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LITR 4326 Early American Literature Model Assignments |
Final Exam Essays 2017 Sample answers for 2b. Review & compare 3-4 periods of study (Renaissance, Seventeenth Century, Enlightenment, Romanticism) |
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Chelsea Brotherton
Reviewing Periods: Seventeenth Century, Enlightenment, & Romanticism
Literature is often taught and discussed in
light of different ‘periods.’ These periods help to categorize literature based
on the time period, subject matter, writing style, and conventions of that
period. There are advantages and disadvantages to teaching literature both with,
and without, the use of periods.
Periods have multiple advantages and
disadvantages, so it is difficult to say whether or not literature should be
studied based on them. Often it is said that periods tend to place literature in
a clump, where nothing is distinguishable or can stand alone. However, I believe
it is a natural tendency to group things in this way; humans group just about
everything, from democrats and republicans, to poor people, minorities, and
blue-collar vs. white-collar. It is natural to group things together to
understand them better, and while possibly detrimental when done to
human-beings, it can actually be quite helpful when attempting to understand
literature. Especially considering that period literature is difficult for most
people when first encountering it, such as high school and college students, it
is helpful to be able to compare and contrast different works of writing from
the same period to better understand them. This grouping of periods also helps
to know when a work stands out and does something different from the conventions
of its period. In that transitory time within the blurred lines between periods,
it can be very interesting to see how the literature is evolving from period to
period.
The seventeenth century period is one
characterized by intense religious attitudes, some scientific and rational
elements, and a decoration and musical style that is ornate and extravagant.
John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity” greatly exemplifies this period.
Winthrop’s writing focuses on the two sets of laws in the world: the laws of
nature, and those of grace. This picks up on the high religiousness of the
period, as well as the acceptance of scientific and natural principles. But,
what Winthrop focuses on are the laws of grace, and how those laws are more
complete, and are the ones that will lead to peaceful and communal society. The
religious fervor in this piece is clear as he talks about the wrath of God that
will be inflicted upon those who do not follow the laws of grace: “the Lord will
surely break out in wrath against us, and be revenged of such a people, and make
us know the price of the breach of such a covenant” (Winthrop, 11). Throughout
the piece Winthrop shows the great glory and love of his Lord, as well as his
great wrath for those who do not follow in his word. This piece of writing
coupled with music from the era paints a full picture of the characterizations
of the seventeenth century period. The music from this period is music that is
still played today, and is a good departure from the music of the renaissance
era, which was stiff and heavily structured. The baroque music, as it is often
called, is much more free flowing and lively, somewhat like the religious fervor
that characterizes the literature of the period.
The enlightenment period is characterized by
scientific advancement, logical and reasonable thinking, and a de-emphasis of
religion as the main governor of life. Two texts from our course highly embody
these principles: Thomas Paine’s “The Age of Reason,” and Banjamin Franklin’s
“Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America.” In Paine’s work, he gives his
thoughts on religious principles and thoughts and opinions in general. He first
gives others an opportunity to openly consider his work, no matter their
beliefs, by stating that “he who denies to another this right, makes a slave of
himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of
changing it” (Paine, 1). From there, Paine previews his argument on religion by
stating that reason is the best way to navigate any situation, certainly
embodying the spirit of the enlightenment period. Paine’s approach to writing is
very methodical in his textual organization, and even that too emphasizes the
characteristics of the period of order and balance. Paine argues that the most
morally destructive thing you can be is a liar, again hitting on the
enlightenment ideas of logic and reason. Although many students believed Paine’s
work to be dry: “I don’t think an average reader would conquer those pages and
honestly be able to say that he or she had a great time doing so” (Glasgow, 2012
finals), I thought it was one of the more interesting pieces of the semester,
and the reason and logic led me to better understand his arguments and points.
In Franklin’s work, he is immediately witty and ironic, another theme of the
period: “savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we
think the perfection of civility. They think the same of ours” (Franklin, 1).
Franklin continues with his open and unbiased assessment of Indians vs. white
people. He recognizes the role of women in Indian society, and highlights the
hypocrisy of white men toward the Indian people. This type of frank assessment
and logical thought is a great example of the enlightenment period.
The romantic period is characterized by a rise in emotions over facts, the truth
in nature, and the sentimentality of the common individual as a pillar of sense
and morality. Crevecoeur’s “Letters from an American Farmer” depicts this period
well. Initially, he highlights the romantic ideal of the American dream, and the
big melting pot of different cultures, and how these things are unique to
America’s greatness:
I could point out to you a family whose grandfather
was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and
whose present four sons have now four wives of different nations.
He is an American, who leaving behind
him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode
of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds.
(Crevecoeur, 3.6)
This idea of the mixing of nations, and the shedding of old loyalties for those
of America is heavily romanticized during this period. Crevecoeur then goes on
to talk about black slaves, and again brings up romantic ideals: “oh nature,
where art thou? Are not these blacks thy children as well as we” (Crevecoeur,
9.7)? The idea of nature as the height of purity and truth, almost to a point of
godliness, is found throughout the romantic period. This is found again when
Crevecoeur talks about wanting to move his family to live with the Indians for
their more simple, pure way of life: “I will revert into a state approaching
nearer to that of nature, unencumbered with voluminous laws or contradictory
codes” (Crevecoeur, 12.1). The romantic period is certainly characterized by a
back-to-nature as the place of emotion and truth, as is exemplified in
Crevecoeur’s work.
The periods of literature that are studied in courses such as these are helpful
for me, personally. I think it is clarifying to see where a work fits in in
relation to other periods. Periods can hinder study if you think of them as
absolute, rigid, and confining, but if you can see them as fluid and sometimes
blurred, they are helpful for learning, understanding, and categorizing
literature.
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