55 thoughts on “Colonial Period Summation

  1. Elisha Hussain

    Elisha Hussain
    AP English 11,period: 5
    Ms. Keeble
    December 5, 2012

    The colonial period was a time when great authors thrived. They made intriguing books that inspired others. It lasted from the 1660s to 1785. This was also the time that the French and Indian war was ending.

    Throughout this time period literature was spread rapidly. Many authors and poets like Alexander Pope, Jonahan Edwards and Rousseau. They spread literature and their stories throughout this time which benefitted many.

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  2. David M.

    David M.
    Ms. keeble
    AP English 11
    12/4/12

    The Neoclassical period and the Age of Reason were times in which all arts began to change. New ideas began to form in literature and many authors were praised for their innovations. In the Neoclassical period, these new ideas were being formed while the United states was still in its colonial period from 1660-1785. Many authors became popular at this time for their work. Jonathan Swift was praised for his book “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) and so was Voltaire for “Candide” (1759).
    The Age of Reason brought forth the beliefs in which this country was founded by. While the Neoclassical period focused more on religion, the Age of Reason sparked our nation’s revolution and ideas of freedom. It gave us our Constitution and the Deceleration of Independence. The Age of Reason gave people the sense of freedom, an idea that had been lost for a long time.

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  3. Yarelli Lopez

    Yarelli Lopez
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Language & Composition
    04 December 2012

    In the Neoclassical Period, between the 1660 and 1785, Religion played a huge role in people’s lives. It was also the time in which Literature was becoming more important. Writers such as Voltaire, Jonathan Swift, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were greatly known throughout many countries because of their great pieces of writing. In contrast, in the Age of Reason period, between the 1750 and the 1800, there was still literature but it had become more logical and more clearly stated. During this time politics began to grow and religion was no longer in charge of everything. The new pieces of writings would talk about historical events and how to make a change including the reasons for the why the need of change.

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  4. Alexia G.

    There was a great domination of literature from 1660 to 1800 called the American Colonial Period. Literature was different than how most think of it now though. It was mainly used to spread new ideas, criticize or philosophise. It even contributed to the independent, glorious “United States of America”. This period was divided in two smaller times: the Neoclassical Period from 1660 to 1750 and the Age of Reason from 1750 to 1800.
    The Neoclassical Period was based on the influence Europeans, British more specifically, had on Americans. During this time, Americans were ruled by British King, George III. Literature was their way of keeping Americans European-styled and customed. Eventually the Americans were fed up with being controlled and wanted a breakaway. This quickly put an end to European influence.
    This next smaller era, Age of Reason, focused on America itself. It includes when America struck back through the Revolutionary War in 1775.Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence to formally declare their freedom.
    Literature is unconsciously impacting our lives daily. It easily influenced people to assimilate to different cultures, give freedoms and even pleasure.

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  5. Jasmine J.

    Jasmine
    AP English 11 1st Period
    Ms. Keeble
    4 December 2012

    The colonial period greatly altered the American culture and society in ways such as arts, literature, views on life, and so forth. Philosophical ideas led to these great changes that occurred between 1660-1800. Works like Common Sense, Gulliver’s Travel, and Candide reflect the thoughts of the colonist during that time period. Philosophers including Thomas Jefferson, Rousseau, and Thomas Paine advocated for this new way of thinking and living.

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  6. Elvia Lopez

    Elvia Lopez
    Ms.Keeble
    AP English
    Period 5
    4 December 2012

    During the colonial period there were a lot of influences such as writers, philosophers and poets. In the Neoclassical Period from 1660-1785 they had different writers such as Moliere, Jonathan Swift, Johann Wolfgang and a very important one, American Jonathan Edwards. He wrote a book named, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. People who commit sins will get in return god’s anger. There’s a British poet named Alexander Pope and philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau who also made an impact during the Neoclassical period.
    During 1750-1800, The Age of Reason was a liberate period which individualized everyone to have happiness within. There were 3 American Revolution authors who made an impact during this time. They were Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Patrick Henry. Phyllis Wheatley was an African American poet which wrote Poems on Various Subjects. These poems and books made their surroundings much better by inspiring them as much as possible.

