Conversations with Tyler
Hollis Robbins on 19th Century Life and Literature
Aug 28, 2019
Hollis Robbins, Dean at Sonoma State University and a leading expert in 19th-century literature, shares her insights on a transformative era for America. She delves into why the 1840s were pivotal for social and political changes, emphasizing the influential works of authors like Harriet Beecher Stowe. Robbins also tackles the representations of slavery in modern media, and discusses how innovations like prepaid postage democratized communication. Her thoughts on reparations and the role of teachers in education add further depth to the conversation.
50:23
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Quick takeaways
- The 1840s were pivotal in shaping American history, influencing societal changes, literature, and abolitionist movements leading up to the Civil War.
- Modern films like '12 Years a Slave' and 'Django Unchained' spark debates about the portrayal of slavery and its historical accuracy.
Deep dives
The Impact of the 1840s on American History
The 1840s were a transformative decade in American history that laid essential groundwork for the subsequent years. Significant events such as the life of Frederick Douglass, postal reforms, and the awareness of slavery's impending end characterized this period. The discovery of gold in 1848 and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War further reshaped the nation’s landscape, influencing societal and infrastructural development. This decade also set the stage for literary advancements that emerged more prominently in the following decade, which were informed by these earlier developments.
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