Transmuting Gothic Literature: The Vision of Charles Brockden Brown
The mythical philosopher's stone, sought by alchemists for its miraculous ability to transform lead into gold, has a fascinating connection to Philadelphia's early history. Johannes Kelpius, a mystic from Transylvania, reputedly possessed this stone before his death in 1708. To prevent it from falling into unworthy hands, he allegedly ordered a friend to cast it into the depths of the Wissahickon Creek or the Schuylkill River, depending on varying accounts. This character, often reminiscent of gothic novel heroes, is painted as an apocalyptic wizard thought to dwell in a cave, wielding the exceptional ability to turn darkness into light.
The Emergence of American Literature: "Wieland" and its Cultural Significance
Fast forward to the close of the 18th century, Charles Brockden Brown introduces an analogous narrative through his 1798 novel, Wieland; or, The Transformation: An American Tale, frequently hailed as the first novel published on American soil. The story opens with a religious enthusiast who experiences spontaneous combustion during worship near the Schuylkill, an event that embodies the kind of occult experimentation prevalent in Brown's time. The fiery destruction of the temple serves as a metaphor for Brown's critique of European literature, suggesting a yearning for a distinctly American voice free from the trappings of "puerile superstition."
Brown's dissatisfaction with traditional European gothic narratives is evident as he works to establish a new literary framework grounded in American realities. He openly criticizes European authors for their adherence to outdated themes and settings. Instead, he crafted a narrative intertwining scientific rationality with supernatural events, where the immolation of the temple foreshadows the author’s desire to shed European influences.
Gothic Tropes and American Identity
Wieland may bear the hallmarks of gothic literature, but it operates within a uniquely American context. It's populated by eccentric sects like the Ephrata Community and Kelpius's enigmatic society, emphasizing both the diversity and contradictions inherent in early American life. The narrative includes references to somnambulism, ventriloquism, and spontaneous combustion, all contributing to the overarching theme of rationality clashing with the irrational aspects of human nature and American identity.
Brown's characters often embody this tension. Take Wieland himself, whose descent into madness and violence is invoked by external forces, only to be rationalized through the lens of manipulation by a ventriloquist. In his pursuit of a distinctly American narrative, Brown reflects on the ideological clashes between Enlightenment thought and the romantic impulses embedded in American culture.
Enduring Influence and Legacy
Though Brown achieved a modicum of recognition during his lifetime, particularly praised by contemporaries like Edgar Allan Poe, the passage of time has somewhat obscured his contributions. By 1808, he had become the first American novelist translated into a foreign language, and a small group of literary insiders appreciated his role in shaping American literature. Yet, his stature hasn't matched later literary figures like Washington Irving or Nathaniel Hawthorne, leading to a curious sense of historical oversight.
Despite this, Brown's works, such as Wieland and its follow-up, Edgar Huntly; or, Memoirs of a Sleep-walker, continue to captivate scholars and readers alike. Recent adaptations, including a 2024 film based on Wieland and Sara Sligar’s upcoming novel Vantage Point, which modernizes his themes through the lens of contemporary technology, indicate a resurgence in interest. His exploration of national identity, intertwining raw human emotion with inexplicable supernatural occurrences, resonates with many core aspects of American life.
Examining the American Paradox
In Edgar Huntly, Brown delves deeper into the psychological and cultural complexities of America. The protagonist embarks on a dark journey through the wilderness that evolves from a conventional narrative into a psychedelic, violent exploration of identity. The titular character, a sleepwalker, grapples with his actions in a deeply divided nation, mirroring broader themes of violence and trauma embedded in the American narrative.
This story reveals a critical reflection on America as a site marked by both enlightenment ideals and brutal historical realities. Brown, far from being a mere literary nationalist, candidly probes the contradictions of American culture, illustrating our relationship with reason and the irrationality that lurks beneath. His decision to send a copy of Wieland to Thomas Jefferson—as a gesture of goodwill—lends further insight into Brown’s aspirations and the challenges he faced in gaining recognition from the very political figures shaping the nation.
The Evolving Discourse of American Literature
While Charles Brockden Brown may not occupy a prominent place in contemporary discussions of American literature, his works remain a crucial part of the literary canon, shedding light on the formative periods of American identity. His ability to marry gothic themes with the complexities of living in a new republic prompts readers to confront the ghosts of our past, offering insights into the ongoing narrative of American literature and its potential to shed light on our national psyche.
As we reflect on Brown's contributions, there's a compelling urge to revisit his narratives, not only for their historical context but also for their capacity to illuminate the contradictions inherent in the American story—a story that continues to unfold today.
Ed Simon, a Public Humanities Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University, brings reassurance through his writings that echo the depth and complexity of our nation’s literary heritage. His works remind us of the essential narratives that flourish within the American fabric, capable of inciting discussion and introspection in generations to come.