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  7. Alexis L.

    Alexis L.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11
    12/4/12
    The Colonial Period was when the Thirteen Colonies were under control of Great Britain. It was a time when many things circled around religion, such as literature, art, and lifestyle. Both the Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reasoning were apart of this time period. Churches would accuse people of heresy because one would not keep their eyes closed anymore to the teachings of the church. Authors would write about the real life emotions of colonists and in this time period fiction came to be. Colonists had to choose between religious beliefs and teachings or enlightened thinking and reason. Many risked there religious status to have a better understanding of the world around them.

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  8. Oscar G.

    Oscar G.
    Period 1
    Many changes about to be for Europe and the thirteen colonies between the years of 1660-1800. This time was better known as the Neoclassical era.In this time many European men expressed themeless throughout writing. Americans on the other hand used writing to fight for their rights and to write for changes that they wanted to see. Back in this time it would be common to see painting, and feel what the artist is feeling such as anger or happiness in most paintings. Durning The Age of Reason many people began to ask to may “why” questions. Such as why something worked and why it worked that way, and more questions amongst those lines.

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  9. Sidney M

    Sidney
    Keeble
    AP English
    Period 1

    Writing has always been a great way for people to express their feelings. In the Neoclassical period, the age of people, many writers came to shore. Such as Jonathan Swift, writer of the story Gulliver’s Travels. This period was the revival of the Renaissance and romanticism. People used romanticism to gratify emotion in their art. The age of reason consists of writers such as Wheatley, and Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine actually wrote a pamphlet challenging religion and the bible. Writers from this period are the ones who begin to doubt what they are taught and question all beliefs. They chose reason over miracles, Both groups can be considered radicals.

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  10. Joelynn D.

    Joelynn D.

    Ms. Keeble

    AP English – 2nd period

    04 December 2012

    One main element of literature is that it is constantly changing. Depending on the culture, art, music, etc. during the time, the type of literature changes as well. One of the most recognized time periods is the Colonial Period, which lasted from the 1660s to the 1800s. The first half was called the Neoclassicism, and was characterized by art, music and literature that were inspired by the classical arts of Ancient Rome and Greece. It was also focused more on philosophy and the Age of Enlightenment rather than religion. Some of the most prominent writers of this period are Alexander Poe, Jonathan Swift, Voltaire, and Rousseau. The second half of the Colonial Period was called the Age of Reason which, similar to the Neoclassic period, focuses less on religion. Alternately, the Age of reason focused more on intellect. This brought about thinkers/authors like Issac Newton, Rousseau, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson who believed in rationalism, philosophy, and science.

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  11. Dartise J.

    Dartise
    December 4, 2012
    1st period

    The Colonial Period was a strict period where English people were highly religious and only did things approved by King George since he had written his own Bible. English men were born with natural rights and authority over indigenous people, women and children. Since they they practiced a strict religion, they thought of others as sinners if they didn’t have the same religious background or broke any rules based upon King George.

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  12. Veronica V.

    Veronica V.
    December 4, 2012
    1st period

    There have been many eras that have influenced many artists, writers and architectures based on European beliefs, but the one that stood out the most was the Colonial Period. This period was highly religious, structured and taught people to dress/be the same. The literature was based on religious beliefs and the strict regulations everyone had to follow since they would be looked down upon if they didn’t follow them. Authors expressed their ideas through writing since no one could really talk about King George’s reign or they would get severely punished.

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  13. Alicia

    Alicia Oseguera
    Ms.Keeble
    AP English 11, Per 2
    4 December, 2012

    The Neoclassical Period (1660-1800) was a period in which literature started to be the main focus. During this period thinkers looked into the past as a guide to the present since they believed that human nature was constant. Many Neoclassical thinkers like Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Voltaire through their works influenced the way people thought by using many historical contexts. These thinkers did it for the purpose to communicate and influence politics. Following the Neoclassical Period came the Age of Reason which was a period of reason and common sense that contained limited aspirations. Thinkers during this period were Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine who just like the thinkers in the Neoclassical Period used their works for the purpose of politics. In both periods the thinkers wanted a change in politics and in each individual.

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  14. Ryan C.

