Revolutionary Literature & its Influence on Nation Formation Essay

The revolutionary period (1765-1815) is the period of high patriotism, identity formation, national growth and development of the American society. It is a period of war between colonial England and its American colonies and, obviously, it was the time of flourishing of the American literature. The war changed people’s views and literature, as well. Most of the writings of this period are devoted to the theme of war and revolution.

Without saying, political writings prevail in these time and among most popular colonial political writers are Josiah Quincy, John Dickinson, Samuel Adams and others. Their works are oriented on the conscious American society and touch upon actual and important topics, such as war for independence, pressure of England and necessity of colonial fight.

The key writers which contributed greatly to the literature and nation formation, as a result, are Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Paul Revere and others. Their works are written from the  revolutionary perspective and contain call-to-arms messages. Such works develop a strong sense of brotherhood and patriotism. Perhaps, it was the first time when Americans started realizing themselves as a separate nation with a strong desire to fight for their freedom and independence. Thomas Paine writes: “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 his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and women“ (Lombardi, 2012). These words urge to take weapons and protect your rights for self-determination, however, they are not devoted only to potential soldiers, they are directed on all people who can do whatever in the name of the revolution. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet called Common Sense (1776) is a bright example of call-to-arms writing and gives a vivid idea about revolution, its purposes and desires. Paine is a bright representative of the nation of that time and his life can be an example of how the American nation was created. Being a real patriot he served in Washington’s army and wrote some of his works just from the frontline. His work Crisis Papers serves as an appeal to continue fighting and stands against loyalists who slowed down the flow of the revolution.

The time of revolution gives the start to the new tendency in literature – orotund prose. This time was the time of prominent political orators like James Otis, Josiah Quincy, Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry. Oratory is an art of free people with well-out outlook, strict position and confidence – all these are characteristics of the new American nation being born in that time. One of the most famous and influential speeches was proclaimed by Patrick Henry in the Convention of Delegates, March 28, 1775: “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. . . . Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. . . . Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” (Johnston, 1884). This is an example of the free American society formation.

To sum up, the American Revolution was a new step in the creation of the American nation and gave birth to a new tendency in literature, as well. Literature had mostly fall-to-arms appeals and encouraged people to fight for their freedom and independence. That was not just official independence, in fact, it was fight for inner independence and American formation as a nation.

 

References:

Lombardi, Esther. (2012). “The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence.” Books & Literature Classics. About.com. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. <http://classiclit.about.com/od/unitedstates/fr/aafpr_amrev.htm>

Representative American Orations. (1884). Edited by Alexander Johnston. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Print.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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