Rogers, 10 things

1. Anne Hutchinson’s secret radicalism/feminism
Anne Hutchinson’s plight shows that feminism was circulating even in early America and this changed my perspective that every woman regarded herself as property in the early days
2. Early American Communism
I was unaware that early American society was so socialist in nature- the entire community banded together and not just in prayer.
3. Myths as they sustain American identity
I have never recognized the prevalence of myths in American culture- they are woven into the fabric of our history
4. Slavery a bane for not only slaves but also slaveholders
I never before looked on the slave-owners as being pitiable, but have come to understand that when you enslave someone else your own soul in turn becomes enslaved and you lose your humanity when you deny someone else’s right to freedom.
5. Return to Puritan evangelicalism in the 1830s
I see progression as moving away from evangelical religious ideas. The second great awakening snuck up on me and it’s interesting to see that progressive thought wasn’t as rampant as I believed.

1. Jeremiads vs. American exceptionalism
Authors were producing Jeremiads by the handful but there was still an innate belief in American Exceptionalism and how we know the best way of doing things and are not subject to universal standards.
2. Tragedy in the common man- John Proctor, “The Crucible”
It was interesting to see the perpetuation of tragedy as seen in the common man, for example John Proctor is manipulated by one young girl.
3. Poe’s life in death and death in life (Masque of the red death)
I was somewhat aware of Poe’s preoccupation with death, as everyone is, however after reading Masque of the Red Death the alternate perspective of death in life was made clear.
4. Herman Melville’s anti- Romanticism
I never thought of Melville as an “Anti -Romantic”, but the innately hostile landscape (world as hell), the inhospitable and untenable human communities make it clear that that is exactly what he is
5. Narrative vs. Incidents
I would never have previously been able to distinguish between a Frederick Douglas’ and Harriet Jacobs’ works but now I understand the idea of a proactive voice vs. a passive one.