The Age of Reason & Revolution
(The American Enlightenment)
Overview
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Literature of the Age of Reason &
Revolution/American Enlightenment
reflected the tumultuous times during which
the thirteen colonies declared independence
from Britain.
The literature produced in this era marked a
major shift from a focus on religion to a
more worldly, rational, and patriotic style.
The philosophies of John Locke were highly
influential.
Timeline
(1754-1763):
French & Indian War
 decreased allegiance to G.B
(1764-1767) Multiple Acts passed to suppress colonial
individualism
 shift in attitude towards G.B. (taxation w/o
representation)
(1776)
Common Sense (Thomas Paine)
 induces patriotism
Declaration of Independence (document)
 expression of reasons for separation
Important Beliefs
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Taxation without representation
American identity and independence
Mankind is inherently good and rational
Improvements in science and technology
Creating a new democracy
A new United States of America
Deism – the rational existence of God
Moral choice, virtue, inquiry
Key Traits of Writing
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Metaphors and Analogies
Biblical Allusions
Diction: Middle
Oratory
Aphorisms (Poor Richard’s Almanac)
Ethos/Logos
Forms of Literature
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Political documents
Revolutionary oratory
Almanacs
Informative publications
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** Notice: STILL all nonfiction
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Notable Works
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QuickTi me™ and a
TIFF ( Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see thi s pi ctur e.
Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson)
Common Sense (Thomas Paine)
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Benjamin Franklin)
“A Speech to the Virginia Assembly” (Patrick Henry)
Autobiography (Benjamin Franklin)
Thomas Jefferson
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Wrote Declaration of Independence
Was influential in writing of other key governmental
documents (Founding Fathers)
Was known for his mastery of language
His reputation helped him become President of the
United States
Benjamin Franklin
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A polymath (fluent in many fields)
Many ingenious inventions
Noted politician (ambassador to France)
Began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1733
Grandfather of the American aphorism
Thomas Paine
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Noted for his passionate support of
American independence (“The Crisis”)
Used pathos more than most authors at this
time
His works convinced many to join the fight
for independence
Known as the Father of the American
Revolution