The Minister's Wooing
Encyclopedia
The Minister's Wooing is a historical novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
, first published in 1859. Set in 18th-century New England
, the novel explores New England history, highlights the issue of slavery
, and critiques the Calvinist
theology in which Stowe was raised. Due to similarities in setting, comparisons are often drawn between this work and Nathaniel Hawthorne
's The Scarlet Letter
(1850). However, in contrast to Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter, The Minister's Wooing is a "sentimental
romance
"; its central plot revolves around courtship and marriage. Moreover, Stowe's exploration of the regional history of New England deals primarily with the domestic sphere, the New England response to slavery, and the psychological impact of the Calvinist doctrines of predestination
and disinterested benevolence.
With its intense focus upon the history, customs, and mannerisms of New England, The Minister's Wooing is one sense an example of the local color writing that proliferated in late 19th century. However, by highlighting the issue of slavery, this time in the north
, The Minister's Wooing also represents a continuation of Stowe's earlier anti-slavery
novels. Finally, the work serves as a critique of Calvinism, written from the perspective of an individual deeply familiar with the theological system. Stowe's father was the well-known Calvinist minister Lyman Beecher
, and Stowe based many aspects of the novel upon events in the lives of herself and her older sister Catharine's
life. Throughout the novel, Stowe portrays the reaction of different personality types to the pressures of Calvinist principles, illustrating in this manner what she perceives as Calvinism's strengths and weaknesses. In particular, responding to the untimely death of her sister's fiancé and the death of two of her own children, Stowe addresses the issue of predestination
, the idea that individuals were either "saved" or "damned," and only the elect would go to heaven.
in the Atlantic Monthly
from December 1858 to December 1859, and then published in book form first in England by Derby and Johnson, and then in the U.S, to guarantee British royalties
.
. Like the sailor James in the novel, he was unregenerate
at the time of his death. Stowe had first begun to reassess the Calvinist view of salvation
after watching her sister Catherine wrestle with the similar loss of an unregenerate fiancé in 1822, and her own son's death spurred further reflection. The grief and doubt experienced by both Harriet and her sister served as the genesis of the novel, and their experience finds its fullest expression in the character of Mrs. Marvyn.
Some readers, including Stowe's own grandson Lyman Beecher Stowe, proclaimed the book to be an assault on Calvinism
. Stowe did indeed question the establishment in which she had been raised, but it is evident from her journals that she was not seeking to launch a full attack. Indeed, she expressed a profound respect and admiration for both Calvinist theology and the individuals who grappled with its doctrines. Her stated intent was instead to point out certain flaws and to spread tolerance.
, but she sees that even though he is the grandson of Jonathan Edwards and has been raised in Calvinism
, he is mired in evil. James eventually returns from sea and Dr. Hopkins knows that he cannot compete with Mary's love for James. Hopkins calls off the marriage, and Mary and James are free to marry and live happily.
.” He struggles to maintain his spiritual independence and assert his spiritual authority against the wealthy members of his congregation who merely observe church rules instead of living Christian lives. Stowe based this character on her father Lyman Beecher
.
. Mary helps Virginie save her marriage and in return, Virginie helps bring Mary and James together. Virginie is a Roman Catholic and served to show the religious tolerance that Stowe had begun to embrace by this time in her life.
is Jonathan Edward’s grandson. Stowe uses him as an example of some of the ill effects of being raised in Calvinistic
fanaticism. Burr attempts to woo Mary as well as Virginie. Mary confronts him with his attempted adultery (pp. 362-363), and he withdraws. But this does not stop him from his "brilliant and unscrupulous political intrigues" and ultimate, total disgrace (p. 428). "Chased from society, pointed at everywhere by the finger of hatred, so accursed in common esteem... one seems to see in a doom so much above that of other men the power of an avenging Nemesis for sins beyond those of ordinary humanity." (p. 428, Hurst & Company edition)
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American abolitionist and author. Her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin was a depiction of life for African-Americans under slavery; it reached millions as a novel and play, and became influential in the United States and United Kingdom...
, first published in 1859. Set in 18th-century New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, the novel explores New England history, highlights the issue of slavery
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
, and critiques the Calvinist
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
theology in which Stowe was raised. Due to similarities in setting, comparisons are often drawn between this work and Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer.Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in 1804 in the city of Salem, Massachusetts to Nathaniel Hathorne and the former Elizabeth Clarke Manning. His ancestors include John Hathorne, a judge during the Salem Witch Trials...
