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The birth of a nation
The most memorable writing in eighteenth-century
America was done by the founding fathers, the men who
led the American Revolution of 1775-1783 and wrote the
constitution of 1989. But none of them were writers of fiction.
Rather, they were practical philosophers, and their most
typical product was the political pamphlet. They shared the
European Enlightenment belief that human reason could
understand both nature and man. Unlike the Puritans – who
saw man as a sinful failure – the Enlightenment men were
sure man could improve himself. They wanted to create a
happy society based on justice and freedom.
The writings of Benjamin Franklin (1706 -1790) show the Enlightenment spirit in America at its best and most optimistic. His style is quite modern and, even today, his works are a joy to read. At the same time, there’s something “anti-literary” about Franklin. He had no liking for poetry and felt that writing should always have a practical purpose.
Almanacs, containing much useful information for farmers and sailors (about the next year’s weather, sea tides, etc.), were a popular form of practical literature. Together with the Bible and the newspaper, they were the most-widely read and often the only reading matter in most Colonial households. Franklin made his Almanac interesting by creating the character “Little Richard”. Each new edition continued a simple but realist story about Richard, his wife and family. He also included many “sayings” about saving money and working hard. Some of those are known to most Americans today:
Lost time is never found again.
God helps those who help themselves.
In 1757 Franklin collected together the best of his sayings
and published The Way to Wealth. This little book became one
of the best-sellers of the Western World and was translated
into many languages.
(Peter High. Outline of American Literature . Essex, Longman. 1996. Adaptado)