The Age of Reason

1. The Age of Reason The Revolutionary Period in American Literature 1750-1800

2. Background: The Age of Reason • By the mid to late 1700’s, the Puritan influence began to wane • Time of American Enlightenment • Materialists not idealists • Reality is perceived by senses • God is not present all the time • Self-Determinism! • Desire to improve life for everyone

3. 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.

4. What’s the Context? • People come from Europe to American colonies • Colonies were NOT HAPPY with situation

6. Troubles with British Rule • Defending colonies • Stamp Act of 1765 • Boston Tea Party in 1773 • Declaration of Independence in 1776 • British Surrendered on October 19, 1781

7. Characteristics • Patriotism grows • Instills pride • Create a common agreement about issues • American character

8. How does this Influence Literature? • Nonfiction is far more influential than fiction • Most important pieces of literature: • Speeches • Political Documents • Pamphlets

9. Major Literature and Authors of the Time Literature Authors Thomas Jefferson Patrick Henry Thomas Paine Benjamin Franklin Any “Founding Fathers” • The Declaration of Independence • Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention • Thomas Paine’s The Crisis • The Federalist Papers • Works of Benjamin Franklin

10. Who is Benjamin Franklin?

11. 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

12. 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

13. Contributions

14. 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: “SlienceDogood”, “Poor Richard,” and Franklin himself

15. 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

16. 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

17. “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.

18. Franklin and the American Dream Self-deprecating Good-humored Hard working Helpful Confident And of course…..HUMBLE • Self-made • Self-taught • Generous • Ingenious • Thrifty

19. Final Thoughts: Dwight Vs. Franklin