Susan Howe, a prominent figure in the Language Poets movement alongside Charles Bernstein and Ron Silliman, has crafted a body of work that challenges traditional editorial constraints and syntax conventions. Her poetry collections and critical essays advocate for liberated expression, resisting the conventions that stifle creative and spiritual growth. Howe's book, The Birth-mark: unsettling the wilderness in American literary history, furthers this discourse, questioning the role of editorial control in shaping cultural narratives.

The Essence of Antinomianism

In Howe's view, antinomianism—a term traditionally linked with religious dissent—captures the paradoxical and rebellious spirit of American literature. Her examination begins with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birth-mark,” drawing parallels between Aylmer’s fixation on erasing his wife’s mark and the historical silencing of unconventional voices, like Anne Hutchinson. This theme of stifling individuality is central to Howe's exploration of the editorial practices that have historically constrained female writers and prophets.

Uncovering Historical Disruptions

Howe's research delves into original manuscripts and facsimile editions, revealing how editorial interventions have distorted early American texts. Her investigation spotlights figures such as Thomas Shepard, a key player in the antinomian controversy, and Mary Rowlandson, whose captivity narrative was reshaped by editorial biases. By drawing attention to lesser-discussed figures like Elizabeth Hawthorne and Mary Dyer, Howe highlights how antinomianism was often feminized and subsequently marginalized.

A Feminist Perspective in Literary Criticism

Howe’s work extends beyond feminist critique, offering a more inclusive view of American literary history than conventional studies. Her critique of F. O. Matthiessen’s American Renaissance underscores how adherence to scholarly norms in the mid-20th century excluded influential female writers like Margaret Fuller and Emily Dickinson. Howe scrutinizes how these norms also affected the portrayal of the Civil War and personal enthusiasms in literature, as seen in Matthiessen’s reluctance to openly discuss his admiration for Whitman’s more controversial themes.

Integration of Diverse Influences

Through extensive research, Howe illustrates how scholarly tendencies to sideline female voices and spiritual issues have shaped the American literary canon. For Howe, elements such as home, politics, and spirituality are inseparable and crucial to understanding literature. She raises questions about the perceived imperfections in characters like Billy Budd and Georgiana, linking these to broader themes of societal control.

The Intriguing "Stutter" of American Literature

Howe is intrigued by what she describes as the "stutter" in American literature—a manifestation of uncertainty and suppressed expression. This recurring theme is evident in the writings of figures like Thomas Shepard, who recorded religious conversions in a manner that both adhered to and defied traditional gender roles. His work reveals a complex interaction between personal testimony and societal expectations.

Captivity Narratives and Puritanical Challenges

The paradoxes within Mary Rowlandson’s narrative, such as her conflicting views of her captor, reflect the tension between lived experience and imposed narratives. Similarly, Anne Bradstreet’s poetry challenged Puritan norms simply by existing, with her work published by a relative without her consent. These narratives illustrate the persistent struggle against imposed authority, a central theme in Howe’s examination.

Antinomianism Across Literary Styles

Howe identifies stylistic continuities between Mather, Hawthorne, and Melville, noting their blending of history, fiction, and drama. Hawthorne’s works often reference antinomianism, and Melville’s thorough engagement with such themes is evident in his annotated readings. Emily Dickinson's choice to reject publication reflects a deliberate resistance to standardization, further emphasizing the enduring relevance of antinomian ideas.

A Unique Methodological Approach

In The Birth-mark, Howe's approach is unconventional, amassing instances of antinomianism without overt narrative connections, relying instead on thematic links. Her selective use of fragments challenges readers to draw their own conclusions, avoiding prescriptive interpretations. This method reflects her commitment to resisting the very editorial impositions she critiques.

Concluding Insights

Despite its complexity, Howe's work provides profound insights into American literary history. Her arguments, though intricate, reveal the systemic biases and editorial influences that have shaped literary expression. Through her exploration of antinomianism, Howe invites readers to reconsider the forces that have historically defined the literary landscape.

Source for Further Study

The Times Literary Supplement. December 3, 1993, p.12.