Question

In the middle of the 19th century, political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville claimed, "The inhabitants of the United States have...properly speaking, no literature." Based on what you learned this semester, is this statement accurate? Evaluate the contributions of two or more writers in this semester to the development of uniquely American literature. What genres, subjects, themes, settings, or characters did these writers develop? 4sentences

Answer 1

Alexis de Tocqueville's statement that the United States had no literature in the middle of the 19th century is not accurate. One writer who made significant contributions to the development of uniquely American literature during this time was Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson's essays, particularly his collection "Nature," explored themes of individualism, self-reliance, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Another writer who played a crucial role in shaping American literature was Harriet Beecher Stowe. Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" brought to light the horrors of slavery and became a catalyst for the abolitionist movement. Both writers developed a unique American voice and tackled important social issues of their time.