美国文学-富兰克林-Franklin.pptVIP

The Literature of Reason and Revolution (1765-1800) I. Background --The Enlightenment Movement --The War of Independence (1775-1783) II. Features of Literature III. Benjamin Franklin and the selection 1. The Enlightenment Movement 启蒙运动 Originated in Europe in the 17th century Definition: The 18th-century American Enlightenment was a movement marked by an emphasis on rationality rather than tradition, scientific inquiry instead of unquestioning religious dogma, and representative government in place of monarchy. Enlightenment thinkers and writers were devoted to the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality as the natural rights of man. 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: stress education; stress Reason (Order) ; employ Reason to reconsider the traditions and social realities; concern for civil rights, such as equality and social justice Significance: accelerating social progress; freeing people from the limitations set by prevailing Puritanism; making spiritual preparation for American Revolution 2. American Revolution Conflicts between America and Britain Politically: state instead of colony; taxes, no representative in Parliament Economically: Br. prevented Am. Economic development Results of the conflicts: The American War of Independence lasted 8 years from 1775-1783 The formation of a Federative bourgeois democratic republic --- the United States of America The following statements have become world-famous since then: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --- The Declaration of Independence 我们认为下面这些真理是不言而喻的：造物者创造了平等 的个人，并赋予他们若干不可剥夺的权利，其中包括生命 权、自由权和追求幸福的权利。 Call for America’s independence in literature “America must b