Forging a New NationLiterary Movement:

Age of Reason1750-1800

Historical Context 1763 French and Indian War ends 1773 Boston Tea Party 1775-1781 Revolutionary War 1776 Declaration of Independence is adopted 1793 Invention of cotton gin 1796 Development of smallpox vaccine 1800 Washington, D.C. is named the capital

Worldview The eighteenth century in America is known as the Age

of Enlightenment/Reasoning, a movement that began in Europe with the development of rationalism by scientists, religious rationalists and political philosophers. [Sir Isaac Newton (God as a clockmaker), René Descartes ( “I

think, therefore I am.”), Voltaire (anti-institutional religion) ] Focused on reasoning rather than church doctrine Cultivated a sense of American patriotism Concerned with relations with England

Worldview Rationalism: the belief that human beings can arrive at

truth by using reason, rather than by relying on the authority of the past, on religious faith, or on intuition.

Rationalists believed in the perfectibility of humans through the use of reason (optimistic view of human nature).

Deism: the belief that God created the world but does not interfere with its workings.

God = clockmaker (Sir Isaac Newton)

Common Elements of the Literature

Most literature from this time period is rooted in reality.

Literature was often intended to serve practical or political ends.

This is considered the age of pamphlets. Pamphlets, essay, journal articles, newspapers,

and the political documents

Famous Authors Patrick Henry: “Speech to the Virginia Convention” Thomas Paine: The Crisis, No.1; Common Sense Thomas Jefferson: The Declaration of Independence Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography, Poor Richard’s Almanac

“Speech to the Virginia Convention” About the Author: Patrick Henry

A lawyer who served as a representative in the Virginia House of Burgesses

Two famous speeches “Treason” speech opposing the Stamp Act “Speech to the Virginia Convention” (“Give me liberty, or

give me death”) speech encouraging the colonists to arm themselves against the British

Said to have plunged an ivory letter opener toward his chest while crying, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

“Speech to the Virginia Convention” Context of the Work

Reaction to Stamp Act 1765 (later repealed) Delivered March 23, 1775 to the Virginia House of

Burgesses Henry delivered this speech following several speeches

from the Loyalist side. The Convention then voted to take up arms against the

British. No manuscript exists; the speech was pieced together by

Henry’s biographer, William Wirt.

“Speech to the Virginia Convention” Literary Focus

Logical appeals are meant to appeal to the audience’s mind; consist of reasons and evidence. (Logos)

Emotional appeals are meant to appeal to the audience’s feelings; often presented with strong, connotative language. (Pathos)

America owes its independence in part to talented speakers like Henry for influencing colonists to resist British rule

“Speech to the Virginia Convention”Review1. What does Henry believe is at the heart of the debate?

1. Liberty and freedom

2. Identify metaphors used by Henry in the third and fourth paragraphs. How do these metaphors contribute to his purpose?

2. Henry compares the British thread to a coming storm. He compares the fight of the Colonists against the British to the wars of the ancient Israelites.

3. In the fifth paragraph, Henry makes use of rhetorical questions. How do they make Henry’s speech more persuasive?

3. The series of questions occurs near the middle of the paragraph. It is rhetorically more effective to let the audience members draw their own conclusions. Provided they answer the questions in a certain way, Henry will be able to count on their support, since their answers are their own opinions.

4. What does Henry foresee happening if the country does not fight the British?

4. They will become slaves to the British.

“Speech to the Virginia Convention”4. Because his audience was familiar with the Bible and classical

mythology, Henry knew certain allusions would produce certain effects. Find two allusions in Henry’s speech. How would each allusion relate to the conflicts in Virginia in 1775?

“We are apt to … listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts” (Odyssey, Books 10 and 12). Henry’s point is that illusory hopes are like the sirens and the beautiful Circe in Homer’s Odyssey, who were attractive on the surface but destructive in reality. Henry urges his listeners not to surrender their freedom in exchange for false hopes of peace. This allusion, like Henry’s others, might have equal relevance to some situations today.

“Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?” (Ezekiel 12:2). The allusion to the Bible is a graceful, but pointed, way for Henry to remind his listeners that they must not be like the heedless people whom the prophet upbraided in ancient Israel.

“Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss” (Luke 22:47-48). The allusion is to the disloyal apostle Judas. Henry warms his listeners not to heed the apparently mild British reaction to the Colonists’ petition against the new taxation laws.

“Speech to the Virginia Convention”

5. What elements of Henry’s style—word choice, figurative language, rhetorical questions—are most effective in his speech?

5. Allusion, Metaphor, Rhetorical Questions, Imagery, Repetition

Persuasive Speaking Skills Oratory- skilled, eloquent public speaking

Charged words Rhetorical questions Restatement Repetition Parallelism

Persuasive Speaking Skills Charged words are words with strong

connotations beyond their literal meaning that are likely to produce an emotional response. Tyranny (evokes a feeling of fear, suggests living in

a state of terror) Liberty (suggests an ideal life characterized by

freedom) Justice (can be associated with freedom and

equality) Honor (evokes a sense of morality and dignity)

Persuasive Speaking Skills Rhetorical question/questions are the

questions the speaker asks the audience. However, the audience internalizes the answer. Nothing is answered orally.

Restatement is stating the same idea in different words

Repetition is repeating the exact same words over again

Persuasive Speaking Skills Parallelism refers to the repeated use of

phrases, clauses, or sentences that are similar in structure or meaning. Writers use this technique to emphasize important ideas, create rhythm, and make their writing more forceful and direct.

