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.
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 - the ‘Apostle of Aestheticism’ travels across the continent
- C. ‘Mission accomplished’ or ‘Aesthetic abort’: the Irish Dandy sets sail for Liverpool
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines Oscar Wilde's 1882 American tour, analyzing his experiences, interactions with the American public and press, and the impact of his aesthetic philosophy on American society. It explores the transatlantic exchange of cultural ideas and the reception of Wilde's brand of Aestheticism in the context of 19th-century America.
- The evolution of travel and cultural exchange between Europe and America in the 19th century.
- The reception of Oscar Wilde and Aestheticism in the United States.
- The contrast between Wilde's aesthetic ideals and the American cultural landscape.
- Wilde's interactions with American society, including the press, intellectuals, and the general public.
- The success or failure of Wilde's "mission" to introduce Aestheticism to America.
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 traces the history of travel from its origins in fulfilling basic needs to its development into a pursuit of pleasure and cultural exchange in the 19th century. It highlights the impact of the Industrial Revolution and new modes of transportation on increased transatlantic travel, and contrasts the "undiscovered" world of the early 19th century with the interconnectedness of the modern era. The chapter sets the stage for understanding the context of Oscar Wilde's American tour, emphasizing the growing cultural exchange between Europe and America and the role of artists and writers in shaping this exchange. The significance of the "New World" as a source of both fascination and potential for the Old World is discussed through examples such as the journeys of Columbus and the writings of later authors who portrayed America, even without visiting.
B. Bunthorne in Boston and lilies in Leadville - the ‘Apostle of Aestheticism’ travels across the continent: This chapter details Oscar Wilde's American tour, focusing on his lectures, interactions with the press and public, and his encounters with prominent figures like Walt Whitman and Henry James. It explores the varied reception of Wilde’s aesthetic philosophy, ranging from enthusiastic support to harsh criticism and mockery. The chapter analyzes specific events, such as Wilde's lectures in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Leadville, Colorado, highlighting the differences in audience response and the adaptation of Wilde's message to different locations and demographics. The chapter also examines the complexities of Wilde's public image and the role of the press in shaping this image. The diverse reactions to Wilde, ranging from admiration to ridicule, demonstrate the clash between his cultivated aestheticism and the often more pragmatic and less refined American culture. His encounters highlight the differences between the artistic sensibilities of the Old World and the developing culture of the New World.
C. ‘Mission accomplished’ or ‘Aesthetic abort’: the Irish Dandy sets sail for Liverpool: This chapter analyzes the ultimate success or failure of Wilde's American tour in promoting Aestheticism. It considers the conflicting accounts of his impact, examining whether his "mission" was a success or failure based on the extent to which he influenced American tastes. The chapter concludes by considering Wilde's own assessment of his experience and his observations on American culture, reflecting on the lasting impact of his visit. The chapter incorporates Wilde's own reflections on his American experience, including his observations about American society, and offers a critical perspective on the extent to which his visit achieved its intended purpose.
Keywords
Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, Transatlantic Exchange, 19th-century America, Cultural Exchange, American Press, Public Reception, Walt Whitman, Henry James, Travel Literature.
Oscar Wilde's 1882 American Tour: A Comprehensive Overview - FAQ
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper examining Oscar Wilde's 1882 American tour. It analyzes his experiences, interactions with Americans, and the impact of his aesthetic philosophy on American society. The document includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the evolution of travel and cultural exchange between Europe and America in the 19th century; the reception of Oscar Wilde and Aestheticism in the United States; the contrast between Wilde's aesthetic ideals and the American cultural landscape; Wilde's interactions with American society (press, intellectuals, and the general public); and the success or failure of Wilde's "mission" to introduce Aestheticism to America.
What does the chapter on the concept of travel cover?
This chapter traces the history of travel from its basic origins to its development as a pursuit of pleasure and cultural exchange in the 19th century. It discusses the impact of the Industrial Revolution and new transportation on transatlantic travel, and the growing cultural exchange between Europe and America, setting the stage for understanding Wilde's tour.
What does the chapter on Wilde's American tour detail?
This chapter details Wilde's American tour, focusing on his lectures, interactions with the press and public, and encounters with prominent figures like Walt Whitman and Henry James. It analyzes the varied reception of his aesthetic philosophy, highlighting differences in audience response across different locations and demographics. The chapter also examines the complexities of Wilde's public image and the role of the press in shaping it.
What is discussed in the chapter analyzing the success of Wilde's "mission"?
This chapter analyzes whether Wilde's American tour successfully promoted Aestheticism. It considers conflicting accounts of his impact and examines the extent to which he influenced American tastes. The chapter incorporates Wilde's own reflections on his American experience and offers a critical perspective on his visit's success in achieving its intended purpose.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Key words include: Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, Transatlantic Exchange, 19th-century America, Cultural Exchange, American Press, Public Reception, Walt Whitman, Henry James, and Travel Literature.
What is the overall goal or objective of the paper?
The paper aims to examine Oscar Wilde's 1882 American tour, analyzing his experiences, interactions with the American public and press, and the impact of his aesthetic philosophy on American society, exploring the transatlantic exchange of cultural ideas and the reception of his Aestheticism in 19th-century America.
What kind of sources are likely used in the paper?
Given the subject matter, the paper likely uses a range of sources, including primary sources such as Wilde's writings and letters, contemporary newspaper articles and reviews from his tour, and secondary sources like biographical works on Wilde and scholarly articles on 19th-century transatlantic cultural exchange and American reception of Aestheticism.
- Citar trabajo
- Jerry Paramo (Autor), 2008, Introducing the Dandy to the New World - Oscar Wilde visits America, January 2nd 1882 - December 27th 1882, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/192028
