The aim of this essay is a comparison of the use uf "identity" in two works of American 19th century literature: Nathaniel Hawthrone´s "Blithedale Romance" and Hermann Melville´s" Pierre".
In a first part, the concept of the word identity and its origin dating back to John Lock are examined. A special focus is, hereby, laid on the the perceived difference between its original and its modern meaning. The second part ,then, puts emphasis on the different use Melville and Hawthorne make of the word in their respective writings, before, finally, giving a short conclusions of the findings of this essay. It shall be argued that Melville and Hawthorne, by using this adequate name for a well know struggle, can be called innovators of their time.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction: The actuality of the term "identity", its origin in John Locke, its use in the first part of the 19th century.
- II. The use of "identity" by Hawthorne and Melville in The Blithedale Romance and Pierre
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the evolution and usage of the term "identity," specifically tracing its development from its philosophical origins in John Locke to its widespread adoption in mid-20th-century America. The analysis focuses on the application of this concept within the context of 19th-century American literature, particularly the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville.
- The historical evolution of the word "identity" and its various meanings.
- The increasing prevalence and implications of "identity" as a concept in mid-20th century America.
- The usage of "identity" in the works of Hawthorne and Melville, comparing it to contemporary usage.
- Exploration of different interpretations of identity presented in the selected texts.
- The contrast between the Lockean understanding of identity and its modern psychological interpretations.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: The actuality of the term "identity", its origin in John Locke, its use in the first part of the 19th century.: This introductory chapter explores the contemporary usage of "identity," noting its widespread and often ambiguous application. It traces the term's origins to John Locke's philosophical work, highlighting the contrast between its original philosophical meaning and its later, more psychologically charged interpretations. The chapter underscores the growing popularity of the term, particularly in the mid-20th century, through the influence of figures like Erik Erikson, while acknowledging the potential for its misuse as a mere catchword. It lays the groundwork for the paper's central argument by establishing the historical context of the word "identity" and its various interpretations, paving the way for a detailed examination of its use in 19th-century American literature. The chapter highlights the transition of the word "identity" from a philosophical concept to a widely used term encompassing various interpretations, setting the stage for investigating its usage in the works of Hawthorne and Melville.
II. The use of "identity" by Hawthorne and Melville in The Blithedale Romance and Pierre: This chapter delves into the usage of "identity" in the writings of Hawthorne and Melville. It begins by offering a quantitative comparison of the frequency of the word's appearance in their works, cautioning against a purely statistical approach. The chapter then moves to a qualitative analysis, focusing on key instances where the term "identity" is employed with a psychological nuance, particularly highlighting a passage from Hawthorne's *The House of the Seven Gables* which showcases a more nuanced understanding of self and consciousness. In contrast, the chapter analyzes instances in *The Blithedale Romance*, where the meaning of identity is related more to recognition and external perception. The chapter aims to demonstrate the subtle yet significant ways in which these authors engage with the concept of identity, distinguishing it from contemporary understandings and highlighting its more nuanced usage within their narratives. The analysis shows the authors’ different uses of the concept, offering a richer understanding of its meaning and application within their works.
Keywords
Identity, John Locke, William James, Erik Erikson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, The Blithedale Romance, Pierre, The House of the Seven Gables, American literature, 19th-century literature, psychological identity, self-knowledge, personal identity, social identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of "Identity" in 19th-Century American Literature
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes the historical evolution and usage of the term "identity," tracing its development from its philosophical roots in John Locke's work to its application in 19th-century American literature, specifically focusing on the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville.
What are the key themes explored in this analysis?
The analysis explores the historical evolution of the word "identity" and its various meanings; the increasing prevalence and implications of "identity" in mid-20th-century America; the usage of "identity" in the works of Hawthorne and Melville, comparing it to contemporary usage; different interpretations of identity presented in the selected texts; and the contrast between the Lockean understanding of identity and its modern psychological interpretations.
Which literary works are examined in this paper?
The paper focuses primarily on Nathaniel Hawthorne's *The Blithedale Romance* and Herman Melville's *Pierre*, comparing the authors' use of "identity" with each other and with contemporary understandings. *The House of the Seven Gables* is also mentioned as a point of comparison.
How does the paper approach the analysis of "identity"?
The paper employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. While acknowledging the frequency of the word "identity" in the selected texts, the paper emphasizes a qualitative analysis, focusing on the nuanced usage and psychological implications of the concept within the narratives.
What is the significance of John Locke in this analysis?
John Locke's philosophical work provides the historical foundation for understanding the evolution of the term "identity." The paper contrasts Locke's original philosophical conception of identity with its later psychological interpretations, showing a divergence in meaning.
What is the role of 20th-century perspectives (like those of William James and Erik Erikson) in this analysis?
The paper uses 20th-century perspectives, such as those of William James and Erik Erikson, to contextualize the evolution of the understanding of "identity" and to highlight the shift from a purely philosophical concept to a more psychological one. This allows for a richer understanding of how the concept was employed in the 19th century.
What are the key findings or arguments presented in this paper?
The paper argues that Hawthorne and Melville's usage of "identity" differs from both its Lockean origins and its later psychological interpretations. It demonstrates the authors’ nuanced understanding of self and consciousness, showing how "identity" in their works relates to recognition, external perception, and inner experience, offering a richer understanding of its meaning and application within their works.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Identity, John Locke, William James, Erik Erikson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, The Blithedale Romance, Pierre, The House of the Seven Gables, American literature, 19th-century literature, psychological identity, self-knowledge, personal identity, social identity.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries provided?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of the content and arguments presented in each chapter of the paper. They highlight the key points discussed and the connections between the different parts of the analysis.
Who is the intended audience for this paper?
This paper is intended for academic use, specifically for researchers and students interested in 19th-century American literature, the history of ideas, and the evolution of the concept of identity. The provided preview is intended to facilitate scholarly analysis of the themes within the paper.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Reiner Ruft (Autor:in), 1974, The Use of "Identity" in Literature. Some Remarks on its Use in Hawthorne´s "Blithedale Romance" and Melville´s "Pierre", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/514787
