| Abstrakt: |
The article from Early American Literature explores the novel "Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself" by Robert Montgomery Bird, focusing on the protagonist's ability to inhabit multiple bodies and the confusion that arises from this metempsychosis. Bird uses Lee's transformations into various characters to examine the complexities of political representation and the challenges faced by elected officials embodying diverse constituencies. The text delves into the historical context of character writing, connecting it to the political discourse of the early American republic, and highlights the limitations and potentials of confusion in democratic representation. Through a nuanced analysis of confusion, Bird navigates the personal and public implications of identity, representation, and emancipation, offering a critical perspective on the multifaceted nature of democratic politics in the 19th century. [Extracted from the article] |
