d) “The Power of Sympathy”

“The Power of Sympathy” by William Hill Brown, published in 1789, is considered the first American novel. This epistolary novel explores themes of love and virtue and is notable for its insight into 18th-century American society. It reflects the moral and philosophical concerns of the post-Revolutionary era and represents a significant step in the development of American literature. The novel’s focus on personal morality and human emotion illustrates the evolving American identity and cultural landscape following independence.