Entry 5: An Introduction - The Enlightment and Other Changes

It was interesting to read about the changes taking place in American culture and ideology during this time period. The impact of the Enlightenment was clearly felt on American soil, and impacted religious, scientific, and political hemispheres.

One of the most interesting observations made in the introduction was the idea that emigrants to America were beginning "to realize that they had more in common as inhabitants of America than they did as emigrants from…Europe" (pg. 153). It seems that people are beginning to see themselves as countrymen banded together by their current circumstances, rather than by the homes and lives they left behind in Europe. This ideology will certainly have an impact on the texts we read in this section.

The American Revolution occurs during this period; it is a significant time for writers to develop the characteristic "American" voice in literature. The writings of the period contributed to the spread of ideas and gathered support for the revolution in the American public. I think it could be argued that writing will play a greater role within American culture than ever before.

Another significant change is the role that equality is playing in literature during this time period. "the right of women to be considered equals" and the realization of the injustice of slavery impact writing as many more works during this period discuss and promote these ideas than writers did in previous times.

The ideas during this time seem to be much closer to the commonly held ideas within America today. There are still obvious differences, but it seems that American ideals are beginning to shape the country in increasing important ways.