The Age of ReasonIntroduction American Enlightenment

Benjamin FranklinThe Autobiography

Closely related to the Revolutionary Period

Focus on:The founding of the American nationDevelopment of distinct American character

and philosophyWriting

Mostly by men closely associated with the American Enlightenment

Borrowed ideas from a Turkish physician

Illogical according to current beliefs/values

Cotton Mather moved to promote inoculation

Moved to make decisions based on rational thought

Interpretation based on “gods providence”

Devout religious beliefs“Let us look upon sin

as the cause of sickness.”

Inoculation would violate, “the all-wise Providence of God Almighty.”

Faith

Opposite qualities of the American character often existed side by side.

Practical approach to social change and scientific research was a necessity in America.

Americans were forced, by circumstance, to become tinkerers:Farmers without tools were like scientists who

had few books.Americans were forced to learn from experience

The belief that we can arrive at truth by using our reason rather than by relying on the authority of the past, on religious faith, or on intuition.

The emergence of modern science and the scientific method had much to do with this new emphasis on reason and free inquiry.

The relationship to God and religion was not abandoned.

Sir Isaac Newton Saw God as a clockmaker

Created the perfect mechanism of the universe and left his creation (man) to run on its own.

Gods gift to humanityReason: The ability to think in an ordered, logical

manner.

All human beings were born with an innate ethical sense, and all had the ability to regulate and improve their own lives.

Rationalists thought it unlikely for God to choose to reveal himself at particular times to particular people.

They believed that God had made it possible for all people at all times to discover natural laws through their God-given faculty of reason.

Deists came from different religious backgroundsExamples: Franklin, Jefferson, Thomas Paine

Looked to identify principles that united all religions

Beliefs:The universe is orderly and goodStressed humanities inherent goodnessPerfectibility of every individual through the use of

reasonGods objective = happiness of peopleProvided the basis for the principles of the American

Revolution and system of government

Literature rooted in reality rather than imagination

Concentrated on the following improvements:SocialPoliticalScientific

Pamphlets-Short writings that served practical and political ends

Benjamin Franklin: The AutobiographyPersonal narrative with a common form

Rags to riches written in clear, witty proseIdeas about the “self-made” American that would

become the model in years to come

Rhetorical DevicesFigurative Language

Hyperbole

Rhetorical Questions

Parallelism

Connotative Language

Figurative LanguageLanguage that is used for descriptive effectFigurative language expresses meaning

beyond the literal level“The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot

will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of the man and woman.”

Thomas Paine uses imagery to point out the difference between colonists who were unwilling to endure hardship and those who were willing to carry on despite bitter winters and military defeats.

HyperboleA figure of speech that uses exaggeration to

express strong emotion, to make a point, or to evoke humor.

“The heart that feels not now is dead…”Thomas Paine uses hyperbole to enhance an

emotional appeal when explaining a momentous opportunity the Revolution presented for freedom and human progress.

Rhetorical QuestionsA question to which no answer is expectedA rhetorical question emphasizes the obvious

answer to what is asked“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to

cope with so formidable as adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when British guard shall be stationed in every house?”

Patrick Henry’s speech technique builds to an emotional climax and makes a strong impression on listeners.”

ParallelismThe use of series of words, phrases or

sentences that have similar grammatical form.

“Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult, our supplications have been disregarded, and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne.”

Patrick Henry’s speech reaches a powerful climax with reference to the English king.

Connotative LanguageThis refers to the suggested or implied

meanings that are associated with a word beyond its dictionary definition.

They make an emotional and ethical appeal.“He has plundered our seas, ravaged our

coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”

Thomas Jefferson uses verbs with strong negative connotations: plundered, ravaged, destroyed all produce a strong emotional effect.