A Magnificent Catastrophe - Literary Analysis Essay

Introduction

The American politics have been largely shaped by two parties; the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have largely divided the nation into two factions where during elections these factions are significantly exhibited. A bruising election of 1800 is a notable example of the charge that the Democrats and Republican exhibit, especially in a presidential election. The aspect of history repeating itself can be concluded especially with American politics. Despite the startling things in history, it is intriguing how little man learns from it and how the failure to learn makes history repeat itself.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Review of the Plot

"A Magnificent Catastrophe" is the perfect book regarding the American history that provides a startling review of the 1800 elections. In this book, Edward Larson makes an effort to display the love gone sour between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, former allies in the American Revolution turned bitter rivals (Larson, 2007). Jefferson alongside James Madison founded the modern day Democratic Party challenging the sitting president John Adams who was a strong conservative Federalist which later came to be the Republican Party. In the book, Larson sets out to provide a bisection of the political landscape that existed between the Federalists and Democrats which in a significant way is similar to the modern lift.

According to Larson, a deepening ideological difference was the main reason that saw Jefferson and Adams had previously worked together to take different political and ideological directions (Larson, 2007). Adams and other Federalists opined that a strong central government with a powerful president was the only way to secure the nation and set it on the path to prosperity. In the Federalists' camp were extremists such as Alexander Hamilton who in his view opined that a strong executive with a life president and senators was the best direction to steer the country. On the other hand, according to Larson, Jefferson believed in natural law and was absolutely against authoritarianism.

According to Larson (2007), the 1800 presidential campaigns formed the first campaigns of their kind noting that Washington had "stumbled" on the presidency twice. Therefore, the book works to bring into focus the intense drama that would ensue between a sitting president and his vice president representing differing views. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton who would play pivotal roles in steering the political rivalry came into play with Burr outdoing Hamilton in securing New York's vote to the Democrats and the ultimate reward of running as the vice president behind Jefferson. Hamilton on his part continued meddling in national politics hoping to rally the Federalists behind Charles Pinckney, but his plot would later be discovered.

Larson explicitly brings into focus the sharp differences that the electioneering periods in America have always brought. In my opinion, Larson is successful in achieving his aim of showing the divisiveness of the American politics chronologically putting each detail in place in addition to provide juicy drama happening behind the scenes. It can be concluded that the author has been able to attract the attention of the America people on the political landscape of the country which they would not have questioned on their own.

Positive Aspects of the Book

Larson's book has numerous positive impacts. One of the things I find as positive is the step by step detailed description of the 1800 elections. In comparison to a class set up, the book provides fine-tuned information with regard to the rivalry that set the young democracy in motion. Furthermore, the author has helped understand the history of the two founding fathers laying a background of their political and personal life.

In many cases, history books do not delve much in the history of friendship and family. It is in fact through the book that I have realized Jefferson and Adams were close family friends with the Adams at one point taking in Jefferson with his two sons. Unlike in many history books where authors are straight forward in providing information about the political happenings at particular times in history, Larson is explicit about the information he is providing setting the stage for readers to understand the people they are reading about.

Another notable positive aspect of the book is the fact that it is a reflection of the modern-day political campaigns. The informative nature of the book, especially on the election chaos, can provide useful information especially aimed at finding lasting solutions in bringing to an end such chaos. It is worth noting that Larson provides a Notes page which is integral in assisting readers to gain the exact knowledge of the information sources used by Larson. In addition, there is significant use of photographs which proves paramount in creating mental pictures of the actual happenings. By providing quotes and writings from these famous personalities who are largely responsible for the midwifery of a young democracy, Larson succeeds in making readers step into the minds of these leaders.

Negative Aspects of the Book

Despite the in-depth analysis that Larson provides in his book there are several negative aspects that are imminent. First, the diction employed in the book proves rather challenging to understand making it difficult to follow the plot in the book. It is worth mentioning that the writing and speaking that the founding fathers used has greatly changed over time making the work considerably challenging to understand. Difficult diction makes the book boring to read despite the potential amount of knowledge that readers are bound to gain. Additionally, the fact that Larson paints campaign elections in a negative light is a negative aspect noting that it can be used to sanitize the many bad aspects of the modern day election campaigns.

Coverage of the Issue

In my opinion, Larson successfully covers the issue at hand adequately. In this book, Larson delves into detailed information of the factors and circumstances surrounding the hotly contested election. The vivid description of the events proves the immense knowledge that the author has regarding the topic. From the role of Alexander Hamilton in the elections to the coronation of Aaron Burr as a force to reckon with in New York, Larson effectively provides a concrete coverage of the election (Larson, 2007). Additionally, a clear portrayal of the propaganda, betrayal, slander, and scandalous acts revolving around American politics helps readers gain a better understanding of the system.

A Historical Perspective and Acquired Knowledge

A Magnificent Catastrophe can be argued as covering a historical perspective. Studies regarding historical perspectives are aimed at creating an understanding of a subject with regard to its beginning phases and how it has evolved over time. Most notably, the deteriorating relationship between Jefferson and his boss Adams is presented chronologically with a close link being created with the development of the two major political factions which have had a notable influence on the modern American political views.

Despite the book by Larson seeming wholesome to me in its coverage of American politics, there are certainly some aspects of the book I would want to be deducted. First, the use of jargon and old-time English does not augur well with the understanding of the powerful work thus using simpler and modern language would prove significant for the book. I feel that the book has added notable knowledge to me about the American political systems. First, it dawns on me that the political system in America has always been divided and will continue being divided unless the American population decides to take actions about it. Arguably, even with the changing of the names from Federalists and Republicans to Democrats and Republicans does not have a significant impact since the two-party system continues to reign in the national politics. A repeat of the Jefferson-Adam relationship turned sour has been seen in the once budding relationship between Clinton and Trump after their face off in the 2016 elections.

Recommendation for Reading

I would recommend individuals who are interested in American political history to read Larson's book. History teachers aiming at bringing out the best understanding of the development of the history of American politics would also be part of the targeted audience to read the book. Furthermore, people who have been continuously upset by the nature of presidential elections ought to read Larson's work to create an understanding of mean spirited, toxic, and divisive political climate that is continuously being created by American politics.

References

Larson, E. J. (2007). A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America's First Presidential Campaign. Simon & Schuster.