“THE AGE OF REASON”American Literature during the

Enlightenment

Age of Reason Top 51. Long Live the Patriot2. Reason is greater than faith.3. Success is measured by hard work and

common sense.4. “God helps them who help themselves.”5. Rebellion against tyranny is necessary.

Party Like It’s 1699! The turn of the century saw a turn in the

ideals of Puritanical Colonial America. The “Witch Hunts” were over. Science and industry (hard work) became

more important than spirituality. The ideals of Deism became more

pervasive in society.

The Enlightenwha…? The Enlightenment in Colonial America

Term used to describe the intellectual culture in the Pre-Revolutionary colonies.

Took aspects of the scientific revolution of the late 17th century and applied it to human nature, society, and religion.

Political emphasis was liberty, democracy, republicanism, and religious tolerance.

Enlightenment also referred to as “The Age of Reason”

The Age of Reason Literary Forms of the Age of Reason• Newspapers/Pamphlets• Speeches• Government Documents• A little poetry• Biographies/Autobiographies• No Fiction

The Age of Reason Newspapers

First American newspaper was Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick

Boston, 1690 Printed one issue and was shut down after the

Massachusetts royal governor found it offensive

Boston News-Letter won his approval in 1704 Was careful not to offend authorities

The Age of Reason Speeches

Used to persuade movement towards revolt against England

Famous speech by Patrick Henry – Speech in the Virginia Convention - 1775

Denounced King George Urged independence “Give me liberty or give me death.”

The Age of Reason Thomas Paine

Published Common Sense in January 1776 Argued that Americans should fight for

independence Published The Rights of Man – 1791-1792

Support of the revolutionary cause in French Revolution

Imprisoned for speaking out against the execution of the overthrown French king

Wrote The Age of Reason while in prison – 1794

The Age of Reason Government Documents

Declaration of Independence - 1776 Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce -

1778 Treaty of Peace - 1782 The Constitution - 1787

The Age of Reason Poetry

Phillip Freneau Political writer, newspaper editor Wrote “A Political Litany” and “American Liberty” Anticipated the spirit of expansion

Phillis Wheatly The first African-American published poet Slave who was emancipated following the

popularity of her poetry Wrote “To His Excellency, George Washington”

The Age of Reason Biographies and Autobiographies

Most famous The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin – 1771

Written when he was 65 Wrote three more sections, but only brought

to account his life until 1759 Provided his opinions, advice, achievement,

and an understanding of his character

Benjamin Franklin - Author The only contributor to all four of the

documents that led to America’s independence

Wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack (1732 – 1757) Yearly publication Contained advice, information, observations

Benjamin Franklin - Inventor

Benjamin Franklin - Inventor

Bifocals Lightning Rod Odometer Fire Department Daylight Savings Time Glass Armonica

"Of all my inventions, the glass armonica has given me the greatest personal satisfaction."