key term - Agrarian ideal

Definition

The agrarian ideal is a belief that values rural life, agriculture, and the connection between people and the land, often emphasizing simplicity, community, and harmony with nature. This concept romanticizes the life of farmers and rural communities as embodying virtue and authenticity, standing in contrast to urbanization and industrialization's perceived moral and social decline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The agrarian ideal gained prominence in American literature during the 19th century as writers began to critique industrial society and urban life.
2. It is often associated with authors like Henry David Thoreau, who celebrated self-sufficiency and a close relationship with nature in works such as 'Walden'.
3. The agrarian ideal reflects a longing for a simpler life, where agricultural work is seen as morally superior to industrial labor.
4. Critics of the agrarian ideal argue that it overlooks the complexities and challenges of rural life, romanticizing it without addressing issues such as poverty or labor exploitation.
5. The influence of the agrarian ideal can be seen in various literary movements, promoting themes of pastoral life, environmentalism, and critiques of modernity.

Review Questions

• How does the agrarian ideal relate to the themes found in Romantic literature?
  • The agrarian ideal is closely linked to Romantic literature through its shared emphasis on nature, emotion, and a critique of industrial society. Romantic writers often depicted rural life as pure and virtuous, contrasting it with the corruption they associated with urbanization. This celebration of pastoral settings reflects the agrarian ideal's belief that living in harmony with nature fosters authenticity and moral integrity.
• In what ways does naturalism challenge the notions presented by the agrarian ideal?
  • Naturalism challenges the agrarian ideal by focusing on realism and the harsh realities of life rather than romanticizing rural existence. While the agrarian ideal emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, naturalist writers explore how environment and heredity shape individuals' lives, often depicting characters struggling against forces beyond their control. This contrast reveals deeper social issues related to agriculture and rural communities that are often glossed over by the more romantic view.
• Evaluate the significance of the agrarian ideal in shaping American identity during periods of rapid industrialization.
  • The agrarian ideal played a crucial role in shaping American identity during times of rapid industrialization by providing a counter-narrative to urban growth and technological advancement. As cities expanded and lifestyles changed, the emphasis on rural values highlighted concerns about alienation, disconnection from nature, and moral decay in urban environments. This tension fostered a cultural nostalgia for agrarian life, reinforcing ideas about American exceptionalism rooted in land ownership, self-reliance, and community ties, which continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about sustainability and localism.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often idealizing rural life as a reaction against industrial society.

Naturalism:

A literary movement that sought to depict life accurately and objectively, often highlighting the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that stressed the importance of intuition and nature, advocating for a deep spiritual connection with the natural world and often supporting agrarian lifestyles.