William Apess (Day 2)

Respond to one of the following by Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m.

1.Sentimentalism was a aspect of popular culture that was becoming popular during the antebellum era in America. The rhetoric was used to spark sympathy, action, and reform. It spoke of feelings over thinking and passion over reason. How does Apess use such rhetoric in his narrative? With this in mind, identify and explain how another text from our course either departs from or stays in line with this notion? Finally, try to find an example from contemporary culture that attempts to embody the idea of sentimentalism.

2. As we discussed in class, Apess speaks at length about his religion and how it empowered him, yet he did so from a non-European perspective. How do you think William Apess used a bifocal vision (embodying two distinct and often conflicting goals, interests, or courses of action) to appeal to a broader audience? How does Apess use the combination of Methodism and Pequot culture to do this? How does this impact the reader?