Exploring the ‘First American Novel’ and Its Origins This Independence Day
As we celebrate Independence Day, it’s a fitting time to delve into the origins of American literature and explore what is often considered the “First American Novel.” This journey not only highlights the evolution of American literary traditions but also underscores the cultural and historical contexts that shaped early American writing.
The roots of American literature stretch back to the oral traditions of Indigenous peoples, who inhabited the land long before European settlers arrived. These rich traditions included tales of trickster figures like Coyote and Raven, creation myths, and stories of ancestral spirit-beings such as the kachinas of the Pueblo people. These narratives were integral to the cultural fabric of Native American societies and laid the groundwork for the storytelling traditions that would follow.
With the arrival of European colonists in the 17th century, a new chapter in American literature began. Early colonial writings were often practical and focused on the settlers’ experiences and religious beliefs. Figures like John Smith, who documented his adventures in Virginia, and Anne Bradstreet, whose poetry collection “The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America” was published in 1650, were among the first to contribute to this burgeoning literary landscape.
The Declaration of Independence in 1776 marked a significant turning point, not just politically but also culturally. The newly formed United States began to develop its own literary identity, distinct from its European roots. This period saw the publication of influential works like “The Federalist Papers” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, which helped shape the nation’s political philosophy.
One of the most notable literary milestones of this era was the publication of “The Power of Sympathy” by William Hill Brown in 1789. Often regarded as the first American novel, Brown’s work explored themes of love, morality, and social issues, setting the stage for future American fiction. This novel was a departure from the British literary models that had previously dominated American reading habits and marked the beginning of a uniquely American literary tradition.
As the 19th century progressed, American literature continued to evolve, reflecting the country’s growing sense of identity and independence. Washington Irving’s “The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.” (1819-20), which included iconic stories like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle,” captured the imagination of readers and showcased the American landscape and folklore.
James Fenimore Cooper’s “Leatherstocking Tales” (1823-41) further solidified the American novel’s place in literary history. These adventure stories, featuring the frontiersman Natty Bumppo, depicted the American wilderness in both realistic and romanticized ways, highlighting the nation’s fascination with its untamed landscapes.
The Romantic period (1830-70) brought a new wave of American writers who embraced individualism, emotion, and the wildness of nature. Edgar Allan Poe, with his tales of horror and mystery, and Walt Whitman, with his groundbreaking poetry collection “Leaves of Grass” (1855), exemplified the Romantic spirit. Their works, along with those of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville, became cornerstones of American literature.
As the United States moved toward civil war, literature began to reflect the nation’s deepening divisions and the experiences of enslaved and free Black people. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (1851-52) played a crucial role in galvanizing anti-slavery sentiment in the North. Meanwhile, writers like William Wells Brown and Harriet Jacobs provided powerful firsthand accounts of the horrors of slavery.
The post-Civil War period saw the rise of realism and naturalism, literary movements that sought to depict life as it truly was. Mark Twain, with his humor and keen observations of American society, became one of the most beloved writers of this era. His novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1876) and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1885) remain enduring classics.
The early 20th century brought about modernism, a radical break from the past that reflected the rapid technological advancements and the disillusionment brought on by World War I and the Great Depression. Writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and William Faulkner explored themes of loss, alienation, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
As we reflect on the origins of American literature this Independence Day, it’s clear that the “First American Novel” and the works that followed were shaped by the nation’s unique history and cultural diversity. From the oral traditions of Indigenous peoples to the groundbreaking works of modernist writers, American literature has continually evolved, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the American experience.
This exploration of early American literature not only enriches our understanding of the nation’s literary heritage but also reminds us of the diverse voices and stories that have contributed to the American narrative. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of American literature and the enduring legacy of the “First American Novel.”
Source: National Archives, Britannica
