Published in 1789, 'The Power of Sympathy' holds a pivotal place in American literary history as the nation's inaugural novel. Its release marked a significant step in the development of a distinct American literary tradition, moving beyond mere imitation of European models. Coming just six years after the Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War, the novel reflected the nascent republic's anxieties about social order, individual morality, and the establishment of a virtuous citizenry. Its innovative blend of sentimentalism with cautionary tales about seduction and forbidden love captivated readers, laying groundwork for future American fiction and offering a window into late 18th-century cultural mores.
What it is
The novel is presented in an epistolary format, a popular style of the era, consisting of letters exchanged between various characters. It primarily tells the tragic tale of Harrington, a young man who falls in love with the virtuous Harriot, only to discover through a shocking revelation that they are half-siblings. This incestuous twist, coupled with another subplot involving the seduction of a young woman named Myra by a married man, serves as a cautionary exploration of illicit passions and their devastating consequences. Brown utilized these intertwined narratives to deliver moral lessons on the dangers of unchecked emotion, the importance of filial piety, and the corrupting influence of European vices, framing it as a guide for young Americans navigating a complex moral landscape.
How it came to be
William Hill Brown, then a young Bostonian, wrote 'The Power of Sympathy' anonymously, a common practice for authors of novels due to lingering prejudices against fiction. Literary historians suggest Brown was influenced by contemporary British sentimental novels by authors like Samuel Richardson and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's epistolary works, adapting their conventions to an American setting. The book's controversial plot, rumored to be based on a contemporary Boston scandal involving Perez Morton and his sister-in-law Frances Apthorp, undoubtedly fueled its creation and early reception. This blend of sensationalism with didactic intent reflects the challenges of establishing a moral yet engaging literary form in a nation still defining its cultural identity.
How many it sold
Precise sales figures for 'The Power of Sympathy' are difficult to ascertain given the limited publishing records of the late 18th century. However, it is estimated that the initial print run by [Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews] in Boston likely ranged between 1,000 to 2,000 copies. While seemingly modest by modern standards, this was a respectable number for a new American novel at the time, particularly one tackling such delicate themes. Its circulation would have extended through booksellers in major East Coast cities and through subscription lists. The novel's controversial nature and discussion of contemporary society ensured its presence in public discourse, even if not every copy translated directly to a personal purchase, suggesting a significant reach for its era.
Why it resonated
'The Power of Sympathy' resonated deeply with its contemporary audience primarily due to its engagement with prevailing moral anxieties and its sentimental appeal. In a young nation striving to establish a virtuous republican society, the novel served as a didactic tool, warning against the pitfalls of seduction, illicit love, and the abandonment of moral principles. Its sensational themes, including the shocking revelation of incest, tapped into public fascination with scandal, while its emotional intensity provided the cathartic experience sought by readers of sentimental literature. The thinly veiled allusions to real-life Boston scandals further amplified its intrigue, making it a topic of widespread debate and solidifying its place in the cultural conversation of the early Republic.
Impact today
Today, 'The Power of Sympathy' remains a cornerstone of American literary studies, primarily for its distinction as the first American novel. Its legacy lies in its pioneering role, demonstrating the nascent nation's capacity to produce its own fiction and offering invaluable insights into late 18th-century American societal values, moral concerns, and the emerging literary tastes. Scholars continue to analyze its intricate plot, epistolary structure, and didactic elements, using it to trace the development of sentimentalism, the domestic novel, and the cautionary tale in American literature. The novel's exploration of themes like moral virtue, female vulnerability, and the search for identity continue to be relevant in understanding the foundational narratives of the United States.
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