Introduction
In the late 19th century, as the United States was undergoing rapid social, political, and economic changes, two prominent American authors, Henry James and Mark Twain, embarked on a literary exploration of the American character. Their works, while often categorized under the umbrella of American realism, offer distinct and at times contrasting perspectives on what it means to be an American. This essay seeks to examine how James and Twain approached the subject of the American character, focusing on their commonalities and differences. It will explore their views on individualism, morality, social class, and the role of society in shaping the American character.
Individualism in the American Character
Henry James’s Perspective
Henry James, a notable figure in American literature, is known for his complex and psychologically intricate characters. His works often delve into the inner lives and emotional landscapes of his protagonists, and this approach influences his view of the American character.
James portrays individualism in the American character as a double-edged sword. In his novels, such as “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The American,” he presents protagonists like Isabel Archer and Christopher Newman who are independent, ambitious, and eager to assert their individuality. However, James also highlights the potential pitfalls of unchecked individualism, where characters can become isolated and disenchanted with their own pursuits. For instance, in “The Portrait of a Lady,” Isabel Archer’s quest for self-fulfillment leads to a sense of entrapment in her own choices.
Mark Twain’s Perspective
Mark Twain, on the other hand, offers a more unvarnished and satirical take on individualism in the American character. His most famous works, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” present characters like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer who epitomize the spirit of adventure and independence. Twain celebrates their resourcefulness, but he also portrays the darker side of individualism, particularly through characters like the con artist, the Duke, and the King.
In “Huckleberry Finn,” Huck’s internal moral struggle serves as a commentary on the American character’s ethical complexity. Twain illustrates how the forces of society and individualism often clash, with Huck ultimately choosing his conscience over societal norms. This decision highlights the struggle between individual freedom and the collective moral compass.
2: Morality and Ethics
Henry James’s Perspective
In the realm of morality and ethics, Henry James is known for his intricate exploration of the inner moral dilemmas faced by his characters. His approach to the American character involves a nuanced examination of ethical choices and their consequences.
James’s characters grapple with questions of morality in the context of society’s expectations. He often presents them with difficult choices, forcing readers to consider the ethical dimensions of their decisions. In “The Wings of the Dove,” for example, the character Kate Croy navigates a complex web of moral choices as she pursues her own desires and ambitions. James emphasizes the internal moral struggles of his characters, suggesting that the American character is deeply influenced by the clash between personal desires and societal norms.
Mark Twain’s Perspective
Mark Twain, in his works, takes a more straightforward and satirical approach to morality and ethics. He often uses humor and irony to highlight the flaws and contradictions in American society’s moral values.
Twain’s characters, particularly Huck Finn, serve as moral observers who question and challenge the prevailing ethical norms of their time. In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Huck’s journey down the Mississippi River exposes him to the moral hypocrisies of his society, including slavery. Twain’s portrayal of Huck’s moral awakening reflects his belief in the potential for individual conscience to transcend societal expectations. This approach underscores Twain’s view of the American character as one capable of moral growth and ethical introspection.
3: Social Class and Identity
Henry James’s Perspective
Social class and identity are recurring themes in Henry James’s works. He often delves into the complexities of class structure and how it shapes the American character.
James’s novels frequently depict the tension between old-world European aristocracy and the emerging American middle class. His characters, particularly those who travel between these worlds, struggle to find their place and identity. In “The American,” Christopher Newman’s ascent from modest beginnings to the upper echelons of French society highlights the fluidity of class boundaries. James suggests that the American character is marked by a unique ability to adapt to changing social structures, emphasizing the malleability of identity.
Mark Twain’s Perspective
Mark Twain, too, addresses social class in his works, but in a more direct and satirical manner. He often uses humor and irony to underscore the absurdities of class distinctions and the inherent flaws in the American pursuit of social status.
In “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Prince and the Pauper,” Twain’s characters engage in social role-play and explore the fluidity of identity. Tom and Huck’s adventures sometimes involve pretending to be people they are not, blurring the lines of class and identity. Twain highlights the artificiality of class distinctions and suggests that the American character can be both subversive and critical of social hierarchies.
4: Society’s Influence on the American Character
Henry James’s Perspective
Henry James is keenly aware of the influence of society on the American character. He often explores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, emphasizing the role of society in shaping one’s character.
In “The Portrait of a Lady,” James portrays a society that exerts pressure on Isabel Archer to conform to its expectations of a proper lady. Her choices and the subsequent consequences of those choices reveal the profound impact of societal norms on the American character. James presents society as a powerful force that can both liberate and constrain individuals, ultimately shaping their character.
Mark Twain’s Perspective
Mark Twain’s perspective on the influence of society is characterized by a more irreverent and critical stance. He often exposes the absurdities and hypocrisies of American society, highlighting the sometimes detrimental impact of societal norms on the individual.
In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Twain uses Huck’s journey to demonstrate how societal norms, particularly those related to racism and slavery, can be morally corrupt and damaging to the American character. Twain’s characters frequently rebel against societal expectations, challenging the status quo and reflecting the American character’s capacity for questioning and subversion.
Conclusion
In the late 19th century, Henry James and Mark Twain, two influential American authors, approached the subject of the American character from distinct yet complementary perspectives. James, with his psychological depth and nuanced exploration of individualism, morality, social class, and society’s influence, offered a more intricate and introspective examination. He presented characters who navigated the complexities of personal desires and societal expectations, illustrating the American character’s internal moral struggles and adaptability to changing social structures.
On the other hand, Mark Twain, known for his satirical and humorous style, took a more direct and critical approach to these themes. His characters, notably Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, served as moral observers who challenged prevailing societal norms and class distinctions. Twain emphasized the American character’s capacity for moral growth, ethical introspection, and subversion of societal hierarchies.
While James and Twain may have approached the subject of the American character differently, their works collectively offer a rich and multifaceted portrayal of the American experience. Through their novels, they invite readers to explore the complexities of individualism, morality, social class, and the influence of society on the American character, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be American.