18. Jonathan Edwards and Franklin

nullAmerican Literature of the 18th Century American Literature of the 18th Century Age of Enlightenment and RevolutionAmerica’s Coming of AgeAmerica’s Coming of Age “ For three generations the prevailing American character was compact in one type, the man of action who was also the man of God. Not until the 18th century did the rift appear… It appeared in the two philosophers, Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin, who share the 18th century between them….For no one has ever more fully and typically than Jonathan Edwards displayed the infinite inflexibility of the upper levels of the American mind, nor any one typically than Franklin the infinite flexibility of its lower levels.” -- by Van W. Brooks nullEdwards: Religious idealism; spiritualism; holding on to the past Calvinism, last Medieval man Franklin: Levelheaded common sense; materialism; representing the Enlightenment nullPERSONAL NARRATIVE (1765) “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”Edwards’ IdeasEdwards’ Ideas“God’s excellency … seemed to appear in every thing; in the sun, moon and stars; in the clouds, and the blue sky; in the grass, flowers, trees; in the water, and all nature … I often used to sit and view the moon for continuance; and in the day, spent much time in viewing the clouds and sky, to behold the sweet glory of God in these things …”Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)Jack of All Trades Jack of All Trades a printera statesmana scientista librariannull He was the only Founding Father to have signed all four documents that established American independence: The Declaration of Independence The Treaty of Alliance with France The Treaty of Peace with Great Britain The Constitution of the United States of America.nullFor movies about Franklin’s life and career, please visit http://earlyamerica.com/ben-movie.htm null 1. POOR RICHARD’S ALMANAC (1732 or 1733-1758) 2. THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY (1771 the year it commenced)A Literary MannullComment: To him, fallen men must work hard to redeem themselves by sweats on their brows, and everyone can make it from rags to riches by his own efforts. Poor Richard’s AlmanacPoor Richard’s AlmanacOne today is worth two tomorrows. Lost time is never found again. There are no gains without pains. -- hard-workingnullA Penny saved is a penny earned. -- being frugal God help them that help themselves. -- self-reliance --The practical wisdom of Franklin and the puritan Ethics were revealed through the sayings. The Autobiography The Autobiography 1. The Autobiography is a Puritan document, because it is a record of self-examination and self-improvement. 2. It is a convincing illustration of the Puritan ethics that in order to get on in the world, one has to be industrious, frugal and prudent.null3. It is a proof of the fact that Franklin was the spokesman for the new order of 18th-century enlightenment. 4. It is an embodiment of American dream. 5. The spirit of self-reliance reflected in it bloomed in Emerson's Transcendentalism.