's The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter is an 1850 romantic work of fiction in a historical setting, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is considered to be his magnum opus. Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston during the years 1642 to 1649, it tells the story of Hester Prynne, who conceives a daughter through an...
(1850). However, in contrast to Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter, The Minister's Wooing is a "sentimental
Sentimental novel
The sentimental novel or the novel of sensibility is an 18th century literary genre which celebrates the emotional and intellectual concepts of sentiment, sentimentalism, and sensibility...
romance
Romance novel
The romance novel is a literary genre developed in Western culture, mainly in English-speaking countries. Novels in this genre place their primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people, and must have an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending." Through the late...
"; its central plot revolves around courtship and marriage. Moreover, Stowe's exploration of the regional history of New England deals primarily with the domestic sphere, the New England response to slavery, and the psychological impact of the Calvinist doctrines of predestination
Predestination
Predestination, in theology is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted biblical predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation for others...
and disinterested benevolence.
With its intense focus upon the history, customs, and mannerisms of New England, The Minister's Wooing is one sense an example of the local color writing that proliferated in late 19th century. However, by highlighting the issue of slavery, this time in the north
Northern United States
Northern United States, also sometimes the North, may refer to:* A particular grouping of states or regions of the United States of America. The United States Census Bureau divides some of the northernmost United States into the Midwest Region and the Northeast Region...
, The Minister's Wooing also represents a continuation of Stowe's earlier anti-slavery
Abolitionism
Abolitionism is a movement to end slavery.In western Europe and the Americas abolitionism was a movement to end the slave trade and set slaves free. At the behest of Dominican priest Bartolomé de las Casas who was shocked at the treatment of natives in the New World, Spain enacted the first...
novels. Finally, the work serves as a critique of Calvinism, written from the perspective of an individual deeply familiar with the theological system. Stowe's father was the well-known Calvinist minister Lyman Beecher
Lyman Beecher
Lyman Beecher was a Presbyterian minister, American Temperance Society co-founder and leader, and the father of 13 children, many of whom were noted leaders, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Ward Beecher, Charles Beecher, Edward Beecher, Isabella Beecher Hooker, Catharine Beecher, and Thomas...
, and Stowe based many aspects of the novel upon events in the lives of herself and her older sister Catharine's
Catharine Beecher
Catharine Esther Beecher was an American educator known for her forthright opinions on women's education as well as her vehement support of the many benefits of the incorporation of kindergarten into children's education....
life. Throughout the novel, Stowe portrays the reaction of different personality types to the pressures of Calvinist principles, illustrating in this manner what she perceives as Calvinism's strengths and weaknesses. In particular, responding to the untimely death of her sister's fiancé and the death of two of her own children, Stowe addresses the issue of predestination
Predestination
Predestination, in theology is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God. John Calvin interpreted biblical predestination to mean that God willed eternal damnation for some people and salvation for others...
, the idea that individuals were either "saved" or "damned," and only the elect would go to heaven.
Publication History
The Minister's Wooing was first serializedSerial (literature)
In literature, a serial is a publishing format by which a single large work, most often a work of narrative fiction, is presented in contiguous installments—also known as numbers, parts, or fascicles—either issued as separate publications or appearing in sequential issues of a single periodical...
in the Atlantic Monthly
The Atlantic Monthly
The Atlantic is an American magazine founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1857. It was created as a literary and cultural commentary magazine. It quickly achieved a national reputation, which it held for more than a century. It was important for recognizing and publishing new writers and poets,...
from December 1858 to December 1859, and then published in book form first in England by Derby and Johnson, and then in the U.S, to guarantee British royalties
Royalties
Royalties are usage-based payments made by one party to another for the right to ongoing use of an asset, sometimes an intellectual property...
.
Genesis of the Novel
In 1857, Harriet Stowe's son Henry drowned in the Connecticut RiverConnecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
. Like the sailor James in the novel, he was unregenerate
Regeneration (theology)
Regeneration, while sometimes perceived to be a step in the Ordo salutis , is generally understood in Christian theology to be the objective work of God in a believer's life. Spiritually, it means that God brings Christians to new life from a previous state of subjection to the decay of death...
at the time of his death. Stowe had first begun to reassess the Calvinist view of salvation
Salvation
Within religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or...
after watching her sister Catherine wrestle with the similar loss of an unregenerate fiancé in 1822, and her own son's death spurred further reflection. The grief and doubt experienced by both Harriet and her sister served as the genesis of the novel, and their experience finds its fullest expression in the character of Mrs. Marvyn.
