18th Century American Literature (The Age of Reasoning/ The Enlightment) – Flashcards

1. Benjamin Franklin 2. Jean de Crevecoeur 3. John Locke

This era became the rise of scientists, religious rationalists, theist, and major politcal descenders.

the idea of "the clock maker theory"-- God created the world, and left it run its self (free will). Good works is a form of worship and there will be rewards and punishments during/ after life.

1. Acknowledges there is a God 2. Sovern power should be worshiped 3. Good works is a form of worship 4. Repent sins/vices 5. There are rewards and punishments after life

An example of the "Self made man". Franklin wanted to better himself-- wanted to become a role model.

Born in France, naturalized as an american. Defines america as the perfect society. HAH!

Franklins writings convey him as an example of a "Self-made man". He was the child of a candlemaker, but followed the path of a publisher, scientist, and inventor. He created thirteen virtues in which he believed were the principles of the perfect person. Although he admits there is no perfect person and claims he became a better in the process of trying to better himself.

(Jean de Crevecoeur) His letters describe his expierences in the New World and how he depicts the american society. He depicts the american society as "the perfect society" and describes americans as "new" as in the sense that they are self-made since they always need to better themselves for the better, new principals, new opinions, new ideas, and industrious. Basically: the virtues of Ben Franklin.

De Crevecoeur describes Charleston a city built by slaves. He writes that "the chosen race" (anglo americans) are only allowed to be content with life. All slaves suffered miserably, and that this was the works of human evil. Slaves were cuffed like dogs and branded like cattle, then auctioned like "things". He tells his experience coming across a slave who was badly wounded.