Lecture II First Harvest (1800-1840)

Romanticism

The term “first harvest” is an especially fitting way to describe the works of W. Irving, J. F. Cooper and E. A. Poe. These authors are credited with several “firsts”. They were among the first professional writers in America, and are among the first American writers whose works are still widely read. Irving, Cooper and Poe developed or introduced into America such important fictional forms as the tale, the short story, the novel, and the romance. All three writers were among the first American writers to show the new attitude to Romanticism.

Romanticism appeared in American literature in the years of social unrest, which followed the Revolution of 1775-1783, because great disappointment with its results took hold of the people. The ideals of the Age of Reason expressed in the solemn words “Liberty, Equality and Happiness for all” became a privilege for the few. The subject-matter of the writers changed, they indulged in idealizing life and portraying heroic personages; their works reflected the clashing conflict between the harsh realities of life and the proclaimed ideals.

Romanticism demanded: an intricate intrigue, a dynamic movement of events and sudden changes in the hero’s life. An interest in the American past, an emphasis on nature and a concentration on the inner world of human nature are characteristics of the Romantic period of American literature.

Washington Irving

Born in New York, April 3, 1783.

Died at “Sunnyside”, New York, November 28, 1859.

Home Circle

His father was a prosperous merchant. W. Irving was the youngest of the 11 children. He was named after George Washington, the first American President.

School Life

Irving attended private schools, but he was not a promising student. He early showed a remarkable taste for reading (books of travel), and he had a real talent for scribbling. The other boys used to hire him to write compositions for them, paying him by doing his examples in arithmetic.

Law Studies

He spent 3 years in a law office, and in 1802 he became a law clerk.

Travels

In 1803 he made a journey to Montreal and Quebec. In 1804 his brothers sent him to Europe hoping to benefit his health. During this stay abroad (2 years) he visited France, Italy, Sicily, the Netherlands and England.

In 1815 he again went to Europe and stayed there for 17 years. He made acquaintances of Sir Walter Scott and Mr. Longfellow.

In 1842-1846 he was Minister to Spain.

Literary Career

1819 – “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon”

1824 – “Tales of a Traveler”

1828 – “The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus”

1850 – “Mahomet and his Successors”

1855-1859 – “The Life of George Washington” (5 volumes)

Home

In 1835 Irving purchased an estate on the Hudson River where he made a home for some of his relatives who were dependent upon him. (His brother Peter, his brother Ebenezer with his 5 daughters and his sister, Mrs. Paris, with one daughter shared his home). This house is described in his short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. First Irving named his home “The Roost”, but it was later rechristened “Sunnyside”. Washington Irving was never married. In early years he was engaged to Miss Matilda Hoffman, but she died in her 18^th year.

Death

He suffered much from asthma. He died suddenly at “Sunnyside”.

Irving’s Romantic Point of View

It is shown in his tales of folklore, adapted from European legends, but set in the American landscape and characterized by the American stereotypes that reveal general truths about human nature.

LECTURE III