The Age of ReasonThe Age of Reason

Ben Franklin

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Paine

Patrick Henry

The Age of ReasonThe Age of Reason1750-1820, 1750-1820, aka.aka.

The EnlightenmentThe EnlightenmentThe Augustan AgeThe Augustan AgeThe Neoclassical The Neoclassical PeriodPeriod

What is the EnlightenmentWhat is the Enlightenmentor the Age of Reason?or the Age of Reason?

A period in the 18th century noted for A period in the 18th century noted for belief in the ability of reason to discover belief in the ability of reason to discover truth, shape society, and shed truth, shape society, and shed ““lightlight”” onto onto the darkness of ignorance, superstition, the darkness of ignorance, superstition, injustice, and tyrannyinjustice, and tyranny

What are some beliefs concerning What are some beliefs concerning Enlightenment or The Age of Enlightenment or The Age of

Reason?Reason?• People could discover the truth People could discover the truth

about the meaning of life by about the meaning of life by ““REASONREASON”” alone. alone.

• The natural world, human nature, The natural world, human nature, and social institutions are and social institutions are governed by universal laws.governed by universal laws.

• All men are created equal and are All men are created equal and are endowed with certain natural endowed with certain natural rights.rights.

• Governments exist only by the Governments exist only by the consent of the governed, who are consent of the governed, who are justified in rebelling if their natural justified in rebelling if their natural rights are violated.rights are violated.

JUST SAY NO TO

MONARCHY!

America and The Age of America and The Age of ReasonReason

Many Americans expressed their Many Americans expressed their thoughts and feelings in newspapers of thoughts and feelings in newspapers of the time.the time.

They wrote poems, songs, and essays They wrote poems, songs, and essays on the issues of the day –mainly about on the issues of the day –mainly about the problems with the British the problems with the British government.government.

These essays, poems, etc. were printed These essays, poems, etc. were printed up in up in ““broadsidesbroadsides”” – sheets of paper – sheets of paper covered with these anonymous covered with these anonymous writings, which were then tacked up writings, which were then tacked up around the city.around the city.

This was one way that the idea of the This was one way that the idea of the Revolution was spread in America Revolution was spread in America during the 1770during the 1770’’s.s.

Puritans vs. the Age of ReasonPuritans vs. the Age of Reason By the end of the 1700s, the Puritan influence By the end of the 1700s, the Puritan influence

on America began to wane.on America began to wane. Spurred by the work of many seventeenth-Spurred by the work of many seventeenth-

century thinkers—scientists such as Galileo century thinkers—scientists such as Galileo and Newton, philosophers like Voltaire and and Newton, philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau, and political theorist John Locke—Rousseau, and political theorist John Locke—the writers and thinkers of the Enlightenment the writers and thinkers of the Enlightenment valued valued reason over faith.reason over faith.

Unlike the Puritans, they had little interest in Unlike the Puritans, they had little interest in the hereafter, believing instead in the power the hereafter, believing instead in the power of reason and science to further human of reason and science to further human progress.progress.

They saw the universe as an They saw the universe as an orderly system orderly system that, wthat, with the application of ith the application of reason and reason and scientific laws, could be scientific laws, could be understood. understood.

Enlightenment thinkers de-Enlightenment thinkers de-emphasized emphasized ““gracegrace”” and and ““pre-pre-destinationdestination”” in favor of in favor of ““moral moral choicechoice”” and and scientificscientific inquiry.inquiry.

They believed that people are by They believed that people are by nature nature good, not evil, and that good, not evil, and that through virtuous thoughts and through virtuous thoughts and behaviors one could achieve behaviors one could achieve ““human perfectionhuman perfection””

In contrast to the private soul-In contrast to the private soul-searching of the Puritans, much of searching of the Puritans, much of what was produced during the what was produced during the Revolutionary period was public Revolutionary period was public writing.writing.

DeismDeism Many enlightenment thinkers (including Jefferson Many enlightenment thinkers (including Jefferson

and Franklin) called themselves and Franklin) called themselves ““DeistsDeists”” Deists believed in one God, but found fault with Deists believed in one God, but found fault with

organized religion and did not believe in organized religion and did not believe in supernatural events such as miracles, the inerrancy supernatural events such as miracles, the inerrancy of scriptures, or the Trinity. of scriptures, or the Trinity.

They believed that through reason and observation They believed that through reason and observation of the natural world, Man can deduce the existence of the natural world, Man can deduce the existence of a supreme being, rather than because of what the of a supreme being, rather than because of what the Bible says. Bible says.

Deists thought that a harmonious universe proves Deists thought that a harmonious universe proves the the beneficencebeneficence of God, a very different view from of God, a very different view from the the ““fire and brimstonefire and brimstone”” preaching of many Puritans. preaching of many Puritans.

