Charles Brockden Brown

Wieland; Or, The Transformation: An American Tale (eBook, ePUB)

Exploring Religious Extremism, Madness, and Fate in Early American Gothic Fiction

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "Wieland; Or, The Transformation: An American Tale," Charles Brockden Brown presents a groundbreaking exploration of the psychological and supernatural elements that haunt early American literature. Written in the context of the post-Revolutionary era, this gothic novel weaves themes of identity, rationality, and the sublime, utilizing an epistolary style that reflects the anxiety and tumult of a burgeoning nation. Through the harrowing tale of the Wieland family, Brown delves into the intersections of reason and madness, employing vivid imagery and intricate characterizations that invite readers to question the reliability of perception and the nature of evil. Charles Brockden Brown, often regarded as the first American novelist, was a pivotal figure in shaping the American literary landscape at the turn of the 19th century. His experiences with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, coupled with his fascination with the darker recesses of the human psyche, profoundly influenced his writing. Having lived through the revolutionary upheaval, he sought to address the moral dilemmas facing individuals in a new republic, creating narratives that resonate with both historical awareness and existential inquiry. "Wieland" is a compelling read for those interested in the origins of American gothic literature and the philosophical underpinnings of its time. Brown's deft handling of suspense and psychological tension makes this novel a significant work that challenges readers to confront the complexities of human nature and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of truth. This intricate tale remains essential for anyone seeking to grasp the evolution of American fiction and its reflections on society.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 266
• Erscheinungstermin: 20. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664162557
• Artikelnr.: 58500770

Autorenporträt

Charles Brockden Brown (1771-1810) stands as one of the earliest American novelists, whose work is noted for its innovative use of Gothic elements and psychological depth. Born in Philadelphia to a Quaker family, Brown was initially drawn to a career in law but soon shifted his interests to literature. His oeuvre is reflective of his deep engagement with the political, social, and intellectual currents of post-revolutionary America. Brown's most acknowledged novel, 'Wieland; Or, The Transformation: An American Tale' (1798), is considered by scholars as a pioneering work in the American Gothic genre, blending supernatural occurrences with a thought-provoking exploration of the fragile human psyche. His literary style often tackled themes of identity, the reliability of perception, and the influence of the divine, injecting a philosophical complexity that cemented his place in the development of American literature. As a writer, Brown's use of narrative voice and unreliable narrators significantly influenced subsequent generations of authors and initiated a distinctly American narrative tradition within the broader landscape of the Gothic novel. His contribution to establishing an American literary tradition and the exploration of uniquely American themes in fiction created a platform upon which the literary identity of a nascent nation would be constructed.