The Revolutionary Period of American Literature 1750-1800

What Colonial Life Meant… Independence—freedom Patriotism—love of country Pioneering spirit—a desire to prove oneself through hard work Emphasis on order, harmony, logic, & reason

Literature of the Period It celebrated the virtues of hard working colonists It was a product of historical experiences VERY POLITICAL VERY PUBLIC

Any writing of permanent importance from the Revolutionary era is political writing. The American statesmen of the Revolutionary period were figures of the Enlightenment .

IT WAS THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Period of great scientific, cultural, and philosophical advances Also known as the Age of Reason because… There was a focus on logic and reason (RATIONALISM) Very little interest in the hereafter – emphasized this life By nature, people were good – not evil This was all a reaction against the theological dogma of the 17th century (Puritans)

What led to the Revolutionary War? STAMP ACT BOSTON TEA PARTY BOSTON MASSACRE King George III and Parliament imposed many unwise and unfair regulations that threatened the liberties of Americans.

FAMOUS WRITERS OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT “Fish and visitors stink after three days” Ben Franklin Give me Liberty or Give me death! Thomas Paine Thomas Jefferson These are the times that try men’s souls Patrick Henry

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Printer, Statesman, Scientist, Writer Poor Richard’s Almanack and The Autobiography “Jack of all trades, master of many.” Aphorisms Virtues

THOMAS PAINE Journalist, essayist Introduced by Franklin to American society Most influential writer in American history Wrote 16 pamphlets Pamphlet Common Sense created mood for revolution by using “Charged Words”

PATRICK HENRY Considered the most powerful ORATOR of the American Revolution Speech in the VA Convention had such a strong impact on those who heard it that it fed the revolutionary spirit that led to the signing of The Declaration of Independence

IMPORTANT TERMS Independent Patriotism Pioneering Spirit Rationalism Propaganda

Oratory Broadside Tyranny Declaration of independence Autobiography Aphorism

Virtues Almanac Essayist Persuasion Speech Charged Words

Independence This was a growing concept through the Revolutionary Period as England made more unfair demands of the colonies, threatening to take their libertities. The idea of becoming independent from England was a common theme in all literature during this time. As a country, we are developing our own identity that separates us from England and the Puritan life style.

Patriotism The idea of being a patriot took on dual purposes during the Revolutionary Period. Either you were a Patriot of England or a Patriot of America. In some ways, this was a civil war amongst the colonist because not all colonists believed we should be separated from England.

Pioneering Spirit A willingness to endure hardship in order to explore new places or try out new things This spirit had been present since the first settlers landed in America, but it has endured to become the very personality and foundation of the American Dream.

Rationalism a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious beliefs or emotional responses. "scientific rationalism” This is in response of the Enlightenment movement and in response to the oppressive theocracy of the Puritans.

Propaganda Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. This persuasive technique was used in this time to gain colonial patriotism amongst the colonists during the Revolutionary Period.

Tyranny Cruel and oppressive government or rule. Writers in during the Revolutionary movement persuaded the colonialists to believe that England had a tyrannical control over the colonists. In a lot of ways, this was truth. England was ruled by a monarch, King George which the American colonies were subjected to his rule.

Declaration of Independence The first document that declared the American Colonies as one nation, independent from any other European power. This document is in response to the growing and unfair demands of English rule, and to the horrific outcome of the Boston Massacre.

Autobiography An account of a person's life written by that person. Ben Franklin is the first American to write his own autobiography.

Aphorism a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” Ben Franklin, “There are no gains without pains.”

Virtues Behavior showing high moral standards. Founding Fathers and Revolutionary writers cherished this concept of manners, sophistication, honor, and character. The heart of the American personality is founded on the principle of virtue.

Almanac a handbook, typically published annually, containing information of general interest or on a sport or pastime. Ben Franklin wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac that contained many things such as scientific statistics on farming, astrology, along with his aphorisms of truth.

Essayist A person who writes essays, especially as a literary genre. Thomas Paine is considered an essayist for his many essays that he wrote concerning the American colonies and citizens.

Persuasion A writing technique that is aimed at one side of an argument persuading others to believe this argument using rhetorical devices and evidence.

Rhetoric The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. Ethos, Pathos, Logos are rhetorical devices to appeal to an audience. Revolutionary writers used these devices to persuade the minds of the colonists to join their cause.

Speech A form of communication that is centered around persuasion or information that is delivered formally or informally to a collected group of people.

Charged Words Words that promote emotional responses that lead into action. Revolutionary writers were careful to use specific language to help appeal to their audience to not just believe in their cause but to be active in it.