美国文学史及作品选读Chapter 2 The Literature of Reason and Revolution.ppt

Chapter Ⅱ The Literature of Reason and Revolution 1. Historical Background Politics dominated the revolutionary phase of American writing. The crisis in American life carried by the Revolution made artists self-conscious about American subjects. The spiritual life in the colonies during that period was molded by the bourgeois Enlightenment. 2. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): Benjamin Franklin American politician, scientist, inventor, and educator. He was a typical example of the so-called American Dream. He helped draft the “Declaration of Independence”. He conducted the difficult negotiation with France that brought financial and military support for America in the war. He founded the college that was to become the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin: The Autobiography: The common theme underlying his writings is that industriousness and discretion are rewarded. 3. Thomas Paine (1737-1809):  Paine was “Great Commoner of Mankind”. He was born England. At the age of 37, Franklin met him in London and recognized his peculiar talents in their American perspective. He wrote many political pamphlets during the Revolutionary period. Some important works by Paine: American Crisis, Common Sense, Rights of Man. Paine: The American Crisis: Historians tell us that Paine wrote The American Crisis on or about November 20, 1776, on a military drumhead, which served as his desk. The British government is compared to a house thief who causes destruction of life and property and who must be stopped. In short, The American Crisis is Enlightenment, Deist document. Man relies on reason and indomitable optimism. The American struggling for victory must rely on his devotion to his cause and to his fellow man, first and foremost. 4. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Life: He was the 3rd president of the U.S. (1801-1809). During his two terms, he authorized the Louisiana Purchase. After he left the presidency he was primarily interested in the