scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

What was the impact of religion on the themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century? 


Best insight from top research papers

Religion had a significant impact on the themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century. The relationship between realism and religion was explored, with realism being seen as a mode that could capture the sociological changes in religious culture . The influence of Christianity on American literature was recognized, and scholars argued for a reevaluation of the historical reality of secularization . Scholars also challenged the assumption that religion and secularization were irreconcilable, proposing a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between religious and secular cultures . The study of women's fiction in this period revealed serious engagements with theological and doctrinal controversies, with the sentimental novel serving as an imaginative playground for mediating theology and experience . Additionally, the special affinity among Protestant Americans for the Holy Land/Palestine influenced the themes and settings of American novels in the first half of the 19th century .

Answers from top 5 papers

More filters
Papers (5)Insight
The provided paper does not discuss the impact of religion on the themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century.
The paper discusses the impact of religion on themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century, arguing that women's fiction in particular engaged with theological and doctrinal controversies of the time.
The paper does not directly address the impact of religion on the themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century. The paper primarily focuses on the relationship between religion and literature in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as well as the rethinking of periodizing schemes and the role of religiosity in literary studies.
The paper discusses the impact of religion, particularly Christianity, on the development of American literature in the 19th century. It argues that a basic understanding of Christian doctrine is necessary to fully appreciate the works of many American writers during this time. However, the exact nature of Nathaniel Hawthorne's own beliefs remains unclear.
The paper discusses the problematic nature of religion in late 19th-century American literature and how realist writers dealt with the religious subject. However, it does not specifically address the impact of religion on the themes and characters in American novels of the 19th century.

Related Questions

How were children depicted in the late 19th century american paintings?5 answersChildren in late 19th-century American paintings were depicted in various ways reflecting societal norms and values. The representations ranged from images of hardy country boys and diligent schoolchildren to portrayals of children engaged in domestic activities like embroidery. Additionally, the depictions of children in American art during this period were influenced by the nation's focus on the cultivation and education of children as future citizens, showcasing a mix of optimism and anxiety about the country's future. Furthermore, the visual turn towards childhood during Romanticism in the 19th century was evident in portrait painting, emphasizing the emotional experiences and feelings of children in artistic projections. These artistic representations of children not only reflected cultural expectations but also highlighted societal conflicts, such as the depiction of street urchins and child laborers, underscoring the challenges present in American society at that time.
How has the rise of the novel influenced both literature and language?5 answersThe rise of the novel has had a significant influence on both literature and language. The novel played a crucial role in the rise of literature as a category of study, putting it into circulation and establishing it as a necessary tool for writing new literary histories. Ian Watt's influential book, "The Rise of the Novel," linked the rise of the novel with the rise of individualism, a lasting association that shaped the understanding of the genre. The rise-of-the-novel narrative, as presented by Watt and extended by other literary histories, has legitimized the novel as a form of literature and elevated it to the same level as established literary types like poetry and drama. However, this narrative has also led to debates about realism and created a distinction between the "tmly" novelistic and the "merely" fictional, limiting our understanding of the novel. Overall, the rise of the novel has not only impacted literature but also influenced the language question in African literature, as seen in the work of Mukoma Wa Ngugi.
What is the impact of religion on psychology?5 answersReligion has a significant impact on psychology. It serves as a central foundation for moral judgment, influencing how individuals perceive certain thoughts or behaviors as morally suspect or acceptable. Religion also strongly affects intergroup relations, with theological beliefs about forgiveness playing a role in shaping these relationships. Moreover, religion shapes individuals' self-construal, with Protestants tending towards independent selves. Additionally, religion has been found to be linked to mental health, providing individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and well-being. Recent research suggests that religion may facilitate ego dampening, weakening self-focused motives that can hinder cooperation and social cohesion. Overall, religion has a complex and multifaceted influence on various psychological processes, highlighting the importance of understanding its role from an interdisciplinary perspective.
What is the influence of mysticism on 20th century British and American literature?4 answersMysticism had a significant influence on 20th century British and American literature. The study of mysticism in Catholic theology underwent changes in the early 20th century, with new attention given to the historical and philosophical dimensions of mysticism. The emergence of mysticism as a category in Anglo-American discourse was influenced by the liberal religious culture of the time, and it became a prominent topic in academic studies. The rise of religious fervor in the latter half of the 20th century led to a backlash against secularism, with both Islamic extremists and the Christian Right rejecting secularism and embracing a more fundamentalist approach. Mysticism as a problem structures religious poetry and plays a role in the creation of poetic identity, with poets like Gerard Manley Hopkins exploring the relationship between God and humanity. In the writings of Virginia Woolf, there is a parallel between her "natural mysticism" and the teachings of Theosophy, which influenced her exploration of mystical experiences in her work.
What were the major literary movements in the 18th century that influenced the development of the novel?5 answersThe major literary movements in the 18th century that influenced the development of the novel were the rise of the novel as a genre, the industrial revolution, and the Romantic era. The rise of the novel was influenced by authors such as Defoe, Richardson, Fielding, and Sterne, who contributed significantly to its development. The industrial revolution, with the invention of the printing machine, led to an increase in the reading public and the demand for novels. The Romantic era saw the emergence of the writer as a celebrity and the cult of the autograph, bridging the gap between writing and reading. Additionally, the late 18th century saw the development of a philosophy of the novel based on subjectivity and unstable perspectives, summed up in the term 'irony'. These movements and influences, along with the picaresque tradition and neoclassical principles, contributed to the rise of the novel as a literary genre in the 18th century.
What are the highlights of the Nineteenth Century Developments in Literary Criticisms?5 answersNineteenth-century literary criticisms saw a shift in focus towards previously less-studied texts and cultural phenomena, such as music and visual imagery, alongside written texts. The rise of the domestic novel challenged the developmental narrative of the novel's history, disrupting the progressive logic and demonstrating the interdependence of gothic and domestic modes. In terms of copyright law, the nineteenth century witnessed a shift towards prioritizing private interests over the public good, with laws increasingly benefiting publishers rather than encouraging learning. In the context of nineteenth-century America, women's writings about their pregnant bodies revealed a variety of interpretations of pregnancy, challenging simplistic models and highlighting the complex process of fetal personification and the policing of pregnant bodies.