    Ryan C.
    Ms. Keeble
    Period 1

    From 1660 to 1785 was the Neoclassical period. The neoclassical period involved the curiosity of how things worked and many literary authors and thoughts. The Neoclassical period also includes strong religious beliefs and creation myths.

    The Age of Reasoning (1750-1800) is about social and literacy of America. It involves rights of the people, the way people should act and think, and the change of political ways. Famous writers of this time were Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Pain.

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  15. Amacalli Duran

    Amacalli Duran
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    It is to be noted that in history, certain spans of time are labeled as eras due to the trends and customs that occurred. Two very notable eras are the Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reason. The Neoclassical Period took place between 1660 and 1785. During this period, society strongly focused on literature, architecture, art and music. In the first years of the Neoclassical Period was The Restoration (1660-1700). During The Restoration English writer, Daniel Defoe, was praised for his novels Robinson Crusoe (underline) and Moll Flanders (underline). After The Restoration came The Augustan Age (1700-1745). Satirist, Jonathan Swift, became a huge sensation during this period and was praised and criticized for his novel Gulliver’s Travel (underline). At last, The Puritan/ Colonial Literature took control between 1650 and 1750.During this time, Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were widely known and appreciated. Many authors during this period were European and it wasn’t until later that English authors brought forth new perspectives. The years 1750 through 1800 became known as the Age of Reason. During the Age of Reasoning logic and reasoning were advocated instead of religion. American revolutionist writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Patrick Henry helped lead this era with their thoughts and opinions. Thomas Paine and his novel Common Sense (underline) and Phyllis Wheatly and his Poems on Various Subject (italicize) caused controversies in society. Both these two eras helped develop America to the country it is today.

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  16. Johan Ocegueda

    Johan Ocegueda
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    4 December 2012
    One of the most important movements durring the 1600’s is called the Neoclassical Period. This movement involved all kinds of arts like paintings, literature, music, etc. It also involved many historic things like the architecture was inspired by Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome.
    The Age of Reason was the time period in which America kind of got its eyes opened. In this period came the Decleration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson who declared America free from the English. Then Came the African American rights like the 13 th, 14th and 15th amednment. This period of time was more personal. In the way that mostly everything big that happpened was for the peoples happiness.

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  17. Amacalli Duran

    Amacalli Duran
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    It is to be noted that during history, certain spans of time are labeled as eras due to the trends and customs that occurred. Two very notable eras are the Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reason. The Neoclassical Period took place between 1660 and 1785. In the first years of the Neoclassical Period was The Restoration (1660-1700). During The Restoration English writer, Daniel Defoe, was praised for his novels Robinson Crusoe (underline) and Moll Flanders (underline). After The Restoration came The Augustan Age (1700-1745). Satirist, Jonathan Swift, became a huge sensation during this period and was praised and criticized for his novel Gulliver’s Travel (underline). At last, The Puritan/ Colonial Literature took control between 1650 and 1750. During this time, Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau were widely known and appreciated. From 1750 through 1800 was the Age of Reason. American revolutionist writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Patrick Henry helped leads this era with their thoughts and opinions. A huge controversy occurred when Thomas Paine published Common Sense and when Phyllis Wheatly published Poems on Various Subject (italicize). These two eras brought forth new perspectives in America, and helped shape the country to how it is today.

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  18. Johanna G.

    Johanna G.
    Keeble
    AP Eng., Per. 2
    3 December 2012

    The Neoclassical Period is dated from 1660-1785. During this period, literature made a huge return as well as architecture, art and music. Some of the authors in this time consisted of Alexander Pope, Moliere, Daniel Defoe, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. All these authors shared one similarity; they were European. Most writers in this period were European; however, there were a few Americans like Jonathan Edwards. In the Neoclassical Period, man was portrayed as sinful beings. This theory lead to the Age of Reason, which lasted from 1750-1800. The Age of Reason demonstrated the way people could create ideas and concepts without fearing religion. In this period, the authors were mostly American because the Americans became influenced by European texts. A few familiar names that were involved at this time are Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine (the authors of the American Revolution). These two periods had contrary views on mankind because the Neoclassical Period perceived man as imperfect and based most of their ideas on religion while the Age of Reason questioned God.

