The Power of Sympathy
A scholarly examination of the first American novel, exploring its intricate narrative of sentiment, societal constraints, and the perilous consequences of unchecked passion.
Begin Exploration ๐ Critical Perspectives ๐คDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Overview: A Foundational Text
Defining the First American Novel
The Power of Sympathy: or, The Triumph of Nature, published in 1789, holds the distinction of being widely regarded as the inaugural American novel. Authored by William Hill Brown, this work is structured as an epistolary novel, utilizing a series of letters to convey its narrative.[1] Its thematic core revolves around the perils of unchecked emotional responsesโspecifically, seductionโand advocates for the cultivation of rational thought and moral education, particularly for women, as essential safeguards against potentially ruinous actions.[1]
Historical Significance
Emerging during a nascent period of American nationhood, The Power of Sympathy reflects and engages with the cultural and philosophical currents of the late 18th century. Its exploration of morality, sentimentality, and the burgeoning concept of American identity positions it as a significant artifact in the study of early American literature and the development of a distinct national literary tradition.[9]
Genre and Form
As a sentimental novel, the work emphasizes emotional experience and moral reflection. The epistolary format, relying on personal correspondence, lends an air of intimacy and immediacy, allowing readers direct access to the characters' inner turmoil and evolving circumstances. This form was particularly suited to exploring themes of sensibility and the complexities of social relationships in the period.[1]
Key Figures in the Narrative
The Harrington Family
Central to the plot are Thomas Harrington, a young man entangled in a forbidden romance, and his sister, Myra Harrington. Their father, Mr. Harrington, plays a pivotal role through his past actions and influence on the unfolding tragedy.
Harriot Fawcet
The object of Thomas's affection, Harriot Fawcet, is a complex character whose lineage becomes the source of the novel's central conflict. Her fate is deeply intertwined with the Harrington family's secrets.
Supporting Characters
Key figures like Jack Worthy, a friend who offers counsel to Thomas, and Mrs. Eliza Holmes, a confidante who reveals the family secret, drive the plot forward and highlight the themes of friendship, duty, and the consequences of hidden truths.
Narrative Arc and Tragedy
Initial Correspondence and Forbidden Desire
The novel commences with correspondence between Thomas Harrington and his friend Jack Worthy, establishing Thomas's infatuation with Harriot Fawcet. Despite initial resistance and Worthy's advice to pursue honorable courtship, Thomas's advances intensify. The narrative reveals a hidden family secret: Harriot is the illegitimate daughter resulting from an affair between Mr. Harrington and Maria Fawcet, making her Thomas and Myra's half-sister.
Revelation and Devastation
The revelation of this incestuous relationship, brought to light by Eliza Holmes, devastates Harriot and Thomas. The forbidden nature of their union renders their relationship untenable. Harriot succumbs to a grief-induced illness (tuberculosis), and Thomas, overwhelmed by despair following her death, takes his own life.
Historical and Social Context
Mirroring Real-World Scandals
A significant subplot directly mirrors a contemporary New England scandal involving Perez Morton, who seduced his sister-in-law, Fanny Apthorp. Apthorp's subsequent suicide, while Morton faced no legal repercussions, provided a thinly veiled basis for the novel's fictionalized events. This connection allowed contemporary readers to identify the real individuals behind the characters, adding a layer of social commentary and critique.[2][3]
Nationhood and Moral Education
Scholars interpret early American sentimental novels, including The Power of Sympathy, as allegorical reflections of the nation's development. The emphasis on moral education and the avoidance of seduction is seen by some as a model for the virtues deemed necessary for the new American republic.[9] However, alternative readings situate the novel within a broader global context, suggesting its themes of incest and miscegenation reflect the complex impacts of colonialism rather than solely the formation of American identity.[10]
Publication and Authorship
Initial Release and Attribution
Published anonymously by Isaiah Thomas in Boston on January 21, 1789, the novel initially garnered modest sales.[5][6] Due to the plot's resemblance to the Morton-Apthorp scandal, authorship was widely, though incorrectly, attributed to Sarah Wentworth Apthorp Morton. William Hill Brown's true authorship was not definitively established until 1894.[8]
Scholarly Interpretations
The Ambiguity of Sympathy
The novel's title highlights the central role of sympathy. However, scholarly analysis suggests that an excessive reliance on sentiment, or "over-sympathy," leads directly to the narrative's tragic outcomes. Thomas Harrington's suicide, for instance, is linked to his identification with Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther, found with his body.[11] This contrasts with characters like Jack Worthy, who embodies rational thinking and adherence to social norms. The narrative implies that a balance between sympathy and reason is crucial for societal integration and personal success.[11]
Didactic Intent vs. Taboo Subjects
The novel's preface explicitly states its intention to educate young women about the dangers of seduction and promote moral self-discipline.[12] However, critical discourse questions the effectiveness of this didactic purpose. Some scholars argue that the explicit discussion of taboo subjects like seduction and incest may have appealed more to readers' curiosity for sensationalism than their desire for moral instruction, potentially overshadowing the intended lesson.[12]
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "The Power Of Sympathy" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- For an extended discussion of the critical debate surrounding the claims to this title, see Cathy Davidson, Revolution and the Word (153รขยย156) and Carla Mulford's introduction to the 1996 Penguin edition of the text, among other sources.
- Walser, Richard. "Boston's Reception of the First American Novel". Early American Literature 17(1): 65รขยย74. p.ย 66.
- Walser, Richard. "Boston's Reception of the First American Novel". Early American Literature 17(1): 65รขยย74. p. 72.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice Regarding Content
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system for educational and informational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data, specifically the Wikipedia article on "The Power of Sympathy," and has been refined to align with an academic tone suitable for higher education students.
This is not a substitute for scholarly research or primary source analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, the information should be critically evaluated and supplemented with further academic research. The AI does not possess the interpretive capabilities of a human scholar and cannot provide definitive literary analysis.
The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content. Users are encouraged to consult original scholarly works and primary sources for comprehensive understanding.