The Power of Sympathy

The Power of Sympathy (1789) is the first American novel by William Hill Brown. It is a sentimental fiction work that explores the lessons of the Enlightenment on the virtues of rational thought. The novel is based on the real-life scandal of Perez Morton and Fanny Apthorp and is narrated in a series of letters. Thomas Harrington falls for Harriot Fawcet, but their happiness fades when Mrs. Eliza Holmes reveals her true identity. The couple are forced to choose between the morals and laws of society and the passionate love they share. This edition of the novel is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Power of Sympathy (1789) is a novel by American author William Hill Brown, widely regarded as the first American novel. It is a work of sentimental fiction that delves into the lessons of the Enlightenment regarding the virtues of rational thought. Set against the backdrop of a forbidden romance, seduction, and incest, the novel is based on the real-life scandal of Perez Morton and Fanny Apthorp, a brother-and-sister-in-law from New England who embarked on an affair that tragically ended in suicide and infamy.

Inspired by their tragic story and driven by a desire to address the need for rational education in the newly formed United States of America, Brown penned and anonymously published The Power of Sympathy in Boston. The novel, presented through a series of letters, revolves around the character of Thomas Harrington. Initially, he falls in love with the local beauty Harriot Fawcet, intending to keep her as his mistress. However, when she rejects him, his friend Jack Worthy advises him to pursue her and propose marriage, which is considered an honorable and lawful choice. Thomas, influenced by Jack's unwavering rationality, decides to give Harriot another chance. This time, his persistence pays off, and the two eventually become engaged. However, their happiness is short-lived when Mrs. Eliza Holmes, a family friend of the Harringtons, reveals Harriot's true identity. As the secrets of Thomas's father, Mr. Harrington, are unveiled, the couple is faced with a difficult decision: whether to adhere to the morals and laws of society or to follow their passionate love.

The Power of Sympathy is a poignant and powerful work of tragedy and romance that carries a profound message about the importance of education in the early years of the United States. While it draws inspiration from British and European traditions of sentimental fiction and the epistolary novel, Brown's work stands out as a unique and groundbreaking exploration of human emotions and societal norms. Through its tragic narrative and thoughtful exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations, The Power of Sympathy continues to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135885