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  19. David D.

    David Delgado
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English
    Period 2
    12/3/12
    The Neoclassical period is basically the period when more literature, music, theater, visual arts, architecture was changing and evolving. More books were being written, people payed attention to plays, and artists started crafting visual art. Usually when a person would walk around in any city at this time they would see beautiful sculptures, paintings, plays, educational books etc. The Age of Reason was a time when many people questioned many things on how it worked, why it worked that certain way and who was in control. At the time people wanted to know what was going on around them and they wanted to know why. Essential this Age of Reason was about questioning many things that went on in the society.

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  20. Canyon R

    Canyon Riley
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11
    3 December 2012
    From the late 17th and early 19th centuries marked radically changes in both Europe and the Thirteen Colonies. During the Neoclassic era, many intelligent writers and thinkers began to challenge the morals and authorities of their monarchs as well as religion through their work. For instance, French writer Moliere’s Tartuffe focused on the issue of religious sanctimony; it became controversial at its time and was banned from performance for five years. Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke believed that all humans have natural rights and their superiors should acknowledge these rights. These Enlightened ideas influenced many famous works of literature, such as Paine’s Common Sense and Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, and an American Revolution during the Enlightenment era. Towards the conclusion of the Enlightenment era marked the beginning of the Romantic Period. Romanticism was in response to neoclassicalism and emphasized robust emotions, such as horror and romance. Reasoning was overshadowed by fantasy and even spawned new genres. For example, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein was considered to be first science fictional novel combining logic and imagination with a horrid twist. Articulate Enlightened Thinkers, awe-inspiring writers, and alluring Romantic literature slowly molded the Colonies into the United States today.

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  21. Abraham N.

    Abraham N.
    Ms.Keeble
    AP English 11
    3 December 2012
    Period 5

    From the time period of 1660-1785, which is called “The Neoclassical Period”, because of the revival of art, literature, and music. Many literary geniuses and philosophers like Daniel DeFoe, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Jonathan Swift were born in this era. Their books and writings have stood the test of time, and are still referenced to this day. Europe influenced America a lot during this period, America recycled certain elements from Europe including satire and comedy, art, and writing. There were a wide range of topics that were touched during that period, including horror, romance, and drama. Even the first gothic novels were created at this time. One example of a gothic novel written during the neoclassical period was “The Castle of Otranto”, by Horace Walpole. In gothic novels, the story has elements of horror and romance.
    Another influential time period, was from 1750-1800, this period was called The Age of Reason. This period of time mostly deals with America. In this time period, many of America’s institutionalized beliefs were challenged. For example, Thomas Paine, an acclaimed author who wrote “common sense”, also wrote a pamphlet called “The Age of Reason”, which criticized the church, and tackles the Bible’s status as a real event that happened. Before “The Age of Reason”, Paine wrote the pamphlet “Common Sense”, which criticized Britain, and their questionable decision making, and handling of America. All of the major events chronicled here make America what it is now.

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  22. DaJohn Wade

    The influence the Colonial Period had on America was architecture, literature, arts, and and a new outlook on life. Us Americans took away morals, common sense put into laws, and other philosophical ideas. Improving society was the main aspect. Books were published like Common Sense, Gulliver’s Travel, and Candide. Philosophers like Jefferson, Rousseau, and Paine contributed to the main aspects in our society today.

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  23. Kiloni D.

    Kiloni Driskell
    3 December 2012
    AP English, 2

    Neoclassicism developed in the mid-seventeenth century in France and expanded to Europe. This period ruled over the European literature. Most writers vocabulary started to grow using figurative languages like Shakespeare when he uses different tones in his writing and doing new genres like crude humor. Alexander Pope was a pivotal poetic figure. He wrote essays and satires. The work of Shakespeare came into play. He wrote King Lear, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and more. Art was critical to all the writers. I think the art of writing was significant because time after time writing changed. In the 1600’s it was all about poetry and stories about tragedy. These writers were inspired by the writers of the classic age. This period characterizes the view of classical ideals of reasons and restriant. All these writers during this period valued the culture and creative works made by civilizations like those in ancient Greece and Rome.

