Who was the most influential figure in First Literary Period?

It's tricky to definitively say who was the most influential figure in the First Literary Period, as "influential" can be interpreted in many ways. This period, often called the Colonial Period or Early American Literature, spanned roughly from the 1600s to the late 1700s.

Here are some of the key figures and what they contributed:

* Anne Bradstreet: A pioneer in American poetry, her work explored themes of faith, family, and personal experiences.

* Jonathan Edwards: A powerful preacher and theologian, his writings, particularly "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," had a profound impact on the Great Awakening, a religious revival in the colonies.

* Cotton Mather: A prominent Puritan minister and writer, he was known for his writings on witchcraft, which fueled the Salem witch trials, and also for his contributions to science and history.

* Benjamin Franklin: While perhaps best known as a Founding Father, Franklin was also a prolific writer. His autobiography, essays, and scientific experiments shaped the intellectual and cultural landscape of the time.

* Thomas Paine: His revolutionary pamphlets like "Common Sense" and "American Crisis" galvanized public opinion and fueled the American Revolution.

* Thomas Jefferson: Another Founding Father, he is widely recognized for drafting the Declaration of Independence, but also wrote prolifically on topics like religion, education, and politics.

Factors to consider:

* Impact on literary form: Bradstreet's poetry paved the way for later American poets.

* Influence on public discourse: Paine's writings had a direct impact on the political landscape and the American Revolution.

* Shaping cultural identity: Franklin's writings and experiments contributed to the formation of a unique American identity.

Ultimately, it's difficult to choose a single "most influential" figure. Each of these individuals, and many others, shaped the First Literary Period in their own unique ways.