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.
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1840s: A Pivotal Decade
- The 1840s significantly impacted US history, setting the stage for crucial events in the 1850s.
- This era witnessed figures like Frederick Douglass, postal reforms, and the rise of anti-slavery sentiment.
1850s Prominence
- The 1850s is a more prominent decade in American history than the 1840s due to key events.
- These include the Fugitive Slave Act, literary works like Moby Dick and Uncle Tom's Cabin, and rising tensions around slavery.
1850s Literary Bloom
- The flourishing of American literature in the 1850s can be attributed to several factors.
- These include the influence of newspapers, the relationship between Hawthorne and Melville, and the impact of print culture.