The ambition to create a more elevated national literary life in America faced numerous obstacles throughout history. These hurdles stemmed from:
1. Lack of a Strong Literary Tradition:
* Early American writers were heavily influenced by European models. They often imitated European styles and themes, which led to a sense of cultural inferiority.
* Limited readership: A predominantly agrarian society with a small literate population meant a limited market for American writers. This hindered the development of a robust literary industry and the emergence of prominent authors.
* Focus on practical works: Early American literature often prioritized practicality, focusing on religious texts, political tracts, and historical accounts, rather than purely creative works.
2. Political and Social Tensions:
* Revolutionary War and its aftermath: The early years of the nation were consumed by the struggle for independence, leaving little room for artistic pursuits.
* Regional and cultural differences: A vast and diverse country with differing social, economic, and political landscapes contributed to fragmented literary traditions and a lack of cohesive national identity.
* Internal divisions and debates: Issues like slavery, westward expansion, and the rights of marginalized groups created strong ideological clashes, further inhibiting the development of a shared literary culture.
3. Economic Constraints:
* Limited publishing infrastructure: Lack of established publishing houses, printing presses, and distribution networks hindered the dissemination of American works.
* Low literacy rates: A large portion of the population lacked the education necessary to engage with complex literary works.
* Financial dependence on European patrons: Many early American writers relied on patronage from European patrons, making them vulnerable to external influence and subject to the whims of their benefactors.
4. The Influence of British Literary Hegemony:
* Domination of British literary works: British literature held a dominant position in American society, often overshadowing the works of local authors.
* Cultural and social hierarchies: The pervasive belief that British culture was superior led to a sense of inferiority among American writers, making them hesitant to challenge established norms.
* Limited acceptance of American themes and styles: The dominant view was that American topics and voices lacked the sophistication and universality found in European literature.
5. Internal Divisions and Lack of Unity:
* Competing literary movements and schools of thought: Instead of a cohesive national literary scene, different regions developed their own distinct literary styles and traditions, creating fragmentation and competition.
* Limited cooperation and collaboration among writers: A lack of formal organizations and support networks for writers hindered their ability to share ideas, promote their works, and develop a strong sense of community.
Overcoming these obstacles required a sustained effort to cultivate a distinctly American literary voice, promote national pride in literature, and establish a robust literary infrastructure. This process involved fostering a greater appreciation for American themes and perspectives, nurturing a broader readership, and establishing a vibrant and supportive literary community.