American Individualism
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It is sometimes hard to determine early American literature from European literature. American literature begins to become distinct from European literature as the American Revolution becomes more imminent. Writers such as Hector St. John de Crevecouer and Henry David Thoreau illustrate these changes of American thought and Americas place in world politics. American citizens develop a sense of individualism which is unique to Americans. The early writers of American literature illustrate the transformation from European settlers to America citizens.
American government and political theory is based on the writings of John Locke. To understand the formation of Americans it must be understood that the application of Lockes theory were quite unique and radical, something that America would prove to be in its early existence. Locke provides our Forefathers with terms such as “certain unalienable rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The fact that Locke is an intricle part of America is symbolic to America itself. The theories and writings of Locke were radical of the time and were simply theories. Americans show their ability to shake off tradition. This is a common theme in early American literature.
In 1782 Crevecouer writes about his observations of American society. It is clear to him that there is something distinctly different about Americans. He begins be describing land ownership and compares it to European ways. He goes on to say that in America “there are no aristocratical families, no courts, no kings, no bishops, no ecclesiastical dominion” and continues to describe the old world of Europe being rules by kings. Crevecouer even echoes Locke in an indirect way, “Here man is free as he ought to be” Obviously these things are distinctly different from the lifestyles in Europe or Crevercouer would no mention them.
Another thing that makes America unique that Crevercouer brings up is that America is a sort of melting pot of many nationalities. This is very different from Europe because Europe has hundreds of years of history while America has no history at all. Competition toward of European countries is rooted simply in economics rather than hard feelings. Crevecouer also notes that America has something to offer for the poor of Europe. How can a person call a country home that had no food for them? America offers a chance to start over new and begin again, without having to stay in the social class in which one was born.
Crevecouer explains that there are laws present in America to protect everyone, not just the upper class citizens. “The laws, the indulgent laws, protect them as they arrive, stamping on them the symbol of adoption.” America welcomes and protects the new immigrants with laws to protect the property they earn and own.
Crevecouer defines what it is to be an American. He says that an American is one whose family is symbolic of the diverse nationalities present in America. An American is one who “leaves behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners and receives new ones from the new mode of life…” The new world strips one of former identity and forms a new culture. A culture of all