British influences on American writers

Definition

British influences on American writers refer to the impact that British literary traditions, styles, and themes had on the development of American literature, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. This connection is marked by the exchange of ideas, storytelling techniques, and cultural values, shaping a distinctive American voice while still reflecting the roots of British literary heritage. The evolution of American literature can be seen as a response to British works, leading to unique expressions of identity and experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many early American writers, such as Benjamin Franklin and Washington Irving, were directly influenced by British authors like Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens, adopting similar styles and themes.
2. The Romantic movement in Britain significantly impacted American literature, inspiring writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne to explore themes of individualism and the sublime.
3. Transcendentalism emerged partly as a reaction against British Romanticism, with American writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau advocating for self-reliance and connection with nature.
4. The use of British literary forms, such as the novel and poetry, allowed American writers to experiment with their own narratives while paying homage to their British predecessors.
5. Even after gaining independence, American authors continued to draw inspiration from British literature, leading to a rich tapestry of interwoven literary traditions.

Review Questions

• How did British Romanticism influence key American writers in the 19th century?
  • British Romanticism had a profound impact on American writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. They embraced elements such as emotion, nature, and individualism that were central to Romantic literature. This influence is evident in their exploration of darker themes and complex characters, which reflect the internal struggles associated with the Romantic tradition while also establishing a unique American perspective.
• Discuss how Transcendentalism served as a response to British literary influences in America.
  • Transcendentalism arose as a distinctly American movement that both embraced and critiqued British literary influences. While it was inspired by Romantic ideals of individuality and nature found in British literature, it sought to develop a unique voice rooted in American experiences. Writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasized self-reliance and intuition over tradition, creating a literary space that prioritized personal insights over inherited European ideals.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of British literary influences on the formation of an American literary identity.
  • British literary influences played a crucial role in shaping an American literary identity during the 18th and 19th centuries. While early American writers drew heavily from British styles and themes, they gradually adapted these elements to reflect their own cultural experiences and societal issues. This blending created a rich literary landscape that recognized its roots while pushing towards originality. The ongoing dialogue between British and American literature has led to distinct genres and movements that define American literature today, highlighting the complexity of cultural exchange in literary development.

Related terms

Romanticism: A literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, which influenced both British and American writers in their search for authenticity in their work.

Transcendentalism: A philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 19th century in America, inspired by British Romanticism, focusing on the inherent goodness of people and nature.

Colonial Literature: Literary works produced in America during the colonial period, often reflecting British styles and themes while beginning to establish an American identity.