Sarah Churchwell, a Professor of American Literature, and Karen Joy Fowler, a bestselling author, dive into the legacies of the American Civil War and their echoes in today's polarized society. They discuss how historical narratives shape modern identity and political controversies. Key topics include the cultural impact of 'Gone with the Wind' and the complexities of generational attitudes towards slavery. The conversation urges a confrontation with historical truths to address current sociopolitical challenges, emphasizing hope in overcoming divisions.
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insights INSIGHT
Current US Turmoil Mirrors Civil War Era
The overturning of Roe v. Wade and the January 6th attacks are landmark moments in US history.
These events mirror the Dred Scott decision and Fugitive Slave Law, respectively, foreshadowing potential legal chaos and political division.
insights INSIGHT
Civil War Parallels in Modern Politics
Trump's election highlighted the historical through-line from the Civil War to contemporary politics.
The intense division and animosity between political factions today mirror the climate of the Civil War era.
insights INSIGHT
Gone With the Wind and American Innocence
Gone With the Wind reflects America's desire to maintain its innocence by downplaying the horrors of slavery.
The novel's popularity reveals a yearning for a simplified, consoling narrative of the past.
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In *The Wrath to Come*, Sarah Churchwell examines the cultural and historical context of *Gone with the Wind*, highlighting its racist portrayals and the broader societal implications. The book draws parallels between the novel's themes and contemporary American issues, including the rise of fascism and the January 6th Capitol riot. Churchwell critiques the romanticization of the past in American culture, emphasizing the need for a truthful reckoning with history.
Black Reconstruction in America
An Essay Toward a History of the Part Which Black Folk Played in the Attempt to Reconstruct Democracy in America, 1860–1880
Mack H. Jones
W.E.B. Du Bois
This book challenges the traditional academic views of the Reconstruction era, particularly those of the Dunning School, by highlighting the significant roles and agency of African Americans during this period. Du Bois argues that the actions of freed slaves and black workers were crucial in the Civil War and the subsequent attempt to reconstruct American society. He also examines the efforts of the elite planter class to retain control and the division among the Southern working class along racial lines, which ultimately led to the disfranchisement of many blacks and poor whites[1][3][5].
Gone with the Wind
Margaret Mitchell
Published in 1936, 'Gone with the Wind' is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the complexities of human passions during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The story revolves around Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled and manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia, as she navigates through heartbreak, ambition, and survival. The novel vividly depicts the dramatic changes and social upheaval of the time, featuring a cast of unforgettable characters including Rhett Butler, Melanie Hamilton, and Ashley Wilkes. It is a sweeping narrative filled with intricate character relationships, emotional depth, and a striking commentary on resilience in the face of adversity.
Booth
Karen Joy Fowler
Booth by Karen Joy Fowler is a historical novel that delves into the lives of the Booth family, particularly the siblings of John Wilkes Booth, against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The story explores themes of family, ambition, grief, and resilience as the Booths navigate their rise to fame in the theatrical world amidst the turmoil of the time. The novel provides a vivid portrayal of a country in flux and the complex relationships within the Booth family.
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How can history and literature help us make sense of the current turmoil we encounter in the world? We're joined by two US writers whose work is helping readers rethink their understanding of the American Civil War period and drawing new links with the polarised politics of the present day. Sarah Churchwell is author of The Wrath to Come, an analysis of the history and legacy of Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel Gone With the Wind. She is also Professor of American Literature and Chair of Public Understanding of the Humanities at the School of Advanced Study at University of London. Karen Joy Fowler is the New York Times bestselling author, whose latest novel is Booth, focusing on the story of John Wilkes Booth, the man who would eventually assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Host of today's discussion is Intelligence Squared's Conor Boyle.
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