The Age of Reason

Historical Context American Revolution; growth of patriotism Development of American character/democracy Use of reason as opposed to faith alone

(compared to Puritan writing which was focused on faith).

Genres/Styles of Writing Political pamphlets, essays, speeches and

documents Instructive in values; highly ornate writing style

Major Writers

Benjamin Franklin Autobiography and Poor Richard’s

Almanac Symbol of success gained by hard work

and common sense Known for his aphorisms (short sayings

with a message) “Haste makes waste” “God helps those who help themselves”

Major Writers (continued)

Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence Considered the finest writer of the era “We hold these truths to be self-evident:

that all men are created equal.” Thomas Paine

“The American Crisis” helped propel us into war

Remains a model of effective propaganda. “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

Major Writers (continued)

Phyllis Wheatley Enslaved African became one of the

finest American poets of her day. Wrote “To His Excellency, General

Washington” Patrick Henry

“Speech in the Virginia Convention” Urged armed resistance to English and

fed the spirit of revolution.

Rhetorical Devices

Appeals to logic, emotion, credibility Repetition of an idea using the same

words. “The war is inevitable – and let it come! I

repeat it, sir, let it come! (Patrick Henry 103). Restatement of an idea using different

words. “We have petitioned; we have remonstrated;

we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne…(Patrick Henry 102).

Rhetorical Devices

Parallelism – repeated use of grammatical structure“We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we

have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne…(Patrick Henry 102).

(Note the order of the parts of speech –

pronoun, helping verb, past tense verb).

Rhetorical questions – questions with obvious answers meant to engage audience emotionally.“Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love

and reconciliation?” (Patrick Henry 102).