Persuasive Speaking Skills Understanding Parallelism

Faulty Parallelism“For my own part, what ever anguish of spirit it my

cost, I am willing to know the whole truth: to know the worst and I will provide for it.”

Effective Parallelism“For my own part, whatever anguish of spirit it may

cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Identifying Parallel Structure Directions: Write the sentence and CIRCLE the

parallel elements in each of the following sentences.

Are we disposed to be of the number of those who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not?

Ask yourself how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land.

Identifying Parallel Structure (continued)

They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other.

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded.

If we wish to be free, if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges. . .,if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged…,we must fight!

Revising Sentences for Parallel Structure Directions: Rewrite the following sentences so

that all elements are parallel.

Patrick Henry stirred the colonists to action through emotional appeals to patriotism, by threatening loss of freedom, and by logically arguing about Britain’s goals.

Compromise, arguing, and making petitions are not workable solutions to Henry.

Constructed Response

Why does Patrick Henry begin his speech with this statement: “With all due respect, I have a different opinion”?

Within “Speech to the Virginia Convention” by Patrick Henry find the following examples of oratory characteristics:

Charged words (3)Rhetorical questions (2)Parallelism (1)Repetition (1)Restatement (1)

The Crisis, No. 1 About the Author: Thomas Paine

A radical revolutionary—supported American independence and the French Revolution; encouraged the overthrow of the British King

Famous Works: Common Sense: pamphlets in favor of American

independence (The Crisis No. 1) The Rights of Man: a document calling the British to

overthrow their king The Age of Reason: a critique of institutional religion; “laid

out the principles of deism”

The Crisis, No. 1 About the Author: Thomas Paine

Born in England in 1736 After meeting Benjamin Franklin in London, he moved to America. From August 1776-January 1777 he was a soldier in Washington’s

army. Wrote The Crisis, Number 1 while at the front. Left America after the revolution and went to France and became a

citizen Voted against the execution of Louis XVI and almost guillotined

because officials in Washington would not claim him as an American citizen.

Gained his freedom from an American minister who claimed he was an American.

The Crisis, No. 1 Context of the Work

Written in 1776 to urge exhausted, discouraged Continental troops to keep up the fight against the British “the mother country”

One in a series of sixteen pamphlets Read to Washington’s troops at the military campgrounds in December

1776 before their attack on Trenton, New Jersey

Literary Focus An analogy is a comparison made between two things to show how

they are alike. An anecdote is a brief story told to illustrate a point or serve as an

example of something. A writer’s style is the distinctive way that he or she uses language.

Components: sentence structure, diction, use of figurative language (such as tone and alliteration) and imagery

The Autobiography and Poor Richard’s Almanac:About the Author

Benjamin Franklin Born in Boston, one of 17 children Later settled in Philadelphia “Jack of all trades” A printer by trade A diplomat—represented Philadelphia

in London; later represented the U.S. in negotiations with France

A Founding Father—helped draft the Declaration of Independence and wasa member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787

Popular throughout the world because of his wit and charm The ultimate self-made American A man of practicality

The Autobiography

Context of the Work Franklin’s own account of his journey to success and toward

perfection A classic rags-to-riches story; shows the triumph of the self-

made American “The unquestioned masterpiece of the American Age of

Reason” (Elements of Literature)

Literary Focus In an autobiography, the writer tells the story of his or her

own life.

The AutobiographyReview: “Leaving Boston” / “Arrival in Philadelphia” Why did Franklin choose to leave Boston? Trace Franklin’s journey from Boston to Philadelphia.

Transportation? Accommodations? What do the details of Franklin’s journey suggest about his

character? Franklin has no money and is very hungry. Why does he insist

on paying for his passage on the boat? What does Franklin’s trip to the bakery suggest about travel and

currency in the eighteenth century? Franklin appears on the streets of Philadelphia in tattered

clothes, with his pockets stuffed with stockings, a roll under each arm, and his mouth full of the roll he is eating. This description has become very famous. Why do you think it appeals to people?

The AutobiographyReview: “Arriving at Moral Perfection” Describe Franklin’s plan for achieving perfection. What metaphor does Franklin use to compare the process

of eliminating the black dots on his virtue chart? Franklin writes about “arriving at moral perfection” just as

he had earlier written about his arrival in Philadelphia. What does this similarity of language reveal about Franklin’s philosophical assumptions?

How would a Puritan (such as Jonathan Edwards) respond to Franklin’s plan for moral success?

Which of Franklin’s virtues do you think is most important? Least important? Why?

Poor Richard’s Almanac

Context of the Work Almanacs calculated the tides and phases of the moon,

forecast the weather for the next year, and even provided astrological advice.”

Poor Richard was the fictional narrator of the almanac. He was an astrologer with a critical wife named Bridget.

Many of his sayings are taken from other languages, other cultures, and other writers.

Literary Focus An aphorism is a short, witty saying that offers a significant

truth about life.

Poor Richard’s AlmanacReview1. Would Poor Richard agree or disagree with the following

statements? Support your answer with reference to specific aphorisms.

a. Even close friends need some privacy from each other.b. Live for tomorrow.c. May all your wishes come true.d. There is dignity in hard work.e. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

2. Which of his sayings is your favorite, and why?3. Can you identify any common thread linking these

aphorisms together? What character qualities does Poor Richard encourage?