Reflection: Fireside Poets vs. Others

Because the colonists were from England, Puritan writings can’t truly be classified as American Literature. The colonists had the same values as they did in England, but now they were living them in a different location. Even during the Rationalistic period, literature was still written in a similar English style. It was the next generation of inspired authors that truly began the American style of literature (Langley). Having lived in America most of their lives, the Romanticism authors discussed the beauty of American land and important figures in detailed writings. Although there are similarities in the writing styles of the three periods, it is the differences that led to finding the true American voice in literature.

The Fireside poets, a group of well-known American writers from the mid-1800s, were among the first to be categorized in the Romanticism period (Fireside 210). Their writings described landscapes and adventures in the most vividly and descriptive of ways. Many of their pieces are considered narrative, which tell stories. William Cullen Bryant, one of the five Fireside poets, was known for giving detailed descriptions of his journeys and adventures (Fireside 210). His descriptions allowed readers to picture the landscape being described with all five of their senses. Because of these points, Romanticism writings can easily be compared to Puritan pieces. Puritans also wrote about their journeys and adventures as colonists in New England. When describing their journeys, Puritan authors used many adjectives and descriptive terms so the reader could picture what they are saying. This technique of detailed writing was useful for both Puritan and Romanticism authors.  Puritan literature was also known for being very religion based, which is where is differs from that of the Romanticism period. Instead of looking to God for everything, people in the Romanticism period found inspiration in nature. They also preserved the accomplishments of every individual instead of giving all their glory to God (Langley). Some Romanticism poetry pieces discuss God and religion, but none comparable to the Puritan writings.

One major similarity between the Rationalism and Romanticism time periods is that people were not afraid to share what they believed in, whether it be through writings or speeches. John Greenleaf Whittier and James Russell Lowell, two of the Fireside poets, strongly disagreed with slavery (Fireside 210). Both men shared their feelings in their writings. During the Rationalism period, well-known figures, such as Benjamin Franklin and Patrick Henry, shared their opinions of the war through their literature. The Rationalism period was known for following Deism, the belief that God gave us the right to use our own reasoning to handle situations (Langley). This allowed for a major industrial growth because people were creating their own items to solve problems. Instead of creating their own tools, the people of the Romanticism period looked to nature to solve their problems. They also trusted their own feelings and intuition when it came to making decisions (Langley). These facts are portrayed through each literature period’s writing style. The Rationalistic style was straight to the point and scientifically based, while the Romanticism writings are imaginative, detailed, and emotion filled.

 Langley, John. "Romanticism 1800-1860." English 332. Pleasant Plains High School, Pleasant Plains, IL. 22 Oct. 2011. Lecture.

"The Fireside Poets." Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Ph.D. and Douglas Fisher, Ph.D. Glencoe Literature. American Literature ed. Columbus: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 210-211. Print.