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  24. Areli S

    Areli Sanchez
    Ms. Keeble
    AP ENGLISH 11,2
    December 3,2012

    American Colonial Period is the span of 160 years relating to the Neoclassical Period . During these times, a great amount of influence, derived from different European lands, helped influence literary works, thoughts, and writers. The neoclassical period shows an a range of writters some being, English, British, French and German. These literary works are in some relation to early political thinking. Which ultimately, will influence those greatly in the Age of Reason in the Americas. The Age of reason has to do with the years in which revolutionary and political thinking rose drastically. It can be infered that through past pieces, in the Colonial Era, the Age of Reason received influnce. The Colonial period has some authors that students in the past have read works by, which helps give a sense of the radical influence being transmitted onto peoples.

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  25. Phuong-My N.

    Phuong-My N.
    Keeble
    AP English, Per. 2
    3 December 2012

    Colonial Period Summation

    The Neoclassical Period took place from 1660 to 1785 and was divided into three sub-periods: The Restoration (1600-1700), The Augustan Age (Age of Pope 1700-1745), and Puritan/Colonial Literature (America 1650-1750). During this time period; French, English, British, German and American writers were especially known for their work. Those writers included Moliere, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Alexander Pope and Horace Walpole, Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, Jonathan Edwards and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Age of Reason (America) took place from 1750-1800 and included enlightened thinkers such as Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and Phyllis Wheatley. The European writers inspired Americans with their books which led the Americans to decipher the books and acquire most of their ideas from the Europeans.

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  26. Brittany-Ann D.

    Brittany-Ann V. Dela Cruz
    Keeble
    AP English
    4 Dec 2012

    Colonial Period Summation

    In the years of 1660 through 1800, literature went through the American Colonial Period. The American Colonial Period was a time in history in which the Europeans and Americans influenced the way of writing. It made the tones, pictures, and genres of each story related to the European and American life-style. The American Colonial Period was split into two categories, the Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reason.
    The Neoclassical Period was based upon the historical events that took part in Europe. The writing had to do with the Restoration, the Pope, and the Puritans. Its stories were origins of the beliefs that the King and God had made. It showed that the common people had no say or power at all which reflected the attitude within the books, poems, and novels.
    The Age of Reason was based on the enlightenment. The writing had to do with the discovery of science and people power. It mainly focused on the Americans and pushed for natural rights. It showed that the writing argued scientific inventions instead of religious beliefs.

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  27. Kiana Ledda

    Kiana Ledda
    Keeble
    AP English, Period 5
    3, December 2012

    The Neoclassical Period (1660-1785) and the Age of Reason (1720-1800) were both very different time periods with different affects on American society. The Neoclassical Period was a very conservative period because writers and artists had respect for traditions in the past. It is believed that this time period had a very limited socitey in which achievements cannot lead to progress. For instance, many artists’ works held controlled emotion. In the Age of Reason, many people focused on human logic, hence its name: reason. Many artists would take this in reference to individualism and to think tolerably. The key to distinguidh these two time periods is to remember that Neoclassical refers to tradition, and The Age of Reason refers to logic.

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  28. Caitlin H.

    Caitlin Huie
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Per 2
    3 December 2012

    A lot of the authors and thinkers in the Colonial Period related their texts to religion or politics. Some of the texts were mainly about these ideas while others put bits of pieces of these subjects in their stories. Written by Daniel Defoe, the novel Robinson Crusoe¬¬ contains a part where Christianity is mentioned. England was deeply religious during this time period and it affected the lives of people every day. The Church of England controlled a major part in society and if you believed in this religion, you were considered a “good person”. Robinson Crusoe¬¬ has this type of concept in it so it relates to the people of England. In Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, the main idea is the Great Awakening and it emphasizes the importance and reality of the belief of Christ. This was in a time where religion was rising up again and Edwards’ book convinces people about the importance of Christianity and how it affects their daily lives. Politics was also a major in texts during the Colonial Period. In this period, the colonies got their independence from the British. Writers including Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine wrote about their political views and the rights and liberties of people. America needed to construct their country and build their laws and constitutions from their political ideas. Leaders wrote constitutions, resolutions, and pamphlets about their beliefs on how the country should run and what rights the people should have. Politics was really important because it controlled how the country ruled. People wanted the country to run by their principles and these texts helped convince others that their ideas are what will make this country succeed.

