in Britain, often influenced by historical, cultural, and social changes. These movements, such as Romanticism, Victorianism, and Modernism, shaped the thematic and stylistic approaches of writers and had a lasting impact on literature, both in Britain and abroad. As these movements evolved, they influenced American writers who sought to capture similar sentiments or respond to British literary traditions.
Celebration of American experience: The celebration of American experience refers to the acknowledgment and appreciation of the unique cultural, historical, and social narratives that define the American identity. This concept emphasizes the values, struggles, and achievements of Americans throughout history, often highlighting themes of freedom, diversity, and individualism. It connects deeply with the literary exploration of these narratives, showcasing how American writers have responded to their British literary influences while crafting a distinct voice.
Divergence of american voice: The divergence of American voice refers to the distinct shift in literary style and thematic content that emerged among American writers as they sought to establish a unique national identity, separate from British literary influences. This movement was characterized by the incorporation of American themes, experiences, and cultural elements, showcasing the growth of an independent literary tradition. It highlights the evolution of American literature as writers began to express their own perspectives and values, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of American society.
Emergence of Distinct American Style: The emergence of a distinct American style refers to the development of unique literary characteristics and themes that reflect American culture, values, and experiences, distinguishing American writers from their British counterparts. This shift began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century as writers sought to articulate a national identity that was shaped by the country's diverse social, political, and historical contexts.
Emerson and Carlyle: Emerson and Carlyle refer to two influential writers of the 19th century who contributed significantly to the relationship between British and American literature. Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist and philosopher, is known for his role in Transcendentalism, which emphasized individualism and nature. Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish historian and essayist, had a profound impact on both British and American thought through his critical writings and emphasis on the moral responsibilities of individuals in society.
Expatriate American Writers in Britain: Expatriate American writers in Britain refers to a group of American authors who relocated to Britain, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking artistic inspiration and social engagement. Their experiences abroad allowed them to connect with European literary movements and fostered a dialogue between American and British literature, greatly influencing their writing styles and themes.
Formation of American Literary Identity: The formation of American literary identity refers to the development of a distinct body of literature that reflects the unique cultural, social, and political experiences of the American people. This identity emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, shaped by influences from British literature as well as the distinct American landscapes, philosophies, and historical contexts that contributed to a growing sense of nationalism among writers and their audiences.
Gothic elements across the atlantic: Gothic elements across the Atlantic refer to the dark, mysterious, and supernatural themes found in literature that originated in Europe and significantly influenced American writers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These elements often include settings like haunted castles or eerie landscapes, complex characters, and explorations of psychological terror, which contributed to the development of the American Gothic genre. The blending of British Gothic influences with American themes created a unique literary style that resonated with the cultural and historical context of early America.
Hawthorne's British influences: Hawthorne's British influences refer to the literary and cultural impact of British authors and literary movements on Nathaniel Hawthorne's works and themes. This influence is evident in his use of gothic elements, psychological complexity, and moral exploration, which mirror the characteristics found in British literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Hawthorne's narratives often reflect the romanticism and transcendentalism that emerged in Britain during this period, shaping his distinctive style and thematic preoccupations.
Henry James and the British Novel: Henry James was an American author known for his significant contributions to both American and British literature, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often explored complex characters and themes of consciousness, drawing heavily from British literary traditions and showcasing a transatlantic literary dialogue. James's influence on the British novel can be seen through his narrative techniques, character development, and exploration of social and cultural themes that bridged both American and British literary landscapes.
Milton's impact on American poets: Milton's impact on American poets refers to the profound influence that John Milton, particularly through his epic poem 'Paradise Lost,' had on the thematic and stylistic development of American literature during the 18th and 19th centuries. His exploration of complex themes such as free will, morality, and the human condition resonated deeply with American writers, who often sought to grapple with similar ideas in their own works.
Nature in British vs American Literature: Nature in British and American literature refers to the differing representations and interpretations of the natural world in literary works from these two traditions. While British literature often reflects a more structured and sometimes romanticized view of nature, American literature tends to emphasize individualism and a deeper, sometimes spiritual connection with the wilderness, showcasing the contrasting cultural values of the two regions.
Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on the representation of everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness. This movement sought to portray life as it truly was, often addressing social issues and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in society.
Romantic Era: The Romantic Era was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature over the rationalism of the preceding Enlightenment period. This era significantly shaped literature, art, and music, promoting a deep appreciation for the sublime and the personal experience of the human condition.
Romantic Poets and American Writers: Romantic poets and American writers refer to the literary movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by an emphasis on emotion, nature, individualism, and the sublime. This movement had a significant impact on American literature as writers sought to explore their own national identity and cultural experiences while often drawing inspiration from British Romantic poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Byron. The interplay between British influences and American themes contributed to a unique body of work that defined the early stages of American literary tradition.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature. It arose as a response to the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the constraints of Neoclassicism, celebrating personal experience and imagination as key components of creativity.
Shakespeare's enduring influence: Shakespeare's enduring influence refers to the lasting impact of William Shakespeare's works on literature, language, and culture across generations. His plays and poetry have not only shaped English literature but also inspired countless writers, artists, and thinkers in America and beyond, highlighting themes of humanity, power, and social dynamics that remain relevant today.
Shared transatlantic themes: Shared transatlantic themes refer to the common ideas, values, and cultural narratives that emerged in both British and American literature during the 18th and 19th centuries. These themes often reflect the interconnectedness of the two literary traditions, showcasing how British literature influenced American writers and how they, in turn, contributed to a distinct American literary identity that retained elements of British heritage.
Social Issues in 19th Century Literature: Social issues in 19th century literature refer to the various societal problems and challenges depicted in literary works during this period, including class struggle, gender inequality, racial discrimination, and the effects of industrialization. These issues served as a reflection of the rapidly changing world, influencing both British and American writers as they explored the implications of their contemporary society through their narratives.
Transatlantic literary circles: Transatlantic literary circles refer to the networks of writers, poets, and intellectuals who communicated and collaborated across the Atlantic Ocean, primarily between Europe and North America, during the 18th and 19th centuries. These circles facilitated the exchange of ideas, styles, and themes, significantly shaping the literary landscapes on both sides of the ocean and fostering a sense of shared cultural identity.
Transatlantic literary correspondences: Transatlantic literary correspondences refer to the connections and exchanges between British and American literature during the 18th and 19th centuries. This relationship was characterized by a two-way influence, where British authors inspired American writers while American authors also responded to and critiqued British literary traditions. These correspondences played a crucial role in shaping the distinct identities of both British and American literature.
Transatlantic literary exchange: Transatlantic literary exchange refers to the flow of ideas, themes, and literary forms between British and American writers during the 18th and 19th centuries. This exchange played a significant role in shaping both American literature and British perceptions of American culture, as authors engaged with each other's works, influencing their styles and subjects. The interaction led to a rich tapestry of literary production that bridged the Atlantic, creating a shared literary tradition and dialogue.
Transcendentalism: Transcendentalism is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the early 19th century in America, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, as well as the importance of individual intuition and spirituality. This movement sought to transcend the limitations of the material world through a deep connection with nature and a belief in the power of self-reliance and individualism.
Victorian Literature: Victorian literature refers to the body of work produced during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, marked by a distinct exploration of social issues, moral values, and the complexities of human experience. This era saw a flourish of novelists and poets who grappled with themes such as industrialization, class struggles, and gender roles, reflecting the dynamic societal changes occurring in Britain. The literature of this period is characterized by its rich character development, detailed settings, and often intricate plots, serving as a lens through which the societal norms and challenges of the time can be understood.
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