What did the archetype of the devil usually symbolize in the American romantic literature
The greed, cruelty and dishonesty of society
The religious beliefs and fears of Puritan society
The romantics fascination with the supernatural
The society's beliefs about heaven and hell

Verified Answer :

It represented the greed,cruelty and dishonesty of society.

Answer:

A). The greed, cruelty and dishonesty of society.

Explanation:

American Romantic literature too diverted its attention towards the emotions, liberty, and individualism along with admiration to nature. As per the question, the archetype of the devil in American Romantic Literature would symbolize 'greed, cruelty, and honesty of society' as it paid emphasis to nature over progress, individual over authority, and imagination over reason. The movement emerged during the Civil War and therefore, the devil for the romanticists would be the avarice, brutality, and dishonesty of people. Thus, option A is the correct answer.