The Atlantic Monthly

Definition

The Atlantic Monthly, often simply referred to as The Atlantic, is an American magazine founded in 1857 that covers various topics including politics, culture, and the arts. It played a crucial role in shaping urban literature by providing a platform for writers to discuss contemporary issues and explore the complexities of life in urban settings, reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of American cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Atlantic Monthly was founded by prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, making it a significant platform for literary expression during its early years.
2. The magazine has published works by influential authors like Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and James Baldwin, contributing to its reputation as a key player in American literature.
3. It was one of the first magazines to embrace literary journalism, combining factual reporting with narrative techniques to create compelling stories about urban life.
4. The Atlantic's focus on social issues allowed it to engage with topics like immigration, labor rights, and civil rights, reflecting the diverse experiences of urban dwellers.
5. Over its long history, The Atlantic has adapted to changing cultural landscapes while maintaining its commitment to quality writing and thought-provoking content.

Review Questions

• How did The Atlantic Monthly influence urban literature in America during its early years?
  • The Atlantic Monthly significantly influenced urban literature by providing a platform for writers to address contemporary social issues and reflect on the complexities of urban life. By publishing stories that captured the realities of city living, it helped shape public discourse around important topics like immigration, industrialization, and social justice. This emphasis on realistic portrayals of urban existence contributed to the development of literary movements such as Urban Realism.
• Discuss the relationship between The Atlantic Monthly and key literary movements such as Transcendentalism and Naturalism.
  • The Atlantic Monthly had strong ties to both Transcendentalism and Naturalism, as it published works from authors associated with these movements. Transcendentalist writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson explored themes of individual intuition and connection with nature, while Naturalist writers depicted life's harsh realities influenced by environment and heredity. This diversity enriched The Atlantic's content and showcased a range of perspectives on urban life and human experience.
• Evaluate the impact of The Atlantic Monthly's focus on social issues in shaping public perception of urban life during its publication history.
  • The Atlantic Monthly's focus on social issues profoundly impacted public perception of urban life by bringing attention to pressing matters such as labor rights, civil rights, and immigration. By publishing articles that highlighted the struggles and triumphs of urban dwellers, it helped foster empathy and understanding among readers. This engagement not only shaped literary narratives but also contributed to broader social movements by influencing public opinion and encouraging discussions around equity and justice in rapidly changing urban environments.

Related terms

Urban Realism:

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century focusing on the depiction of everyday life in urban settings, often highlighting social issues and the struggles of ordinary people.

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the 1830s and 1840s, emphasizing individual intuition and the connection between humans and nature, which influenced many writers published in The Atlantic Monthly.

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, depicting life with a focus on determinism and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often reflected in urban literature.