1. The Enlightenment and its Impact:
* Political Writings: The American Revolution and its subsequent establishment of a new nation fueled a surge in political writing. Key figures include:
* Thomas Paine: His "Common Sense" (1776) was a powerful argument for independence, and "American Crisis" (1776-1783) rallied support for the war effort.
* Thomas Jefferson: His "Declaration of Independence" (1776) remains a cornerstone document of American political philosophy.
* James Madison: His writings, including the Federalist Papers, argued for the ratification of the Constitution and established key principles of American government.
* Early American Philosophy: Thinkers like Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Edwards explored philosophical questions about liberty, reason, and the role of religion in society. Franklin's "Autobiography" (1791) is a classic example of this period.
2. Early American Literature:
* Poetry: The era saw the emergence of notable poets, including:
* Philip Freneau: Known for his patriotic and satirical poems, he is considered the "Poet of the Revolution."
* Anne Bradstreet: While she wrote earlier in the century (1612-1672), her poetry, exploring themes of faith and domesticity, continued to be influential during this period.
* Drama: While not as prolific as other genres, plays like Royall Tyler's "The Contrast" (1787) began to explore themes of American identity and national character.
3. The Rise of the Novel:
* Early American Novels: Though the novel was still a developing form in America, works like:
* William Hill Brown's "The Power of Sympathy" (1789), a sentimental novel exploring themes of love, virtue, and societal pressures.
* Charles Brockden Brown's "Wieland" (1798), which dealt with themes of madness and the supernatural.
Notable Characteristics:
* Focus on American Identity: This period saw a growing awareness of a distinct American identity, reflected in the literature's exploration of themes like freedom, democracy, and national character.
* Influence of Enlightenment Ideas: Rationalism, reason, and individual liberty were central to many literary works.
* Developing Literary Traditions: Writers experimented with different genres and styles, paving the way for the future of American literature.
This period marks a crucial turning point in American literature, laying the groundwork for the diverse and influential literary landscape that would emerge in the 19th century.