美国文学-Edwards-Franklin-Crevecoeur.ppt

Chapter 2 Edwards·Franklin·Crevecoeur Historical Background for the 18th C. Puritanism (still dominating) Deism (a compromise between science and religion) The enlightenment movement in France and England (Benjamin Franklin) The “Great Awakening” in 1730s and 1740s (Jonathan Edwards) Jonathan Edwards Status: a puritan writer, theologian, colonial American preacher and missionary to Native Americans Comments: Edwards “is widely acknowledged to be Americas most important and original philosophical theologian”. He is known as one of the greatest and most profound of American theologians and revivalists. (born for religion and died for science) the first modern American and the country’s last medieval man Jonathan Edwards Criticism: His work is very broad in scope, but he is often associated with his defense of Calvinist theology, the metaphysics of theological determinism, and the Puritan heritage. His famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” emphasized the just wrath of God against sin and contrasted it with the provision（神职的委任） of God for salvation; the intensity of his preaching sometimes resulted in members of the audience fainting, swooning, and other more obtrusive reactions. Enlightenment (启蒙运动) Originated in Europe in the 17th century Resources: Newton’s theory; deism（自然神教派，宗教与启蒙精神相结合的产物）; French philosophy (Rousseau, Voltaire) Basic principles: stressing education; stressing Reason (Order) (The age has been called Age of Reason); employing Reason to reconsider the traditions and social realities; concerns for civil rights, such as equality and social justice Representatives: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson etc. Influence on literature In form: imitating English classical（古典主义）writers In content: utilitarian (功利主义)tendency for political or educational purpose) 1) as a Puritan document with a record of self-analysis and self-improvement: 13 Virtues 2) as an elucidation of Franklin’s identity as a spokesman for th