The concept of travel is as old as mankind itself. In the very beginning, of course, travelling did not simply take place for enjoyment or education, but to satisfy basic needs such as food and shelter. When Man finally began to settle in certain areas, travelling still meant going shorter or longer distances to obtain food, water and other valuable items. First on foot, then through domestication mainly by horse, and finally, in many shapes and forms, by a seemingly endless possibility of modern transportation, with the invention of the steam engine all the way to 21st century solar and electricity-powered vehicles. Although, when talking about the nineteenth century, one could only rely on ocean liners running on steam and the locomotive in order to travel great distances. Such inventions enabled mankind not only to become much better organized and grow together in an economic way, but they also allowed the people to take journeys to far-away places and travel abroad as only dignitaries and statesmen could do. However, the concept of travel was no longer focused on obtaining supplies or being away on business, it now was able to unfold in many ways more. People travelled for pleasure, were anxious to meet and experience new things, get to know exotic cultures, manners and traditions. The single most important discovery that prompted such desire not just to explore, but later also to travel, is regarded by most experts as the beginning of the modern age: Christopher Columbus sets out to sea in order to find a new passage route to India. Instead, it was America he had discovered in early October 1492. That is how far back we can trace the so-called New World. New it was indeed to the many generations of explorers, conquerors and other interested visitors, mainly being of European origin in the centuries to come; from the Spanish Conquistadores in their quest for wealth and power, to the Pilgrim Fathers, experiencing religious persecution and in search of their City upon a Hill , a reference often used in a very similar way even 300 years later by the former actor and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A. The concept of travel – ranging from mankind's first step into the Unknown to the transatlantic exchanges of the nineteenth century
- B. Bunthorne in Boston and lilies in Leadville – travels across the continent – the 'Apostle of Aestheticism'
- C. 'Mission accomplished' or 'Aesthetic abort’: the Irish Dandy sets sail for Liverpool
- D. Bibliography/picture credits
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore Oscar Wilde's 1882 journey to America, examining the significance of his travels within the context of the transatlantic exchange of the nineteenth century.- The concept of travel and its evolution, particularly in the 19th century, with a focus on the transatlantic exchange between Europe and America.
- The role of the "Apostle of Aestheticism" in shaping perceptions of European culture in America.
- The impact of Wilde's visit on American society and the reception of Aestheticism within the context of the "Grand Alliance" between Britain and the United States.
- The exchange of artistic and cultural ideas between Europe and America, exemplified by the influence of European artists and writers on American art and literature.
- The role of artists and writers in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding between nations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- A. The concept of travel – ranging from mankind's first step into the Unknown to the transatlantic exchanges of the nineteenth century: This chapter provides a historical overview of the concept of travel from its origins in satisfying basic needs to the development of travel for pleasure and cultural exchange in the 19th century. It emphasizes the transformative power of inventions like the steam engine and steamship in facilitating transatlantic journeys and fostering cultural connections between Europe and America.
- B. Bunthorne in Boston and lilies in Leadville – travels across the continent – the 'Apostle of Aestheticism': This chapter focuses on the cultural impact of Oscar Wilde's American tour, showcasing how his persona as the "Apostle of Aestheticism" captivated American audiences and sparked debate about European cultural trends in the United States.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the themes of travel, cultural exchange, Aestheticism, transatlantic relations, and the role of artists and writers in shaping perceptions and fostering understanding between nations. Key figures discussed include Oscar Wilde, Christopher Columbus, Ronald Reagan, and artists like Albert Bierstadt and Emanuel Leutze.- Quote paper
- Jerry Paramo (Author), 2008, Introducing the Dandy to the New World - Oscar Wilde visits America, January 2nd 1882 - December 27th 1882, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192028
