What is Agrarianism?

Agrarianism is a belief that the best way to live is by farming the land and living in rural areas.

It values agriculture and small-scale farming over industrialization and urbanization, promoting a sense of community and self-sufficiency.

It is often associated with traditional values, focusing on family and living a simple and sustainable life in harmony with the land.

Core Philosophy and Scholarly Views

Scholars suggest that agrarianism shapes ideal social values by emphasizing specific hierarchies:

• Rural Superiority: The belief that rural society is superior to urban society.

• The Independent Farmer: Viewing the independent farmer as superior to the paid worker.

• Simplicity vs. Complexity: Stressing the superiority of a simpler rural life as opposed to the complexity of city life.

The Southern Agrarians

The Southern Agrarians were a group of twelve American writers, poets, and intellectuals who advocated for a return to traditional values in the early 20th century.

A. Time Period and Context

The movement emerged in the late 1920s and early 1930s. During this time, the American South was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, shifting away from its traditional agrarian roots.

B. The Manifesto: "I'll Take My Stand"

In 1930, the group published "I'll Take My Stand: The South and the Agrarian Tradition". This collection of essays served as a critique of industrialization and a call to preserve Southern agrarian life.

C. Anti-Industrial Stance

Based at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, the group:

• Rejected the "northern urban" commercial values dominant in America.

• Advocated for a return to the land and traditions found in the South.

Key Figures of the Movement

The group, also known as the "Twelve Southerners," included:

John Crowe Ransom: A poet and critic who wrote "Reconstructed but Unregenerate." He was a leader in the New Criticism school.

Allen Tate: A poet and essayist known for "Ode to the Confederate Dead," he focused on the cultural and religious identity of the South.

Robert Penn Warren: The youngest member and author of "All the King's Men." He contributed the essay "The Briar Patch."

Other members included Donald Davidson, Andrew Nelson Lytle, John Donald Wade, and Frank Lawrence Owsley.

Evolution from The Fugitives

The Agrarians evolved from a literary discussion group known as the "Fugitives" or "Fugitive Poets."

• Literary Focus: The Fugitives were dedicated to high-quality craftsmanship in poetry and developing a distinct Southern voice.

• Vanderbilt Connection: Most members were connected to Vanderbilt University as students or faculty.

• Alternative Names: They were also known as the "Nashville Agrarians," "Tennessee Agrarians," or "Fugitive Agrarians."

Summary of Key Fugitive-Agrarians:

Donald Davidson: Central historian and critic for both groups.

Merrill Moore: A psychiatrist and poet famous for his prolific sonnets.

John Crowe Ransom: The intellectual leader of the Fugitives.