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  29. Rachel N.

    Rachel N.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English Language & Composition
    4 December 2012

    From the time when language was first written down until now, there have been numerous time periods where styles of writing evolved and changed throughout time. From the time period of 1660-1785, a literary period developed called the Neoclassical Period. During this time, there were various new methods of creating visual arts, literature, theater, music, and architecture. These elements obtained their influence from “classical” art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome. Most of the Neoclassical time period revolved around ideas from the Enlightenment, ideas taken from the English philosopher John Locke about natural rights and human equality.
    A different literature revolution that got produced from the Neoclassical period from 1660-1700 was the Restoration movement. This was when English literature was written that corresponds to the last years of the direct Stuart reign in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Writers began to challenge certain historical beliefs and cultures that had been practiced traditionally for a long time.
    Moreover, a new time period was born from 1700-1745 called the Augustan Age. It spun the creation of the standard novel, the method of using satire, using political satire in drama, and personal poetry.
    In addition, around the same time, another style of literature arose in 1650-1750 called Puritan/Colonial literature. These ideas encompassed a lot of common christian beliefs and moral judgment sewn into literature throughout the world during this time.
    Some examples of the works and authors that came out popularly during these time periods were “Tartuffe,” by Moliere, Alexander Pope, Robinson Crusoe, “Moll Flanders,” by Daniel Defoe, “Gulliver’s Travels,” by Jonathan Swift, “Candide,” by Voltaire, Samuel Johnson,
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” by Jonathan Edwards, “The Castle of Otranto,” by Horace Walpole, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
    From 1750-1800 the Age Of Reason stormed into play into the works of literature. This was when people started to question always being told what to do and how to live. They rebelled against their traditional ways and formed new foundations on radical and diplomatic living.
    Some examples of these bold works are Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and “Poems On Various Subjects,” by Phyllis Wheatley.

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  30. Adiam H

    Adiam Habtay
    In the colonial period writing was an essential resource a profuse amount of people used to express themselves. During the Neoclassical Period many European men often express their philosophies through writing. It had a colossal influence on American writers during The Age of Reason. The Americans did not write in a pleasurable way,unlike the Europeans. Many wrote to fight for their deprived rights during the colonial period.

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  31. Caleb M.

    Caleb M.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English, Per. 2
    3 December 2012

    The writers of the American Colonial Period were very philosophical and open-minded in their writing forms of books and poems. During The Neoclassical Period, there were many fictional novels being written such as “Gulliver’s Travels” and “Candide”, mainly by European authors. This type of writing was usually written in a satirical fashion, using sarcasm and irony as a primary method of writing. This age of literature also used imagery to help readers visualize moments throughout stories. Satirical writing in Europe during The Neoclassical Period influenced liberal thinking along with the use of irony in the American Colonies during The Age of Reason due to it’s requirement for critical thinking. In the “Declaration of Independence”, Thomas Jefferson uses ironic scenarios to point out mistreatment made by Great Britain against the Colonies. It is apparent that the Colonial Period brought new methods of writing and thinking to literature as a whole.

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  32. Hannah R.

    Hannah Reddy
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English, Period 2
    3 December 2012

    The Colonial Period (est. 1660-1800) was first concentrated in Europe then crossed the ocean and began to focus on the colonies. It included two smaller periods within it, the Neoclassical Period, which focused on Europe, and the Age of Reason, which focused on the thirteen colonies/America. During this period, the “Declaration of Independence” was written. This period also contained other Revolutionary write such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine (who wrote “Common Sense” in 1776). The French Enlightenment thinker, Rousseau was born during this era, he contributed by composing the “Social Contract,” which the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy phrased it as “that persons’ moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live.” However, the French writer Voltaire, whose views opposed that of Rousseau’s also live during this time, and in 1759 he published one of his famous books, “Candide.”

