- The "fallibility of the human mind" as described in the introduction is best illustrated by Wieland, who becomes a symbol for the American experiment
-People are prone to listen to any figure of authority who attempts to lead them, whether or not they are a force for good
-When the common men are left to choose their own paths they will inevitably follow any "voice" of leadership, even subverting their own character or morals
-Wieland, who was essentially a good man, was vulnerable because he had no higher authority to lead him; therefore, when a supposedly God-like or higher being gave him directions he immediately followed them, without questioning whether it was evil or good
-Like America, Wieland is at first a very idealistic character, but he is quickly brought down by the influence of one amoral individual
Theme: The novel Wieland critiques the American experiment of Republicanism by illustrating the fallibility of the human mind. Brown believes that common men are easily manipulated and rule by the people will fail as soon as an authoritative "voice" attempts to lead.
No comments:
Post a Comment