neoclassical period
I thought that it would be too much trouble to sort through all of the posts if we all just commented on one. So I'm dividing the 43 reading into four separate posts so we can access the information more quickly.
So it would be helpful if those with the following authors would comment on this post so we can have some order through the chaos.
*Raises flame shield and cries "THIS IS SPARRTTAAAA!!"*
Enjoy,
Dan
So it would be helpful if those with the following authors would comment on this post so we can have some order through the chaos.
· Benjamin Franklin
· Patrick Henry
· Thomas Jefferson
· Thomas Paine
· Phillis Wheatley
· Crevecoeur
· Freneau
I'm not sure if you guys will like this idea so...*Raises flame shield and cries "THIS IS SPARRTTAAAA!!"*
Enjoy,
Dan
posted by d | 8:35 PM
9 Comments:
By Jove, Dan, what a capital idea! *waves cane*
J. Hector St. John Crevecoeur (Neoclassical)
Letters from an American Farmer
Crevecoeur was born in Normandy and moved to New York in 1754. His farm was frequently ravaged in the Revolutionary War.
Letters from an American Farmer does not deal with the revolution at all. It does not advocate any sort of action against the European powers. It is, however very distinct. The whole document attempts to define what it means to be an American.
The following characteristics will help you recognize this work:
1. Uses perspective of a traveling Englishman comparing America to Europe.
2. Glorifies the simplicity and dignity of American life +(especially that of the farmer) in comparison to old European tradition.
3. Talks about the miserable lives of the poor in Europe, how they emigrated, and how they blend to become a new race.
4. Describes what an American is. Look for sentences that start with The American...
5. Describes American farmers, those who live by the sea, and those who live in the woods. Talks about provinces of America.
6. Praises religious toleration in America.
7. Also talks about "the European" and his hardships.
Basically anything which describes "the American" or compares Europeans and Americans is Crevecoeur.
Notable quotes
1. What then is American, this new man? He is either an European, or the descendent of an European, hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country.
2.If they are peaceable subjects, and are industrious, what is it to their neighbors how and in what manner they think fit to address their prayers to the Supreme Being?
3. There is room for every body in America; has he any particular talent, or industry? he exerts it in order to procure a livelihood, and it succeeds.
4. Go thou and work and till; thou shalt prosper, provided thou be just, grateful and industrious.
Appeals
1. Nationalists: glorifies the American people and landscape
2. Enemy: condemns European society in comparison to Europe.
Note: these appeals deal with social propaganda, not related to the wars.
Letters is more like the early romantic works because it tries to create a national identity. Do not associate a call for war with this work. It shares the organization of Neoclassic works, but not necessarily the content.
I was responsible for Freneau's Wild Honeysuckle and To the Memory of the Brave Americans.
-Freneau was a preromantic writer
- His works usually fit very well into the romantic ideals until the last stanza when he reverts back to neoclassic principals.
Wild HoneySuckle
- About a flower living untouched and safe in an eden of sorts.
-The author sees that the flower cannot remain perfect
-Something in nature eventually kills it (frost for ex)
-Important quote
"For when you die you are the same;
The space between is but an hour,
The frail duration of a flower.
The Memory Of the Brave Americans
-"'Tis not the beauty of the morn/That proves the evening shall be clear" important quote
- it symbolizes the glory of battle.
- If you don't see the actual battle you might think that it is a clear fight of good vs. evil. But once you see the destruction and the dead and all of the other horrors of war, it doesn't seem as glorious as it once was.
- At the end of the poem it says "rest in peace" and "we trust they find a happier land" which can be a religious tone.
-refers to the British as Parthian.
-Parthian was a civilization ruled by monarchs in Northeastern Iran which was defeated by acient Romans
- Freneau is saying that monarchy is an ineffective form of government and Britian will not win.
- he uses an ABAB rhyme scheme
PHYLLIS WHEATLEY - ON BEING BROUGHT FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA
Wheatley was a slave bought by a family that recognized her intelligence and taught her how to read and write. She converted to Catholicism and applied biblical symbolism to evangelize and to comment on slavery.
She was eventually freed, married, and had children. Due to society's inability to accept freed slaves, she died alone and her husband was sent to jail for being unable to pay his debts.
Note that it is disputed whether Wheatley should be included in the collection of great literature. Some argue that we only recognize her because she is "token" (a literate slave), while others argue that she is genuinely talented.
'On Being Brought From Africa to America' is pretty short, so if you wanted to, you could...memorize it. But, anyway.
She refers to Africa as the "Pagan land" and says that "'twas mercy" that brought her to America. Some feel that she is regarding herself as superior to other Africans because she is Christian, but Laz said that she views herself as more ENLIGHTENED than pagans, but she is still subservient to her masters.
The last two lines "Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train." challenged the doctrine that there are different heavens for different races.
This poem reflects the Neoclassic belief in the human's ability to IMPROVE. Again, note the last two lines. "Negroes...May be refin'd"
Phillis Wheatley's
On Imagination
look here
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Wheatley/imagination.html
Wheatly
To His Excellency General George Washington
I don't know who was supposed to do this one but heres a good site with line by line explination
http://www.gale.com/free_resources/poets/poems/genwashington.htm
Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration of Independence
o Addresses grievances against king (though should be addressed to Parliament because Parliament made decisions).
o Not as rational as others. Just nailed together any problems.
o Influenced by bible (deism), classical authors (Plutarch, Livy, Tacitus, Sallust, and Cicero), Bacon and Descartes (scientific method), Hobbes, Locke, English Common Law, and Whigs.
o Look for phrases that start with “He...(wrongdoing here)”, use of “we” in discussion of colonists, and allusions to equality or slavery (which are hypocritical)
o The wrongdoings Jefferson mentions are often blatant lies and/or extreme exagerations. They are always very vague.
o Appeals
1. Enemy: argues that colonists are just in their separation; demoralizes British by affirming wrong
2. Allies: not so much
3. Neutrals: a little radical, but calmly lists wrongdoings of British
4. Nationals: puts Nationalists’ argument into list of grievances
I made flashcards if anyone needs help on author identification. They are on http://www.flashcardexchange.com/. My username is larka479. You may have to create your own free account to see them
Benjamin Franklin
Rules by Which a Great Empire May be Reduced to a Small One
o Uses similes (empire=cake; gingerbread baker=British)
o Appeals
1. Enemy: demoralizes with lists of wrondoings
2. Allies: says England can be attacked from the edges; appeals to France
3. Neutrals: calmly points out injustices without warmongering
4. Nationals: organized lists of reasons on which to base anger
Patrick Henry
Give me Liberty or give me Death!
o Fiery 1775 Address to House of Burgesses
o Appeals
1. Enemy: intimidation, invokes God against
2. Allies: weak persuasion by invocation of God
3. Neutrals: too combative
4. Nationals: emotional affirmation of beliefs
Post a Comment
<< Home