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The Construction of American National Identity in Cooper's Spy, a Revolutionary Historical Novel

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  • Chai, Xiangnan

Abstract

As a pioneer of American national literature, James Cooper made national identity construction his life's mission. Set in the Revolutionary War, the novel Spy centres around the protagonist Harvey Birch, who travels through the neutral zone in the guise of a freighter to collect British intelligence. Birch travels through the neutral zone in the guise of a cargo man to obtain British intelligence, and is mistaken for a spy by the American army. But for the sake of his country, this truth will never be revealed. Cooper realises the construction of national identity in real historical events, and blends the beauty of harmony between man and nature. For Cooper, this work represents his first success in his entire literary career. At the same time, Spy became the seminal work of ethnic fiction in American literary history.

Suggested Citation

  • Chai, Xiangnan, 2025. "The Construction of American National Identity in Cooper's Spy, a Revolutionary Historical Novel," Journal of Literature and Arts Research, George Brown Press, vol. 2(1), pages 25-29.
    • Handle: RePEc:dbb:jlaraa:v:2:y:2025:i:1:p:25-29
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