Why Charles Brockden Brown Remains Obscure in American Classic Literature

Charles Brockden Brown, a pivotal figure in early American Gothic literature, often goes unnoticed when discussing classic American authors like James Fenimore Cooper or Nathaniel Hawthorne. Despite his significant influence on later writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville, Brown's works are not as widely known or revered. This article will explore the reasons behind this obscurity and how Gothic horror elements might revive an interest in his works.

Charles Brockden Brown and the Gothic Tradition

Brown's writing, particularly his novels Wieland, Ormond, Arthur Mervyn, and Edgar Huntly, are often seen as pioneering works within the American Gothic tradition. Yet, these novels, despite their unsettling and intense emotional content, are frequently plagued by inconsistencies, poorly developed characters, and an awkward, formal style of writing. This combination of intensity and rawness in his works can be explained by the sheer speed at which he wrote them. Brown was known to churn out a novel almost every six months for nearly two years, with titles such as Wieland and Ormond. While this productivity could be seen as a mark of a prolific writer, it often meant that the novels suffered in terms of quality.

The Writing Style and Content of Charles Brockden Brown

Brown's novels, although they contain elements of Gothic horror, are often described as "cracked casks of fine wine." They are rich in psychological depth, tapping into fears and terrors that are reminiscent of the works of Edgar Allan Poe, who later admired Brown. However, while the themes and emotions of Brown's works are potent, the writing style is often described as stiff and awkward. The plots, while filled with dramatic intensity, are often clunky and lacking in coherence. For instance, in his novel Edgar Huntly, Brown forgets entire plot lines, using an awkward coda to attempt to patch things up.

The Legacy of Charles Brockden Brown

Despite these shortcomings, it is undeniable that Brown's works have had a significant influence on American literature. Writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe were all influenced by Brown's innovative storytelling and dark, gothic themes. Hawthorne, in particular, praised Brown's psychological intensity, but also criticized his rigid, formal style. Hawthorne himself is often considered one of the greatest American writers, and his works, such as The Scarlet Letter, are renowned for their profound psychological insight and poetic beauty.

James Fenimore Cooper and the American Frontier

James Fenimore Cooper, a contemporary of Brown, created the iconic American woodsman character, Natty Bumppo, in his series of novels, which often featured tales of the American frontier. Cooper's feeling for the American landscape and the natural world was awe-inspiring, and his writing style was more fluid and engaging compared to Brown's. For instance, in novels like The Deerslayer and The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper's ability to animate the wilderness and the characters who inhabit it is evident. Cooper's works are widely celebrated for their romantic and adventurous themes, but they lack the psychological complexity that often distinguishes Brown's writings.

Revisiting Charles Brockden Brown: The Potential of Gothic Horror

The potential to revive an interest in Charles Brockden Brown lies in the genre of Gothic horror. Although his works are sometimes considered raw and incomplete, they possess a unique power that could be celebrated. The themes of madness, cults, religious obsession, and supernatural elements in his novels are similar to those that later inspired Poe and other gothic writers. By revisiting his works through the lens of Gothic horror, contemporary readers might find a new appreciation for his contributions to American literature. This could also draw parallels to the works of Poe and other gothic authors, providing a fresh perspective on Brown's legacy.

In conclusion, while Charles Brockden Brown may not be as widely known as James Fenimore Cooper or Nathaniel Hawthorne, his significance in American literature is undeniable. By exploring the elements of Gothic horror within his works and celebrating his unique contributions to the genre, we might better appreciate the importance of his place in American literary history.