John Locke’s John Locke’s Tabula RasaTabula Rasa Deists also believed humankind is naturally good, Deists also believed humankind is naturally good,

not inherently evil; they believed in not inherently evil; they believed in ““tabula rasa.tabula rasa.”” Tabula rasaTabula rasa was the theory that the (human) was the theory that the (human)

mind is at birth a "blank slate" without rules for mind is at birth a "blank slate" without rules for processing data, and that data is added and rules processing data, and that data is added and rules for processing are formed solely by one's sensory for processing are formed solely by one's sensory experiences (ie. experiences (ie. nurturenurture over over naturenature). ).

Locke’s theory also emphasized the freedom of Locke’s theory also emphasized the freedom of individuals to author their own soul and to define individuals to author their own soul and to define the content of their character. the content of their character.

Artifacts of Different ErasArtifacts of Different ErasThou hast a house on high erect,Thou hast a house on high erect,Framed by that mighty Architect,Framed by that mighty Architect,With glory richly furnished,With glory richly furnished,Stands permanent though this be Stands permanent though this be

fled.fled.ItIt’’s purchased and paid for toos purchased and paid for tooBy Him who hath enough to do.By Him who hath enough to do.A price so vast as is unknownA price so vast as is unknownYet by His gift is made thine own;Yet by His gift is made thine own;ThereThere’’s wealth enough, I need no s wealth enough, I need no

more,more,Farewell, my pelf, farewell my Farewell, my pelf, farewell my

store.store.The world no longer let me love,The world no longer let me love,My hope and treasure lies above.My hope and treasure lies above.

(Anne Bradstreet, (Anne Bradstreet, 1666)1666)

While virtue warms the generous breast,While virtue warms the generous breast,There heaven-born freedom shall reside,There heaven-born freedom shall reside,Nor shall the voice of war molest,Nor shall the voice of war molest,Nor EuropeNor Europe’’s all-aspiring pride –s all-aspiring pride –There Reason shall new laws devise,There Reason shall new laws devise,And order from confusion rise.And order from confusion rise.Forsaking kings and regal state,Forsaking kings and regal state,With all their pomp and fancied bliss,With all their pomp and fancied bliss,The traveler [admits], convinced though The traveler [admits], convinced though

late,late,No realm so free, so blessed as this –No realm so free, so blessed as this –The east is half to slaves consigned,The east is half to slaves consigned,Where kings and priests enchain the Where kings and priests enchain the

mind.mind.((““On the Religion of Nature,On the Religion of Nature,”” Philip Freneau, 1785)Philip Freneau, 1785)

Alexander PopeAlexander Pope

““Know then Know then thyself, presume thyself, presume not God to scan/ not God to scan/ The proper The proper study of study of mankind is mamankind is man.n.””

Literary FormsLiterary Forms of the Age of Reasonof the Age of Reason

•Biographies/Autobiographies/Histories

•Government Documents/Almanacs

•Newspapers/Pamphlets

•Some Poetry

•Speeches

•Some Fiction

•Captivity Narratives

•The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

•The Declaration of Independence

•Common Sense/ The Crisis

•Poetry of Philip Freneau and Phillis Wheatly

•Speech at the Virginia Convention

LITERARY CHARACTERISTICS

Emphasis on logic and rational thought, not emotions Emphasis on the social/good of the community, not the

individual Presence of numerous classical allusions Use of satire Use of elevated diction and decorous language Formal style that adhered to set rhyme schemes, such as

couplets Two-dimensional characters or stock types that represent a

class or vice Novels in various forms, including picaresque, gothic,

captivity narratives, and novels of manners

Key AuthorsKey AuthorsBenjamin Franklin

Thomas Paine

Patrick Henry

Thomas Jefferson

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Benjamin Franklin was the

embodiment of the American Dream; came from poverty to achieve fame and fortune

America’s first millionaire He was an inventor, scientist,

statesman, printer, philosopher, diplomat, and writer

He invented bifocals, the Franklin stove, the rocking chair, the lightning rod, the odometer

He established the first public library, the first fire company, and the first fire insurance company

““Benjamin Franklin Drawing Benjamin Franklin Drawing Down Electricity from the Down Electricity from the SkySky””

(Benjamin West, ca. 1816)(Benjamin West, ca. 1816)

Poor Richard’s Almanack

A yearly almanac Franklin published from 1732-1758 offering a mixture of seasonal offering a mixture of seasonal weather forecasts, practical household weather forecasts, practical household hints, puzzles, and other amusementshints, puzzles, and other amusements

Print runs reached 10,000 copies per year Contained many aphorisms: short pointed

statements that express a wide or clever observation about the human experience

Example: Example: ““A Penny Saved is a Penny A Penny Saved is a Penny earned.earned.””

