1BenjaminFrankin.pptVIP

Benjamin Franklin The American Enlightenment Hao Guilian, Ph.D. Yunnan Normal University Fall, 2009 Historical Background-1 America has always been a land of beginnings. After Europeans discovered America in the fifteenth century, the mysterious New World became for many people a genuine hope of a new life, and escape from poverty and persecution, a chance to start again. We can say that, as a nation, America begins with that hope. When, however, does American literature begin? Historical Background-2 American literature begins with American experiences. The New World provide a great variety