The concept of travel is as old as mankind itself. In the very beginning, of course, travelling did not simply take place for enjoyment or education, but to satisfy basic needs such as food and shelter. When Man finally began to settle in certain areas, travelling still meant going shorter or longer distances to obtain food, water and other valuable items. First on foot, then through domestication mainly by horse, and finally, in many shapes and forms, by a seemingly endless possibility of modern transportation, with the invention of the steam engine all the way to 21st century solar and electricity-powered vehicles. Although, when talking about the nineteenth century, one could only rely on ocean liners running on steam and the locomotive in order to travel great distances. Such inventions enabled mankind not only to become much better organized and grow together in an economic way, but they also allowed the people to take journeys to far-away places and travel abroad as only dignitaries and statesmen could do. However, the concept of travel was no longer focused on obtaining supplies or being away on business, it now was able to unfold in many ways more. People travelled for pleasure, were anxious to meet and experience new things, get to know exotic cultures, manners and traditions. The single most important discovery that prompted such desire not just to explore, but later also to travel, is regarded by most experts as the beginning of the modern age: Christopher Columbus sets out to sea in order to find a new passage route to India. Instead, it was America he had discovered in early October 1492. That is how far back we can trace the so-called New World. New it was indeed to the many generations of explorers, conquerors and other interested visitors, mainly being of European origin in the centuries to come; from the Spanish Conquistadores in their quest for wealth and power, to the Pilgrim Fathers, experiencing religious persecution and in search of their City upon a Hill , a reference often used in a very similar way even 300 years later by the former actor and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
Table of Contents
A. The concept of travel – ranging from mankind’s first step into the Unknown to the transatlantic exchanges of the nineteenth century
B. Bunthorne in Boston and lilies in Leadville - the ‘Apostle of Aestheticism’ travels across the continent
C. ‘Mission accomplished’ or ‘Aesthetic abort’: the Irish Dandy sets sail for Liverpool
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines Oscar Wilde’s 1882 lecture tour of America, analyzing his experiences, interactions with the press, and the reception of his aesthetic philosophy by the American public. The research explores how Wilde served as a cultural mediator between the Old World and the New World during an era of significant transatlantic exchange.
- The historical context of nineteenth-century transatlantic travel and cultural exchange.
- The public reception of Oscar Wilde as the "Apostle of Aestheticism" and the role of the media.
- Analysis of specific tour highlights, including the lectures in Boston and Leadville.
- The ideological conflict between European aesthetic ideals and the pragmatic American frontier spirit.
Excerpt from the Book
A. The concept of travel – ranging from mankind’s first step into the Unknown to the transatlantic exchanges of the nineteenth century
The concept of travel is as old as mankind itself. In the very beginning, of course, travelling did not simply take place for enjoyment or education, but to satisfy basic needs such as food and shelter. When Man finally began to settle in certain areas, travelling still meant going shorter or longer distances to obtain food, water and other valuable items. First on foot, then through domestication mainly by horse, and finally, in many shapes and forms, by a seemingly endless possibility of modern transportation, with the invention of the steam engine all the way to 21st century solar and electricity-powered vehicles.
Although, when talking about the nineteenth century, one could only rely on ocean liners running on steam and the locomotive in order to travel great distances. Such inventions enabled mankind not only to become much better organized and grow together in an economic way, but they also allowed the people to take journeys to far-away places and travel abroad as only dignitaries and statesmen could do. However, the concept of travel was no longer focused on obtaining supplies or being away on business, it now was able to unfold in many ways more.
Chapter Summaries
A. The concept of travel – ranging from mankind’s first step into the Unknown to the transatlantic exchanges of the nineteenth century: This chapter contextualizes the history of human travel and the specific rise of nineteenth-century transatlantic exchanges, establishing the foundation for understanding Wilde's journey.
B. Bunthorne in Boston and lilies in Leadville - the ‘Apostle of Aestheticism’ travels across the continent: This section details Oscar Wilde's arrival in America, his challenges with the press, his meetings with prominent literary figures like Walt Whitman, and his lectures in diverse settings ranging from Boston to the mining town of Leadville.
C. ‘Mission accomplished’ or ‘Aesthetic abort’: the Irish Dandy sets sail for Liverpool: The final chapter evaluates the overall success of Wilde’s tour, reflecting on his own perceptions of the American experience and his final departure from the United States.
Keywords
Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, Transatlantic Exchange, Travel Writing, 19th Century America, Lectures, Cultural History, Bunthorne, Walt Whitman, Henry James, Leadville, Boston, Artistic Philosophy, New World, Old World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
This paper focuses on Oscar Wilde's 1882 tour of the United States, investigating how his aesthetic philosophy was received in America.
What are the central themes of the research?
The central themes include the history of travel, the role of cultural ambassadors, the clash between European aestheticism and American pragmatism, and the influence of the press on public perception.
What is the main objective of the study?
The objective is to analyze Wilde’s tour to determine whether his mission to "civilize" America with his aesthetic ideals was a success or a failure.
Which methodology is employed in this work?
The paper uses historical and literary analysis, drawing upon contemporary press accounts, letters, and biographical records of the period.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the logistical and ideological challenges of the tour, Wilde's specific interactions with American society, and his reflections on the American character.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The most relevant keywords include Oscar Wilde, Aestheticism, Transatlantic Exchange, and 19th Century America.
How did the miners in Leadville react to Wilde's lecture?
The miners showed unexpected interest and sympathy; they engaged with his stories, hosted a banquet in his honor, and even named a silver lode after him.
How was the meeting between Oscar Wilde and Henry James described?
The encounter between the two literary figures was strained and unsuccessful, described as a "clash of two Titans" that left both parties feeling insulted and unwilling to maintain contact.
What was the significance of the "Bunthorne" caricature?
The "Bunthorne" caricature, based on the opera Patience, served to both mock Wilde and paradoxically promote his tour, creating the first example of a modern public relations campaign around a literary celebrity.
- Quote paper
- Jerry Paramo (Author), 2008, Introducing the Dandy to the New World - Oscar Wilde visits America, January 2nd 1882 - December 27th 1882, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/192028
