Details on American Literature美国文学002

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•••) General Introduction /—®
' The literary movement of American Romanticism is generally divided into two stages: Pi-e-Romanticism and Post-Romanticism. The former refers to the stage from 1770s to 1830s; the latter includes thirty years' flowering time ( 1830—1860) before
3. Thomas Jefferson (?4% • ^iS, 1743—1826, ^Bli^^JS^-,^)
He was the drafter of The Declaration a/e (OAA'aS^^).
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2. Philip Freneau (W^- • ~M^, 1752—1832, ^-ISyNfct^)
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Born in New York, Freneau was educated at Princeton University where he became interested in literature. At the outbreak of the revolution he wrote a number of biting satirical poems against the British, which brought him his first popular success. As one of the most prolific propagandists during the Revolution, Freneau also devoted much of his talent on verses celebrating American victories and such great leaders as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson when the Revolution was over. That is why he is still remembered as the "Poet of the American Revolution". After his marriage in 1790, Freneau served as official translator to President Jefferson's Department of State. Some of his best poems consist of The Wild Honey Suckle ( (gF^jjiS^-) ) and To the Memory of the Brave Americans ( (S^^H ff-3 jlHHi^O) , an extremely famous poem celebrating General Nathaniel Greene. It is generally held that American national poetry with Freneau's verse, thus he has been entitled the " Father of American Poetry". ^ /;." ^: •/".^•^ \ / •—.^ Y •
of letters rested chiefly upon his two masterpieces: Poor Richard's Almanac ({^S SW +}) ) and Autobiography ( « § ff»).
Autobiography
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Written with simplicity, frankness and wit that distinguished it as a classic among its kind, Autobiography realistically described the life of Franklin as a shrewd and industrious businessman, whose rags-to-riches experience became the prototype (JKliSO of many Americans' dream of success. The prototype characterized by selfculture, self-improvement, self-reliance, self-cultivation, faith in the progress of society and the ideals of future, practical and optimistic attitude toward life and final success have been inspiring generations of Americans. In addition, the enlighteners' emphasis on rationalism, order and education could find fine expression in it.