Question

In what sense is American Romanticism both derivative and original

Answer 1

American Romanticism is both derivative and original, drawing inspiration from European Romanticism while also incorporating unique American themes and perspectives.

Step-by-step explanation:

American Romanticism can be considered both derivative and original in different senses.

• On one hand, it is derivative because it drew inspiration from the Romantic movement in Europe, particularly in terms of emphasizing freedom of self-expression and the individual imagination. American authors, such as Whitman and Dickinson, incorporated these ideas into their works, making them derivative of the European Romantic tradition.
• On the other hand, American Romanticism is also original because it adapted and transformed the European Romantic ideals to reflect the unique American experience. American authors found inspiration in the American landscape, rejected Puritan morality, and incorporated American themes, such as the Abolitionist movement. This originality gave American Romanticism its distinct flavor.