The Age of ReasonThe Revolutionary Period in American Literature

1750-1800

Background: The Age of ReasonBy the mid to late 1700’s, the Puritan

influence began to waneTime of American EnlightenmentMaterialists not idealistsReality is perceived by sensesGod is not present all the timeSelf-Determinism!Desire to improve life for everyone

The Focus on “Reason”Definition: The Age of Reason is a

movement that was marked by emphasis on rationality rather than tradition, scientific inquiry rather than unquestioning religious dogma, and representative government instead of monarchy.

What’s the Context?

People come from Europe to American colonies

Colonies were NOT HAPPY with situation

Troubles with British Rule

Defending coloniesStamp Act of 1765Boston Tea Party in 1773Declaration of Independence in 1776British Surrendered on October 19,

1781

Characteristics

Patriotism growsInstills prideCreate a

common agreement about issues

American character

How does this Influence Literature?

Nonfiction is far more influential than fiction

Most important pieces of literature:SpeechesPolitical DocumentsPamphlets

Major Literature and Authors of the Time

Literature

The Declaration of Independence

Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention

Thomas Paine’s The Crisis

The Federalist Papers Works of Benjamin

Franklin

Authors

Thomas Jefferson Patrick Henry Thomas Paine Benjamin Franklin Any “Founding

Fathers”

Who is Benjamin Franklin?

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790 Born in Boston in1706 No formal education Became a printer's

apprentice in his brother's print shop

Wrote under “Silence Dogood”

At 17 moved to Philadelphia Bought and revitalized The

Philadelphia Gazette

Political Career

Spokesman for colonies before war Member of 2nd Continental Congress Enlisted support of French during

Revolutionary war Helped negotiate The Treaty of Paris Helped draft Declaration of Independence Present of commonwealth of PA Helped draft constitution

Contributions

Franklin’s Writing Career Purpose: to be clear and persuasive Goals as a journalist: fought for human

rights, freedom of the press Significant works: The Autobiography,

Poor Richard’s Almanac Style: Sophisticated language, moralizing

tone, humor Characters: “Slience Dogood”, “Poor

Richard,” and Franklin himself

Poor Richard’s Almanac

Almanac contained practical information

Bestseller Annual publication from 1732-1757 Moral messages while entertaining Best known for use of:

Maxim: A SHORT saying with a serious moral lesson

Aphorism: A SHORT saying with a humorous moral lesson

The Autobiography Wrote the first section in

1771 at age 65 Only goes from early life to

year 1759 Filled with opinions and

advice Record of achievement and

character First great American success

story

“IF YOU WOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN, AS SOON AS

YOU ARE DEAD AND ROTTEN, EITHER WRITE THINGS

WORTHY OF READING, OR DO THINGS WORTH THE

READING.

Franklin and the American Dream

Self-made Self-taught Generous Ingenious Thrifty

Self-deprecating Good-humored Hard working Helpful Confident And of

course…..HUMBLE

Final Thoughts: Dwight Vs. Franklin