Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

omantic style also appealed to Irving’s love for history. One author writes, “American romantics have
traditionally sought to move out of time altogether and into some sort of space. Time means history, and
history means “traces of men” and society, which is precisely what interested and stimulated Irving.”
(Brodwin, 41). These words illuminate the crucial fact that Irving’s love of his fellow humans motivated his
writing. Since the romantic style possessed this link to society as well as to the emotions it suited Irving’s
character. Sometimes, however, his engagement in the romantic tradition led to a condemnation of his
writings as ephemeral. This was especially the case with A Tour on the Prairies. While it made possible and
partly legitimized the accusations of shallowness, Irving’s romanticism did not negate his ability to think and
articulate.
Despite his romantic style Irving possessed a keen intellect that earned respect for both him and his
writings. A contemporary review stated, “Mr. Irving writes well because he thinks well, because his ideas
are just, clear, and definite. He knows what he wants to say, and expresses it distinctly and intelligibly,
because he so apprehends it.” (Everett, Vol. 4.88). Another scholar concurs, “[Irving] contrived, with
singular skill and effect to intermingle with his burlesque narrative, the most profound reflections…and to
speak out, from behind his mask, not a few harsh and unpalatable truths.” (Hedges, 65). Such views of
Irving are more consistent with a man whose favorite authors were Spenser and Chaucer, who enjoyed the
company of intelligent men such as Andrew Jackson, Thomas Cooper, and Edward Everett, and who
possessed a deep understanding of the importance of tradition to society. (Bryant, 6). The accusations of
shallowness fail to reflect Irving’s abilities and his accomplishments that reveal an intelligent and thoughtful
man, as well as a participant in the romantic style. Irving used both his sentimental style and his intellectual
ability to weave his stories about the frontier into delightful yet deep commentaries on the meaning of
freedom in the American Tradition.
Fellow Humans, Fellow Americans: Irving’s View of the American Indian
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