Essay on The Innovators of American Literature - 1066 Words

The Innovators of American Literature From their critical assessments on how to improve themselves and to the American public that they influenced by their writings, Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin illustrate American themes in their personal narratives that quintessentially make part of American Literature. Although they lived in different times during the early development of the United States of America and wrote for different purposes, they share common themes. Their influence by their environment, individualism, proposals for a better society, and events that affected their society generate from their writings. By analyzing Jonathan Edwards Personal Narrative, Resolutions, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,†¦show more content†¦Benjamin Franklin did not hold his family beliefs of Christianity, but from his early environment, he drew his relationship to God as a Deist. Franklin believed there is a Supreme Being and it is our job to discover our own reality by reasoning. In his autobiography, he not es several epiphanies that changed his lifestyle. For example, he regretted his leaving Miss Read for England without pursuing their relationship further. He calls these regrets or wrongdoings Erratum (Lauter 788). The spirituality of Franklin and Edwards is distinctive, and their writings reflect their experiences and growth of improvement. Franklin as a Deist felt that he created his destiny by the decisions he made. His autobiography illustrates his faults and accomplishments. This openness aims to the audience, the American, in order for them to reevaluate themselves and improve from their weaknesses. Franklin wanted Americans to become better Americans. With Edwards beliefs, he felt that god predestined every man, and only the elect entered in the afterlife to heaven. He focuses his writing to the Christian audience. His goal is to prepare them to become candidates to be elect and show how the elect can set an example for the rest of the congregation. These men felt the respons ibility to live a better life and set the example for every man in their community. As individuals, they constantly contemplate and self-evaluate thereShow MoreRelatedThe Harlem Renaissance s Influence And Impact1262 Words   |  6 PagesThe Harlem Renaissance s Influence and Impact The Harlem Renaissance era is known for its rich culture and being the source for many African American breakthrough artists such as Alain Locke,W.E.B DuBois, and Ethel Waters. . Whether it be the diversity of music, drama, art, or literature, it’s surely present during that period of time and still is today. Many questions about this time period include â€Å"How was Harlem life like back then?† â€Å"What is the Harlem Renaissance?†, and â€Å"How did itRead MoreBlack Arts Movement Essay1606 Words   |  7 Pageswhite authority in economic and political grounds. In this era, African Americans went back to learn from old cultural history and traditions (Gladney). 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