Exploration of American Identity (original) (raw)

The history of American identity is like no other nation. The speed in which it has grown, from floundering British offshoot — to first world superpower — is both alarming and remarkable. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to understand what can be learned from the process of the individual, rather than the nation. Most of the discussion is focused on an Early American Literature, as the period in which America was establishing itself has the biggest impact on the individual, as one must procreate the myths, force identity into being, rather than immerse oneself easily in the culture and work of previous generations. The quintessence of the dissertation is to revolve around the guidance of the past, but to consider the future. The introduction takes a look at Myth, with the aid of Nietzschean philosophy, to establish exactly why Myth is so important to human reality and identity. The first chapter takes a closer look into the Emigrant experience, and the way in which one was theoretically able to ‘become American’. The second chapter utilises the knowledge and sagacity of Melville, and his then misunderstood epic Moby-Dick, arguing the possibilities of egalitarianism and the dangerous familiarity of democracy. The last chapter considers Melville’s implication on a modern identity.