Exploring "The Gilded Age": Howells' Commentary on American Society

Have you ever stumbled upon a book that resonates so well with the pulse of its time that it feels almost prophetic? For many, that book is William Dean Howells' "The Gilded Age." But why, you may wonder, is this 1865 novel dubbed "the great American novel"? Before we unpack that, let’s take a moment to set the scene of its time.

The novel springs to life during a fascinating period in American history. Following the Civil War, America found itself in the throes of the Industrial Revolution—a time of immense change, rapid progress, and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of chaos. With big industry booming, the contrasts between wealth and poverty, opportunity and exploitation, couldn’t have been more stark. Howells masterfully encapsulates this era in his work, bridging the gap between critique and appreciation of American society.

At its core, "The Gilded Age" doesn’t just chronicle events; it offers a razor-sharp commentary on social class, corruption, and moral ambiguity. The title itself is telling—gilded, as in something covered in a thin layer of gold, implies that beneath the shiny exterior of American prosperity lay deep-seated issues. Howells emphasizes not just the realities of wealth, but also the ethical dilemmas that came with it. You know what? This book makes you think long and hard about what success truly means.

Now, you might be thinking of other heavyweights of American literature that are often traded in the same breath, like Nathaniel Hawthorne’s "The Scarlet Letter," Mark Twain’s "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," or Herman Melville’s "Moby-Dick." While all are undeniably essential to the American literary canon, it's crucial to remember that they hail from different authors and eras. Howells carved his niche right there in the industrial landscape, offering a fresh outlook.

Let’s zoom in on the characters. They are as colorful as the society they mirror—shady politicians, struggling artists, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Each character represents broader themes of ambition and deception. Does that resonate with you? I mean, don’t we all have ambitions that sometimes stray into murky waters?

And let’s not skip over the tale of the infamous "Gilded Age" itself. It's about those dazzling fortunes amassed at the expense of laborers and the environment. Howells doesn’t shy away from illuminating the harsher truths behind America’s gilded surface. As you prepare for the American Literature CLEP exam, reflecting on these ideas can provide deeper insights into the narrative fabric of this great work.

You might also ponder how these themes connect to the American dream, which many still chase today. The distinction between the pursuit of happiness and the ethicality of the means taken to achieve it is a question we wrestle with in contemporary times. How fascinating is that? What was relevant back in the 19th century feels equally pertinent today.

Furthermore, if you're analyzing "The Gilded Age" through an academic lens, consider this: How does Howells compare to his contemporaries? For instance, think about how Twain’s humor contrasts with Howells’ more somber realism. Each author’s stylistic choices shape how we perceive their world, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives.

To sum it all up, as you delve into your studies for the American Literature CLEP exam, "The Gilded Age" should not just be a title on a list—you should actively engage with it. Reflect on its characters, its societal critiques, and its ongoing relevance. After all, Howells invites us to mirror our choices against those dilemmas, urging readers to reflect on what truly matters.

So, next time someone mentions "the great American novel," you can confidently say, "Let’s talk about Howells and the Gilded Age"—and leave them pondering the complex narratives that shape our society, both in the past and in our lives today.