Summary
The collection Letters from an American Farmer by Michel-Guillaume Jean de Crèvecur, written in the late 18th century, addresses the contrast between European decadence and the potential for societal renewal in America. Crèvecur's essays reflect his yearning for a simpler, harmonious life in the wilderness and his observations on American society. While he highlights the promise of the New World, he also acknowledges its shortcomings and complexities.
Envisioning a New Society
In 1759, as Voltaire’s Candide circulated, Crèvecur was busy establishing his own version of paradise on the Pennsylvania frontier. Like Voltaire’s protagonist, he had witnessed too many of civilization’s dark sides and longed for the serenity of rural life. For nearly two decades, he enjoyed this peace until the American Revolution disrupted his tranquil existence.
The essays in Letters from an American Farmer emerge from the pen of someone unfamiliar with writing. Yet, the first letter clearly sets the stage: European civilization's decay makes the American frontier a beacon of hope for human regeneration. Crèvecur contrasts the desolation of ancient European ruins with the vibrant new communities forming in America, where settlers transform vast forests into arable fields, creating provinces founded on simple living and political balance. He likens his mind to "a Tabula rasa," eager to inscribe a fresh society and an ideal existence onto the American landscape. Although he is often seen as a romantic with Lockean influences, Crèvecur remains grounded enough to recognize that realities are not always ideal. His work is a raw, at times eloquent, effort to assert that the ideal life advocated by Rousseau is achievable.
A Humble Approach to Writing
Crèvecur approaches his writing with humility, admitting his struggles with English, which he learned at sixteen. He pledges to write as he speaks, though his style often lacks the ease of conversation. Only occasionally does his conviction ignite a spark of eloquence, suggesting the challenge faced by a man of feelings not finesse.
A Glimpse of Rural Idyllic Life
The imagery Crèvecur paints may seem overly quaint by modern standards. He describes scenes of familial bliss, with his child playing nearby and his wife admiring the fields, while birds chirp melodiously overhead. Despite the idyllic tone, these reflections are drawn from his real experiences living at the edge of wilderness, far removed from the comforts of New England society. Unlike Thoreau’s retreat at Walden Pond, Crèvecur’s life was one of responsibility, cultivating land and ensuring sustenance for his family and any wanderers who came to his door. His deep sense of social duty and pride in its fulfillment set him apart from the more solitary philosopher.
Defining the American Identity
The third essay, "What Is an American?" attracted the interest of luminaries like Benjamin Franklin and the Enlightenment Europeans with its observations: America was not a land of oppressive aristocracy and impoverished masses. Instead, it offered a more balanced society free from the entrenched hierarchies of Europe. Although Crèvecur’s account was optimistic, he did not suggest that perfection had been attained. He acknowledges that as one moves west, religious influence wanes, potentially leading to societal strife. Nevertheless, he takes solace in the relative lack of religious conflict in America compared to Europe.
Challenges and Successes in the New World
Crèvecur acknowledges that success in America is reserved for the diligent and honest, as illustrated in "History of Andrew, the Hebridean," a narrative echoing the rags-to-riches tales of Horatio Alger. This story of a Scotsman who prospers through hard work exemplifies the potential of the New World, although Franklin warned that Crèvecur’s portrayal was perhaps overly rosy.
Nature’s Influence
Nature imagery permeates Crèvecur’s...
(This entire section contains 1006 words.)
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work, symbolizing the freedom and beauty European settlers might find in America. He describes his fascination with hummingbirds, recounts regretfully shooting a kingbird to protect bees, and details nurturing quail during winter. His interest extends even to insects, as he keeps a hornet’s nest in his home. His storytelling, particularly about the dangers posed by snakes, reveals a gripping narrative ability.
Reflecting on Coastal Communities
Beyond the agricultural heartland, Crèvecur praises the industrious and steady life of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. These communities, thriving in what would be mere fishing villages in Europe, prospered through ingenuity and enterprise. Nantucket’s whaling fleet, born from a single boat, reached as far as the South Seas, and Martha’s Vineyard became a training ground for sailors along the East Coast. Crèvecur’s vivid accounts of the whaling life showcase his detailed observations and narrative skill.
Imperfections Amidst Idealism
Despite the virtues he saw, not everything was perfect. Nantucket, while admirable, was not without its flaws: the Quakers maintained strict customs and language use, prohibiting music and dancing. Crèvecur heard rumors of opium use among women, prompting his reflection on society’s inherent imperfections.
Confronting Social Corruption
Crèvecur's harshest critique is reserved for the city he names Charles-Town, characterized by its excess and opulence. Within this glittering facade lies the brutal reality of slavery, a practice he finds abhorrent. He recounts a harrowing encounter with a punished slave, questioning the morality of such suffering and the existence of a guiding moral force.
Finding Hope in Compassion
While despairing over societal ills, Crèvecur finds redemption in the example of William Bartram, a Quaker botanist who treats his black workers with dignity, integrating them into his community and worship. His compassionate actions offer a glimpse of hope in an otherwise troubled society.
A Closing Note of Tragedy
The collection concludes on a somber note, marked by the turmoil of the impending revolution. Caught between loyalties, Crèvecur contemplates fleeing to live among Indigenous peoples—a plan never realized. In a twist of fate, his idyllic vision of colonial life is shattered, yet his ultimate desire is to immerse himself further in nature. Despite its imperfections, Letters from an American Farmer remains a profound exploration of frontier life and its impact on the American spirit.