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William Hill Brown: The Father of the American Novel

William Hill Brown, the author of 'The Power of Sympathy,' is celebrated as a pioneer in American literature. Born in 1765, his work reflects the moral and social issues of his time, with themes of seduction and moral restraint. Despite his early death, Brown's novels, essays, and poetry contributed significantly to the American literary tradition, distinguishing it from European influences.

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1

First American Novel

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The Power of Sympathy, published in 1789 by William Hill Brown, recognized as the first novel in America.

2

Themes in Brown's Works

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Focused on moral/social issues of Colonial New England, especially seduction perils and moral restraint virtues.

3

______ was first released without revealing the author's identity, influenced by a controversy surrounding Perez Morton and Fanny Apthorp.

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'The Power of Sympathy'

4

The authorship of 'The Power of Sympathy' was conclusively attributed to ______ in ______.

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Brown 1894

5

Posthumous Brown anthology & publication year

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Selected Poems and Verse Fables 1784-1793, published in 1982

6

Brown's literary influences and unique American integration

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Influenced by European literature, especially Samuel Richardson; integrated American settings and themes

7

Despite dying of a fever in ______, ______ ______'s contributions were significant in laying the foundation for an emerging American literary tradition.

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1793 William Hill Brown

8

Moral lessons in Brown's novels

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Aimed to teach rationality and sympathy through narrative.

9

American vs. British didactic style in Brown's works

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Allowed self-drawn moral conclusions, diverging from British prescriptive norms.

10

The central plot of the novel involves a tragic romance between ______ and ______, who are half-siblings.

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Thomas Harrington Harriot

11

Initial reaction to 'The Power of Sympathy'

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Met with mixed reactions due to complex moral undertones.

12

Brown's deviation from British literary norms

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Introduced moral ambiguity and reader interpretation, shaping American literary identity.

13

Brown's novels had a(n) ______ purpose, tackling controversial topics like ______ and ______ to deliver strong ethical lessons.

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didactic incest suicide

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William Hill Brown: A Forerunner in American Literature

William Hill Brown, born in 1765 in Boston, Massachusetts, holds a distinguished place in the annals of American literature as the author of "The Power of Sympathy," published in 1789 and considered the first American novel. His brief life, ending at the age of 27, did not diminish his influence; his works reflect the moral and social issues of Colonial New England, particularly focusing on themes such as the perils of seduction and the virtues of moral restraint.
Quill pen on blank handmade parchment with curled edge, beside a half-filled inkwell on a dark wooden desk, with blurred leather-bound books in the background.

"The Power of Sympathy": Anonymity and Real-Life Scandal

"The Power of Sympathy" was initially published anonymously, inspired by a scandal involving Brown's acquaintances: Perez Morton's seduction of Fanny Apthorp, which ended in her suicide. The novel was mistakenly thought to be the work of Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton, Perez's wife, due to her literary reputation and proximity to the scandal. It was not until 1894 that Brown's authorship was definitively established, shedding light on the origins of the American novel.

Brown's Literary Contributions and Recognition

Beyond "The Power of Sympathy," Brown wrote other novels such as "Harriot, or the Domestic Reconciliation" and "Ira and Isabella," as well as essays and poetry. His posthumous anthology, "Selected Poems and Verse Fables 1784-1793," published in 1982, further showcased his literary range. Brown's works, while influenced by European literature, particularly the sentimental novels of Samuel Richardson, were imbued with an American sensibility in their settings and themes.

William Hill Brown's Life and Career

William Hill Brown's life was short yet impactful. After his early literary success, he relocated to Murfreesboro, North Carolina, in 1792 to study law with General William R. Davie. His final year was spent in North Carolina, where he died of a fever in 1793. Despite his early death, Brown's contributions laid the groundwork for an emerging American literary tradition.

Moral Themes in Brown's Narrative Style

Brown's novels are marked by their exploration of moral issues, particularly the consequences of seduction and the importance of exercising restraint. His narratives aimed to impart moral lessons, advocating for rationality and sympathy. Unlike the prescriptive nature of British didactic novels, Brown's works often allowed readers to draw their own moral conclusions, contributing to the evolution of an American literary style distinct from British influences.

"The Power of Sympathy": Structure and Sentiment

"The Power of Sympathy" is structured as an epistolary novel, a form that unfolds the story through letters between characters. This sentimental novel sought to elicit emotional responses and to guide readers' reactions to various situations. The plot centers on the doomed love between Thomas Harrington and Harriot, who discover they are half-siblings, leading to Harriot's death from illness and Thomas's suicide. Brown used this narrative to examine the perils of unchecked emotion and the necessity of balancing sentiment with reason.

Brown's Enduring Impact on American Literary Tradition

Although "The Power of Sympathy" was met with mixed reactions initially, due to its complex moral undertones, it has since been recognized as a cornerstone in the foundation of American literature. Brown's approach to moral ambiguity and reader interpretation represented a shift from British literary conventions and contributed to the shaping of a uniquely American literary identity, reflective of the New World's moral and societal complexities.

Addressing Taboos in Brown's Didactic Literature

Brown's novels were didactic, aiming to educate readers on moral issues. He boldly addressed taboo subjects such as incest and suicide, using them to engage readers and underscore his moral messages. By confronting these provocative themes, Brown ensured that his didactic goals were met with a lasting impact, making his narratives a powerful tool for moral instruction.