COLEGIO CARDENAL SANCHA

“VIRTUD Y CIENCIA POR UN MUNDO MEJOR”

FINAL EVALUATION SECOND PERIOD

MADE BY THE STUDENT:

ELIANNY ESTEFANÍA CASTRO #9

TEACHER:

BETHANIA TAVERAS

GRADE:

5TH A

JUNE 3, 2024
 Introduction

This document delves into the lives and works of four prominent American writers from the
Romanticism movement, which spanned from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Romanticism
emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, reacting against the industrial revolution and the
Enlightenment's focus on reason. I chose this movement due to its profound impact on American
literature, shaping the country's literary identity and exploring the human spirit's depths.
Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville each contributed
uniquely to this movement, shaping the literary landscape of their time and leaving a legacy. Their
works continue to be celebrated for their exploration of the human spirit and the complexities of
existence.
 Washington Irving: Biography, Life, and Works

Biography

Washington Irving was born on April 3, 1783, in New York City. He was the youngest of
eleven children in a prosperous merchant family. Named after George Washington, whom
he met as a young boy, Irving grew up during the early years of the United States. His
education was informal; he read widely and showed an early interest in writing and theater.

Irving's early career began in law, but he was more passionate about literature and travel. In
1809, he gained recognition with the publication of his satirical work A History of New
York, written under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. This work established his
reputation as a humorist and social commentator.

In 1815, Irving traveled to Europe, where he spent the next 17 years. During this period, he
wrote some of his most significant works and established connections with prominent
literary figures. His time in Europe had a profound influence on his writing, allowing him
to blend American themes with European literary traditions.

Life and Influences

Irving's life was marked by extensive travel and a deep engagement with both American
and European cultures. His work often reflects a blend of these influences, showcasing his
ability to weave folklore, history, and fiction into compelling narratives.

In 1819-1820, he published The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., which included
some of his most famous stories, such as Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow. These stories captured the imagination of readers with their blend of humor,
mystery, and supernatural elements, cementing Irving's place in American literary history.

Irving served as a diplomatic attaché in Spain from 1826 to 1829 and later as the U.S.
Minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846. His experiences in Spain inspired a series of works on
Spanish history and culture, including The Alhambra and Chronicle of the Conquest of
Granada.

Returning to the United States in 1832, Irving continued to write and publish. He settled in
Tarrytown, New York, in a home he named Sunnyside, where he spent his later years. He
passed away on November 28, 1859, leaving a legacy in American literature.
Important Works

1. A History of New York (1809): Written under the pseudonym Diedrich

Knickerbocker, this satirical work provides a humorous account of New York's
early history, combining fiction with historical facts. The book's witty and playful
tone established Irving's reputation as a humorist.

2. The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1819-1820): This collection includes
some of Irving's most enduring works, such as Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of
Sleepy Hollow. These stories are celebrated for their vivid descriptions, memorable
characters, and incorporation of American folklore. The Sketch Book was pivotal in
gaining American literature international recognition.

3. Brace bridge Hall (1822): A sequel to The Sketch Book, this collection of stories
and essays continues to explore themes of English country life and American
culture. It further established Irving's reputation as a writer capable of capturing the
nuances of both American and European societies.

4. Life of George Washington (1855-1859): This multi-volume biography of George

Washington is one of Irving's most significant historical works. It reflects his deep
admiration for Washington and his commitment to providing a comprehensive and
accessible account of the first President's life and legacy.
 Edgar Allan Poe: Biography, Life, and Works

Biography

Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. Orphaned by the
age of three, he was taken in by John and Frances Allan of Richmond, Virginia, although
he was never formally adopted. Poe attended the University of Virginia but left due to
financial issues, caused partly by his gambling debts. He later enlisted in the army and
briefly attended the United States Military Academy at West Point before being dismissed.

Poe married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm, in 1836, and their relationship
profoundly influenced his life and work. Poe's life was marked by poverty, personal loss,
and struggles with alcoholism. Despite these hardships, he became a master of Gothic
literature, known for his macabre and horror stories.

Life and Influences

Poe's works often explore themes of death, madness, and the supernatural, reflecting his
own troubled life. His innovative use of narrative structure, psychological depth, and vivid
imagery has left a lasting impact on literature.

Poe worked as an editor for several literary journals, where he published many of his stories
and poems. His critical reviews and essays contributed significantly to literary criticism,
and he was known for his ruthless and sharp critiques of contemporary writers.

Poe's mysterious death on October 7, 1849, in Baltimore, Maryland, remains a subject of

speculation and intrigue, much like his life and works.

Important Works

1. The Raven (1845): This narrative poem is one of Poe's most famous works,
depicting a man's descent into despair as he converses with a mysterious raven. Its
melancholic and eerie atmosphere, combined with its rhythmic and repetitive
structure, made it an instant success.

2. The TellTale Heart (1843): A short story exemplifying Poe's skill in creating
psychological horror, it explores the narrator's descent into madness and guilt after
committing murder. The story's intense focus on the narrator's obsessive thoughts
and feelings makes it a classic example of Poe's work.

3. The Fall of the House of Usher (1839): This Gothic tale combines elements of
horror and the supernatural, telling the story of a decaying mansion and its
inhabitants. The themes of decay, madness, and family secrets are central to this
story, reflecting Poe's interest in the macabre.
 Nathaniel Hawthorne: Biography, Life, and Works

Biography

Nathaniel Hawthorne was born on July 4, 1804, in Salem, Massachusetts. He was

descended from a family involved in the Salem witch trials, which had a lasting influence
on his work. Hawthorne graduated from Bowdoin College in 1825, where he formed
lifelong friendships with future President Franklin Pierce and poet Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow.

