The Anti Hero In The American Novel
Introduction
The American novel has been a reflection of American society, culture, and values. One of the most prominent and interesting characters that emerged in the American novel is the anti-hero. The anti-hero is a character who lacks conventional heroic qualities such as courage, moral fortitude, and idealism. Instead, the anti-hero has flawed and often ambiguous characteristics that make them more interesting and relatable to readers. In this article, we will explore the anti-hero in the American novel and its evolution over time.
Origins of the Anti-hero
The origins of the anti-hero can be traced back to the Romantic movement in literature in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Romantics rejected the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and science and instead focused on emotion, intuition, and imagination. One of the key features of Romanticism was the emphasis on individualism and the rejection of traditional social norms and values. This rejection of traditional values led to the emergence of the anti-hero in literature.
One of the earliest examples of the anti-hero in American literature is Huckleberry Finn from Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Huckleberry Finn is not a conventional hero; he is uneducated, impulsive, and often makes morally questionable decisions. However, he is also honest, loyal, and has a strong moral compass. Huckleberry Finn's characterization as an anti-hero reflects the changing social and cultural values in America during the late 19th century.
The Anti-hero in the 20th Century
The 20th century saw a significant evolution in the characterization of the anti-hero in American literature. The anti-hero became more complex, nuanced, and morally ambiguous. One of the most prominent anti-heroes of the 20th century is Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye. Holden Caulfield is a teenage boy who has been expelled from his prep school and is struggling to find his place in the world. He is cynical, disillusioned, and often behaves in a self-destructive manner. However, he is also vulnerable, sensitive, and has a strong sense of empathy for others.
Another significant anti-hero of the 20th century is Randle McMurphy from Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. McMurphy is a rebellious patient in a mental institution who challenges the authority of the hospital staff. He is charismatic, manipulative, and often engages in risky behavior. However, he is also a symbol of resistance against oppressive institutions and represents the power of individualism.
The Anti-hero in Contemporary Literature
Contemporary American literature continues to feature the anti-hero as a prominent and popular character type. However, the anti-hero in contemporary literature has undergone further changes and evolution. The contemporary anti-hero is even more complex, morally ambiguous, and often represents the darker aspects of human nature.
One of the most popular contemporary anti-heroes is Walter White from the television series Breaking Bad. Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking and selling methamphetamine to provide for his family after being diagnosed with cancer. He is ruthless, manipulative, and often engages in violent behavior. However, he is also a sympathetic character who struggles with his own morality and the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
The anti-hero in the American novel has undergone significant changes and evolution over time. From its origins in the Romantic movement to its current popularity in contemporary literature and popular culture, the anti-hero has become a complex and fascinating character type that reflects the changing social and cultural values of American society. The anti-hero's flawed and ambiguous characteristics make them more relatable and interesting to readers, and they continue to be a prominent and popular character type in American literature and popular culture.