Navigating nineteenth century novels : linking historical and literary perspectives to explore the influence of dime novels in nineteenth century America

Abstract, Navigating nineteenth century novels : linking historical and literary perspectives to explore the influence of dime novels in nineteenth century America. To set the context, this study will compare what has been written about three layers of literary output in nineteenth century America, and examine what can be learned about the class, race, gender, and culture of the intended readers. The three layers are identified by David Reynolds in Beneath the American Renaissance. Firstly, there was "classic" literature of the American Renaissance writers, secondly, a "genteel sentimental-domestic genre," and thirdly, the "sensational literature" that grew with the rise of the penny press. In order to set the scene, this study examines briefly the rise of the American novel, looks at some contemporary reviews, and as Cathy Davidson suggests in Revolution and the Word does a "careful appraisal of those moments in which literature is written." It also examines the different sectors of society at the time - the interpretive communities, in other words, the reading audience. At the same time, the study will link the arenas of cultural historian and literary critic, by examining what can be learned from a more in depth look at sensational literature, more specifically the dime novel genre. Research into these three areas of literature reveals that much has been written about the "classic" and the "sentimental" genres, but the 'sensational" literature has been less well documented. In fact, as Shelley Streeby writes in American Sensations, "Although important work on sensational popular cultures has been published in the last two decades, the relative critical neglect of sensational literature...has contributed to an amnesia about the connections among working-class culture, popular culture, and imperialism in nineteenth-century U.S. history." This seems surprising, as it is interesting to note that by 1849, Edward Zane Carroll Judson, a.k.a. Ned Buntline, who first introduced us to the adventures of Buffalo Bill Cody, had become America's highest paid writer. This relative neglect and amnesia about sensational literature begs further exploration. Therefore the purpose of this study is to show that by examining, as Streeby defines it, the "low culture, comprising story-paper fiction and dime novels," a more complete understanding of the class, race, gender, and culture of the intended readers in nineteenth century America should be rendered. White working class members, certain immigrants, soldiers, women, and children were some of the dime novel's biggest customers. Why? Was it pure escapism or something more? What was considered good reading, and by whom? Ultimately, it should be possible to interpret this literature to discover what can be learned about history, and the culture and psyche of nineteenth century America. The dime novel has much adolescent appeal, and historical characters, such as Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane, for example, will bring colorful highlights to the lesson plan. Firstly, a study of dime novel covers, posters, and photos of the authors will provide a visual research experience, which will be followed by a comparison of excerpted works from the three literary layers. A writing activity based on The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West From 1840-1900 by Candy Moulton, will provide the students with a hands-on feel for the time period. Participation in a role-playing game will wrap up the unit, as students identify with the different audiences, publishers, authors, and characters.