Hawthorne worked in various roles, including a stint at the Salem Custom House, before
dedicating himself to writing. His marriage to Sophia Peabody in 1842 provided him with
stability and support, and they settled in Concord, Massachusetts.

Hawthorne's works often explore themes of sin, guilt, and the complexities of human
nature, making him a central figure in American Romanticism.

Life and Influences

Hawthorne's Puritan ancestry profoundly influenced his writing, as seen in his

preoccupation with themes of inherited sin and moral complexity. His fiction often
examines the dark side of human nature and the moral consequences of individual actions.

Hawthorne's friendship with fellow writers like Herman Melville and Ralph Waldo
Emerson enriched his intellectual and literary pursuits. His life in Concord, surrounded by a
vibrant literary community, greatly impacted his work.

Hawthorne died on May 19, 1864, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, leaving behind a legacy
of richly textured and morally complex stories.

Important Works

1. The Scarlet Letter (1850)

Hawthorne's masterpiece, this novel explores themes of sin, redemption, and the human
condition through the story of Hester Prynne, who bears an illegitimate child in Puritan
New England. The novel's portrayal of individual versus society remains a powerful
commentary on moral and social issues.

2. The House of the Seven Gables (1851)

A novel that delves into themes of ancestral guilt and retribution, set in a gloomy,
decaying mansion. The story's exploration of the impact of past sins on the present
generation reflects Hawthorne's fascination with history and moral complexity.
 Herman Melville: Biography, Life, and Works

Biography

Herman Melville was born on August 1, 1819, in New York City. After his father's death in
1832, Melville worked various jobs before going to sea in 1839. His experiences as a sailor
provided rich material for his writing, which often explored themes of adventure, isolation,
and the human struggle against nature.

Melville achieved early success with his adventure novels, but his later, more complex
works, such as Moby Dick, were not well received during his lifetime. He faced financial
difficulties and turned to other work, including lecturing and working as a customs
inspector in New York City.

Despite his struggles, Melville continued to write, and his contributions to literature were
recognized posthumously. He died on September 28, 1891, in New York City.

Life and Influences

Melville's experiences at sea profoundly influenced his writing, providing the backdrop for
many of his novels. His friendship with Nathaniel Hawthorne also played a significant role
in his literary development, encouraging him to explore deeper philosophical and
existential themes.

Melville's works often reflect his preoccupation with the complexities of good and evil, the
nature of humanity, and the individual's place in the universe. His writing style is
characterized by dense prose, rich symbolism, and an epic scope.

Important Works

1. Moby Dick (1851): Melville's magnum opus, this novel tells the story of Captain Ahab's
obsessive quest to kill the white whale, Moby Dick. It explores themes of obsession,
revenge, and the human condition, blending adventure with deep philosophical inquiry.
Although not initially successful, it is now considered one of the greatest American novels.

2. Bartleby, the Scrivener (1853): A short story that examines the dehumanizing effects of
modern capitalism through the tale of an enigmatic law copyist who prefers not to conform.
The story's exploration of individuality and passive resistance has made it a classic of
American literature.

3. Billy Budd, Sailor (published posthumously in 1924): A novella that explores themes of
innocence, evil, and the complexities of justice on a British naval ship. The story's portrayal
of the conflict between natural goodness and institutional corruption reflects Melville's
ongoing preoccupation with moral ambiguity.
4. Typee (1846): Melville's first book, based on his experiences in the Marquesas Islands. It
offers a romanticized and critical view of Western colonialism and the clash of cultures,
blending adventure with social commentary.
 Conclusion

The Romanticism movement in American literature, spanning from the late 18th to mid19th
centuries, brought forth a profound transformation in the nation's literary landscape. It emphasized
emotion, nature, individualism, and the exploration of the human spirit. Through the lives and
works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville, we can
trace the evolution of American Romanticism and its lasting impact on literature and culture.

Washington Irving stands out as a pioneer in American literature, blending European influences
with American themes. His works, such as "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle,"
introduced American folklore to a broader audience, establishing a unique literary identity for the
young nation.

Edgar Allan Poe brought a darker, more introspective dimension to Romanticism. His exploration
of the macabre, the psychological, and the supernatural not only captivated readers but also
pioneered the genres of horror and detective fiction.

Nathaniel Hawthorne delved into the moral complexities of human nature, often drawing from his
Puritan ancestry. His works, including "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables,"
explore themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Herman Melville expanded the scope of American Romanticism with his epic tales of adventure
and philosophical inquiry. "Moby Dick," his magnum opus, combines a gripping narrative with
profound existential questions, exploring the human struggle against nature and the inner battles of
obsession and revenge.

Together, these four authors represent the diverse and rich tapestry of American Romanticism. They
each brought their unique perspectives and styles, contributing to a movement that emphasized the
emotional and imaginative aspects of literature. Their works continue to be studied and celebrated,
not only for their literary merit but also for their ability to capture the essence of the human
experience.

The enduring legacy of Romanticism lies in its celebration of individuality, its deep emotional
resonance, and its exploration of the sublime and the mysterious. Irving, Poe, Hawthorne, and
Melville, through their timeless stories and innovative approaches, have left an indelible mark on
American literature. Their contributions have shaped the literary identity of the United States,
influenced countless writers and continued to inspire readers around the world.

As we reflect on the impact of Romanticism, it becomes clear that this movement provided a vital
foundation for American literature, emphasizing the power of imagination, the beauty of the natural
world, and the complexity of the human spirit. The works of Irving, Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville
remain essential reading, offering profound insights into the depths of human emotion and the
timeless struggles of the human condition. Their stories, filled with passion, mystery, and moral
inquiry, continue to captivate and inspire, ensuring their place in the pantheon of great American
writers.