Two main writing ideas emerged in America during the Civil War. Although they were in many ways opposite, there are some commonalities. Romanticism believed in abstract stories and real-life stories. Realism, however, believes that the more meaningful experiences from real-life events are more important. Both literary perspectives were meant to communicate what they believed to be “social justice” and to educate the public.
Thoreau’s Walden convinces readers that simplicity is the key to seeing beauty in life. Thoreau says that “an honest man does not need to count more then his ten fingers” (Thoreau). Thoreau’s sentence implies that honesty should not be a requirement for daily living. Thoreau mocks the “honest man” who thinks it is necessary to lie. Thoreau believes that it is unnecessary to have a complex life if you don’t take advantage and are honest with all people. Ten fingers can be enough to keep track of everything. Thoreau also points out that the modern world is filled with useless information and unnecessary communications that can distract from useful and honest information. Thoreau writes, “If you’re familiar with the principle, then what are you going to do about the myriad of applications?” Thoreau is implying that understanding the details of an event is sufficient to comprehend any real cases. Thoreau wants to make it clear that knowing the details of current events is not necessary if they don’t help us understand the world. Walden embraces Romanticism in that it also includes the concept simplicity. Walden’s Romanticism rejects the complexity of our society and favors a simpler one. Because the text is connected to the true life experiences Fredrick Douglass had of slavery it is a good example of realistic realism. Fredrick Dougs, the author of this excerpt, connects it to the real-time events, which are the independence days in 1852. He suggests that while the United States government claims it seeks justice and liberty, it simultaneously oppresses and exploits black Americans. Douglass stated, “The sun that brought you life and healing, has bought stripes for me.” He explains that, while white Americans can celebrate their liberation from British government and they are free to celebrate, black citizens cannot celebrate the freedom of “sunlight”. They have been subjected to pain and restrictions. Douglass also points out the unfair side of America: the idea that “all people are born equal” is not true for black citizens. Douglass said that “I do not belong within the pall of glory anniversary!” He was referring to all persons of color (Douglass). Fourth of July is a day for justice and liberty for whites, but not to be celebrated by colored citizens. He refers to the American situation of black citizens, where they were not given freedom or good living conditions. The big celebration of liberty Americans won from the British government was not open to black citizens.
It is clear that Realism and Romanticism have very different approaches to social justice when compared with the views of Douglass and Thoreau. Romanticism was developed in the US before Realism. However, both literary perspectives were closely related to the period of Civil War. Realism and Romanticism developed in order to improve the lives and society largely affected the American war. Both Walden and Douglass believed that the current society must be transformed to make it better, simpler, simpler, and more equal. This is what they called “justice”.
