美国文学课件2The Literature of the Revolutionary Period教材课程.ppt

Chapter 2 The Literature of the Revolutionary Period The establishment of independent nationhood and federation The War of Independence (1775-1783) The Declaration of Independence; the treaty of alliance with France; the Treaty of Paris and the Constitution In 1789 George Washington was elected the first president Ⅰ. Historical Overview American Enlightenment Newtonian ideas: The universe is a mechanism operating by unchanging laws. Mankind can realize all “Nature’s Laws”. Deism自然神论 God created everything and let it go. It is up to the human beings themselves to take care of themselves and to run the world. Literature: public and utilitarian: for purposes of social reform and philosophical declaration Declination of Puritan influences Ⅱ. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing. Franklin’s contributions to science Inventions : Franklin stove, effective street lighting, bifocal glasses, a miniature printing press, efficient heating devices and lightning-rod The theories of electricity; the terms “positive” and “negative” to electrical charges Franklin was drawing down electricity from the sky. Franklin’s contributions in American politics Franklin signed The Declaration of Independence, the alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris ending the Revolution and the US Constitution. Franklin’s contributions to American ideas Franklin’s a primary figure in the rise of American pragmatism Created the cult of self-reliance Pragmatism: a term describing a doctrine that determines values through the test of consequences or utility 2. Literary works ⑴ Poor Richard’s Almanac 《穷查理的年历》 Print runs: 10000 per year. Chiefly remembered for being a repository of Franklin’s aphorisms and proverbs Some sample maxims from Poor Richard’s Almanac: He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals. Eat to live, and not live to eat. God helps them that help the