Question

The progression from Edwards's emphasis on human depravity to Emerson's faith in human intuition to Poe's exploration of psychological darkness demonstrates:

Group of answer choices

A clear linear progression toward pessimism

American literature's consistent optimism about human nature

The ongoing tension between hope and doubt about human moral capacity

The complete rejection of religious themes in later literature

Answer 1

The ongoing tension between hope and doubt about human moral capacity

This sequence shows shifting views—Edwards' bleak Calvinism, Emerson's optimistic faith in intuition, and Poe's darker psychological probing—reflecting persistent conflict between belief in human goodness and recognition of human fallibility.