Some readers, including Stowe's own grandson Lyman Beecher Stowe, proclaimed the book to be an assault on Calvinism
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
. Stowe did indeed question the establishment in which she had been raised, but it is evident from her journals that she was not seeking to launch a full attack. Indeed, she expressed a profound respect and admiration for both Calvinist theology and the individuals who grappled with its doctrines. Her stated intent was instead to point out certain flaws and to spread tolerance.
Synopsis
The story is set in New England in a town called Newport. Dr. Hopkins is a 40-year-old minister. Mary is the daughter of his hostess in town, and Hopkins soon falls in love with Mary. Mary is unable to return his affections because she is still in love with James Marvyn, a sailor presumed lost at sea. Mary is a very religious and saintly girl, so after a period of mourning, she decides that she will marry Dr. Hopkins. Mary has other suitors, including Aaron BurrAaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
, but she sees that even though he is the grandson of Jonathan Edwards and has been raised in Calvinism
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
, he is mired in evil. James eventually returns from sea and Dr. Hopkins knows that he cannot compete with Mary's love for James. Hopkins calls off the marriage, and Mary and James are free to marry and live happily.
Minister Samuel Hopkins
An apostle of Jonathan Edwards’s “New DivinityNew Divinity
The New Divinity is a system of Christian theology that was very prominent in New England in the late 18th century...
.” He struggles to maintain his spiritual independence and assert his spiritual authority against the wealthy members of his congregation who merely observe church rules instead of living Christian lives. Stowe based this character on her father Lyman Beecher
Lyman Beecher
Lyman Beecher was a Presbyterian minister, American Temperance Society co-founder and leader, and the father of 13 children, many of whom were noted leaders, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Ward Beecher, Charles Beecher, Edward Beecher, Isabella Beecher Hooker, Catharine Beecher, and Thomas...
.
Mary Scudder
The object of the wooing. Mary has given her heart to a seaman who has been lost in a shipwreck and presumed dead. She is a typical Stowe heroine, resigned to her sorrow and bearing her grief as atonement for her sins and those of her lost seaman.James Marvyn
Mary’s lost love. He is a seaman who is believed to be dead. Both Mary and his mother agonize over his fate and his salvation. He was not a Christian and therefore according to traditional Calvinist theology irrevocably damned. He eventually returns to Mary, having survived the shipwreck, as not only a Christian but also as a wealthy man.Mrs. Marvyn
James’s mother. She finds herself angry with a God who would have ordained the death of her unsaved son. Her despair is only lifted with the help of Mary and her free, black servant Candace who convince her that God is love.Candace
Mary Scudder’s free, black servant. Candace’s displays of integrity and love toward Mrs. Marvyn speak very highly of her character. Mary treats Candace more as a friend and confidant than a servant.Virginie de Frontenac
The wife of a French diplomat who falls in love with Aaron BurrAaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
. Mary helps Virginie save her marriage and in return, Virginie helps bring Mary and James together. Virginie is a Roman Catholic and served to show the religious tolerance that Stowe had begun to embrace by this time in her life.
Aaron Burr
Based on the real-life Vice President of the United States, BurrAaron Burr
Aaron Burr, Jr. was an important political figure in the early history of the United States of America. After serving as a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War, Burr became a successful lawyer and politician...
is Jonathan Edward’s grandson. Stowe uses him as an example of some of the ill effects of being raised in Calvinistic
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
fanaticism. Burr attempts to woo Mary as well as Virginie. Mary confronts him with his attempted adultery (pp. 362-363), and he withdraws. But this does not stop him from his "brilliant and unscrupulous political intrigues" and ultimate, total disgrace (p. 428). "Chased from society, pointed at everywhere by the finger of hatred, so accursed in common esteem... one seems to see in a doom so much above that of other men the power of an avenging Nemesis for sins beyond those of ordinary humanity." (p. 428, Hurst & Company edition)
Miss Prissy Diamond
The town dressmaker and busy body. After James returns to town, Mary still feels it is her duty to marry Minister Hopkins. Miss Prissy takes it upon herself to tell the minister where his future bride’s heart truly lies. Minister Hopkins knows that Miss Prissy is right and Mary should be with the man that she loves, so he calls off the wedding.External links
- The Minister's Wooing - Google Books, full text, 1867 edition. An early review of the book.