Nathaniel Hawthorne as Political Philosopher

Revolutionary Principles Domesticated and Personalized

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Nathaniel Hawthorne as Political Philosopher by John E. Alvis, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John E. Alvis ISBN: 9781351503822
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 28, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: John E. Alvis
ISBN: 9781351503822
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 28, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Using the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne as a case study, John E. Alvis shows that a novelist can be a political philosopher. He demonstrates that much of Hawthorne's works are rooted in the American political tradition. Once we view his writings in connection with the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, we grasp that what Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had stated explicitly, Hawthorne's fiction conveys dramatically. With examples drawn from Hawthorne's shorter works, as well as acknowledged classics, such as The Scarlet Letter, John E. Alvis shows that Hawthorne's characters bear something sacred in their generic humanity, yet are subject to moral judgment. He conveys reciprocity between obligations regulating individual relations and the responsibilities of individuals to their community.From America's founding proclamations in the Declaration of Independence we take a sense of national aspirations for a political order that conforms to laws of nature and nature's God. From this higher law emerge the principles enumerated in that revolutionary document. Are these principles confined to the political, or do they reach into the experience of citizens to inform conduct? Do they include family, local community, and individual face-to-face relations with neighbors and strangers? Can one make a distinct way of life by fidelity to such standards as higher law, equality, liberty, natural rights, and consent?This study is distinguished from other writings on Hawthorne in its largely positive focus on America. Alvis characterizes Hawthorne as a rational patriot who endorses America's new terms for human association. This fascinating study provides new insights into the mind of one of the greatest American writers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Using the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne as a case study, John E. Alvis shows that a novelist can be a political philosopher. He demonstrates that much of Hawthorne's works are rooted in the American political tradition. Once we view his writings in connection with the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, we grasp that what Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had stated explicitly, Hawthorne's fiction conveys dramatically. With examples drawn from Hawthorne's shorter works, as well as acknowledged classics, such as The Scarlet Letter, John E. Alvis shows that Hawthorne's characters bear something sacred in their generic humanity, yet are subject to moral judgment. He conveys reciprocity between obligations regulating individual relations and the responsibilities of individuals to their community.From America's founding proclamations in the Declaration of Independence we take a sense of national aspirations for a political order that conforms to laws of nature and nature's God. From this higher law emerge the principles enumerated in that revolutionary document. Are these principles confined to the political, or do they reach into the experience of citizens to inform conduct? Do they include family, local community, and individual face-to-face relations with neighbors and strangers? Can one make a distinct way of life by fidelity to such standards as higher law, equality, liberty, natural rights, and consent?This study is distinguished from other writings on Hawthorne in its largely positive focus on America. Alvis characterizes Hawthorne as a rational patriot who endorses America's new terms for human association. This fascinating study provides new insights into the mind of one of the greatest American writers.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Having To (Routledge Revivals) by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Diversity, Conflict, and Leadership by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Mediating Science Learning through Information and Communications Technology by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Age Matters by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book From Clinic to Concentration Camp by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Beyond Coercion by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book The World-Making Power of New Media by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Implementing Response-to-Intervention to Address the Needs of English-Language Learners by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Secret Flotillas by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Mohammed by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Women of the Humiliati by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Gender, Migration and the Media by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Sport and Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World by John E. Alvis
Cover of the book Food and Wine Festivals and Events Around the World by John E. Alvis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy