Popular Periodicals and Rhetoric & Composition Textbooks in the Nineteenth Century: A Cultural Conversation on Composing Oneself.

In 19th century America, talk of manners and morals as integral components of American character filled a significant space in public discourse. Lessons on how to compose oneself properly and models of appropriate behavior abounded in the form of essays, stories, poetry, editorials, and travel literature. This conversation on character influenced the way in which writing was taught. The titles, model essays, assignment language, and subject lists of 19th century composition and rhetoric textbooks illustrate how scholars tried to meet social concerns as well as academic requirements by combining the discourse of principles, drills and exercises with the discourse of self-composition. Attention to the moral agenda of these textbooks positions today's composition scholars to read them as more than evidence of classical rhetoric in decline; they can begin to see these books as participants in a dialogic interaction between a variety of 19th century concerns. A review of the assignments in these textbooks and examples of model essays included in these books shows the deep societal commitment to helping young people to comport themselves as well-behaving, morally disciplined citizens. A review of some of the periodicals of the time illustrates similar moral concerns. (Contains an appendix of 19th century cultural artifacts, excerpts from textbooks and periodicals, and 10 references.) (TB)