Do other writers use objects to shape meaning into their works? I'm thinking they do, maybe they don't do it consciously but they do it. Since I've amateurishly decoded the formula for how the Wise-ones shaped their essay, I want to apply this new-found knowledge to other texts beginning with period writings from America between the 18th and 19th century. The objects and their meaning in the literature should reflect the culture of their time - this is a theory in cultural studies, which falls under several headings depending on how you view it: Marxism, Cultural Materialism, New Historicism.
Starting with a sampling of literature from 18th century, I'll also be deciphering and sorting through theoretical knowledge of literary criticism. Yay, me! So beware for repetitions and corrections. I don’t expect to get it right my first time out.
The 18th century American literature will be interesting because this was a time of enormous changes in economics, social development, philosophy, the sciences and the aesthetics. These changes transformed the way American writers understood and wrote about the world.
I'll begin with American Literature from 1700 to 1820, otherwise known as the period of Enlightenment, using The Norton Anthology American Literature: Beginnings to 1820, Volume A (8th ed.). First up is 1704-05, when Sarah Kemble Knight keeps The Private Journal of a Journey from Boston to New York.
Taste Test #2: American Renaissance (1820-1865)
Taste Test #3: Realism & Naturalism (1865-1914)
Word Count: 240
Total Edits: 1
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