3 Review(s)

In Why a National Literature Cannot Flourish in the United States of North America, Joseph Rocchietti presents a critical examination of the challenges preventing the development of a distinct American literary tradition. The author argues that the nation's political and social structure, along with its reliance on European models of culture, stifles the emergence of a truly native literature. Rocchietti examines the impact of the American experience on its cultural output, suggesting that the country's lack of a unified historical narrative and its focus on pragmatic concerns have led to a dearth of literary innovation.Rocchietti's work also critiques the influence of European standards, which, he believes, overshadowed the natural growth of an indigenous American style. The essay reflects on the intellectual struggles of the early 19th century, contending that the United States, despite its great potential, lacks the necessary conditions for a unique and flourishing national literature. His views offer a historical perspective on the challenges faced by early American writers in seeking cultural independence.