The Power of Sympathy (1789) is a novel by American author William
Hill Brown. Considered the first American novel, The Power of Sympathy
is a work of sentimental fiction which explores the lessons of the
Enlightenment on the virtues of rational thought. A story of forbidden
romance, seduction, and incest, Brown's novel is based on the real-life
scandal of Perez Morton and Fanny Apthorp, a New England brother- and
sister-in-law who struck up an affair that ended in suicide and infamy.
Inspired by their tragedy, and hoping to write a novel which captured
the need for rational education in the newly formed United States of
America, Brown wrote and published The Power of Sympathy anonymously
in Boston. The novel, narrated in a series of letters, is the story of
Thomas Harrington. He falls for the local beauty Harriot Fawcet,
initially hoping to make her his mistress. But when she rejects him, his
friend Jack Worthy suggests that he attempt to court and then propose to
her, which is the honorable and lawful choice. Thomas' overly
sentimental mind is persuaded by Jack's unflinching reason, and so he
decides to pursue Harriot once more. This time, he is successful, and
the two eventually become engaged, but their happiness soon fades when
Mrs. Eliza Holmes, a family friend of the Harringtons, reveals the true
nature of Harriot's identity. As the secrets of Mr. Harrington--Thomas'
father--are revealed, the couple are forced to choose between the morals
and laws of society and the passionate love they share. The Power of
Sympathy is a moving work of tragedy and romance with a pointed message
about the need for education in the recently founded United States.
Despite borrowing from the British and European traditions of
sentimental fiction and the epistolary novel, Brown's work is a
distinctly American masterpiece worthy of our continued respect and
attention. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset
manuscript, this edition of William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy
is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