Thomas PaineThomas Paine““Those who expect to reap the blessings of Those who expect to reap the blessings of

freedom must undergo the fatigue of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.supporting it.””

Author of some of the most persuasive texts Author of some of the most persuasive texts of the American Revolution, including of the American Revolution, including Common Sense Common Sense and and The Crisis.The Crisis.

He used He used ““plain-styleplain-style”” language in an attempt language in an attempt to engage people of all classes in the to engage people of all classes in the struggle for American independence and for struggle for American independence and for a rejection of government based on a rejection of government based on hereditary monarchy.hereditary monarchy.

His pamphlets helped to bolster the sagging His pamphlets helped to bolster the sagging spirits of the ill-fitted troops and firm the spirits of the ill-fitted troops and firm the resolve of an occasionally diffident resolve of an occasionally diffident population.population.

The CrisisThe Crisis, by Thomas Paine, by Thomas Paine

December 23, 1776 “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The

summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.”

Patrick Henry (1736-1799)

A lawyer and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses

First governor of Virginia under the new constitution; held position for five terms

Also a well know orator (speaker)

Patrick Henry’s “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention”

Delivered in 1775 in Richmond, Virginia Urged fellow Virginians to take up arms

in self-defense Closed his appeal with the immortal

words: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

A lawyer before entering politics Served as the 3rd president of the United States for

two terms Created separation of church and state Believed that all men are created equal and that

slavery was a war on humanity (yet he owned slaves)

Designed the University of Virginia and his own personal residence Monticello in Virginia

Died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (the same day as John Adams).

Declaration of Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson People had the right to “alter

or abolish unjust governments.”

Supported popular sovereignty

All government power comes from the people

King had trampled the people’s natural rights

Colonists now had the right to rebel

The Declaration of Independence(1776)

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

John Trumbull (1756 –1843): Declaration of Independence (1817)

Philip Freneau (1752-1832):

“Father of American Poetry”

Poet of American Independence Provided incentive and inspiration to the

revolution by writing such poems as "The Rising Glory of America" (1771)

First American poet to write about the Indians:“The Indian Burying Ground” (1788) and “The Dying Indian” (1784)

Also wrote anti-slavery poetry: “To Sir Toby” (1792)

On the Death of Dr. Benjamin On the Death of Dr. Benjamin FranklinFranklin

Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood The glory of its native wood, By storms destroyed, or length of years, Demands the tribute of our tears.

The pile, that took long time to raise, To dust returns by slow decays: But, when its destined years are o'er, We must regret the loss the more.

So long accustomed to your aid, The world laments your exit made; So long befriended by your art, Philosopher, 'tis hard to part!--

When monarchs tumble to the ground, Successors easily are found: But, matchless FRANKLIN! what a few Can hope to rival such as YOU, Who seized from kings their sceptered pride, And turned the lightning darts aside.

Phillis Wheatley

On Being Brought from Africa to America

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

Their colour is a diabolic die.

Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,

May be refin'd and join th'angelic train.

(1773)

‘The first African-American to print a book (of poetry)’

Emphasis on Emphasis on rationality rationality

Emphasis on traditionEmphasis on tradition Religious dogmaReligious dogma Scientific inquiry Scientific inquiry Representative Representative

government government Inherited monarchyInherited monarchy Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards Anne BradstreetAnne Bradstreet Philip FreneauPhilip Freneau

PuritanismPuritanism NeoclassicalismNeoclassicalism Moral perfectabilityMoral perfectability Human depravityHuman depravity 1717thth century century 1818thth century century SermonsSermons NewspapersNewspapers Public writingsPublic writings Private soul-searchingPrivate soul-searching

Quick Review: Which of the Quick Review: Which of the following apply to the Age of following apply to the Age of

Reason?Reason?

Quick Review: Which of the Quick Review: Which of the following apply to the Age of following apply to the Age of

Reason?Reason? Emphasis on rationality Emphasis on rationality Emphasis on traditionEmphasis on tradition Religious dogmaReligious dogma Scientific inquiry Scientific inquiry Representative Representative

government government Inherited monarchyInherited monarchy Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards Anne BradstreetAnne Bradstreet Philip FreneauPhilip Freneau

PuritanismPuritanism NeoclassicalismNeoclassicalism Moral perfectabilityMoral perfectability Human depravityHuman depravity 1717thth century century 1818thth century century SermonsSermons NewspapersNewspapers Public writingsPublic writings Private soul-searchingPrivate soul-searching