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  33. Dominique

    Dominique
    AP English 11
    Per 2
    12/3/12

    Two significant time periods that I think that our generation does not take the time to appreciate and consider very much is The Neoclassical Period and The Age of Reason. The Neoclassical Period was from 1660-1785, and consisted of three smaller periods, which were: The Restoration (1660-1700), The Augustan Age (Age of Pope) (1700-1745), and Puritan/Colonial Literature (America) (1650-1750). The Neoclassical Period had a lot of great European and French authors and poets, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Jonathan Swift, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and much more. These writers came up with well-known beloved stories and poems we all know of today, such as Gulliver’s Travels, Candide, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, etc. Many believe that this time period influenced The Age of Reason (1750-1800), which was focused more on American reasoning and development of new ideas. In this time period, great American Revolution authors Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Patrick Henry were introduced. Thomas Paine wrote a book called “Common Sense” the same year as the Declaration in 1776. Also, this was the first time period an African American poet was introduced, Phyllis Wheatley, who wrote “Poems of Various Subjects” in 1773. I believe that both time periods had great influences on present day writers and poets, and their masterpieces are still referenced to today and used as examples for what literature should look like.

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  34. Desiree N.

    Desiree N.

    Ms. Keeble

    AP English 11

    3 December 2012

    The Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reason were a very important time period for the American colonies and Britain. In the Neocalssical Period, both Britain and the American colonies were influenced by God. Jonathan Edwards’ “Sinners of an Angry God” was written to people who have done sins, if you have done sins, God is very angry and is upset with you. The Age of Reason Period was a leap forward for the American Colonies. American writers began writing about science and reason. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” showed the advances the American Colonies had in reasoning. Every thing wasn’t about God anymore, people wanted to have tangible proof.

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  35. Alicia

    Alicia O.
    AP English
    4 December 2012

    The Colonial Period was a time where Europeans came into the Americas to increase their wealth. The Europeans wanted to become more powerful so they could be able to control world affairs. Starting in 1650 England send some troops to what is now known the United States so a colony could be established which was Jamestown, Virginia. As time went on these colonists with the help of the Native Americans started to establish many more colonies. This caused the transportation of African Americans as slaves to the United States and many more people started to immigrate to the United States. The establishment of the colonies led to the Declaration of Independence where the colonists asked for their independence against King George. After that an establishment of religion began and by this came came the Age of Reason in which many types of religions started to arouse just like said in “Age of Reason” by Thomas Paine. Many people started to hear about different religions and practices.This is what the Colonial Period was about a time in which the colonists were establishing in the Americas.

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  36. Aaron Chon

    Aaron Chon
    Ms Keeble
    AP English 11
    04 December 2012

    Many of the writings that have been presented concerning the Colonial Period, which can be considered to be composed of the Neoclassical Period and the Age of Reasoning in America, have demonstrated the primary ideas of religion and a revolution in the way of thinking. In spite of how the two appear to be contradictory, the latter has commonly been associated with various attempts to explain the physical grounds upon which the church has been based in its beliefs. This is seen in the very way that the writers write with a Christianic background, most clearly demonstrated in the first documents that shaped the United States of America, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In fact, although science and reasoning struck at the background of the church, many Protestants were in support of such ideas, as opposed to the centuries-old convictions of the Catholics. To understand this period is to understand that a peoples that tried to find meaning in their lives through religion were also beginning to understand the modern ideas that govern our world today.

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  37. Tanzeel H.

    Tanzeel Hak
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English, Period 2
    3 December 2012

    The Colonial Period centered around religion. It was said that the people who weren’t Christian would ultimately go to Hell. You also had to be a European, if you were African American or Native American then your afterlife would be painful. Some others that would not get accepted into Heaven consisted of unweds that had kids already, people that did not go to church, or did not accept the ideas presented by the church. The people who would get accepted into Heaven were the Christians that always had good behavior and went to church every Sunday. The church had so much power that it controlled the government! There were even laws that mandated that everyone attend church and pay taxes, which would contribute to the ministers’ salaries.

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  38. Jonathan v

    Jonathan V
    Ms. Keeble
    Ap Eng and Comp
    period 1

    There has been many periods over the years that have marked the beginning of a new idea. The most critical period in the United States history was the colonial period where many were afraid to talk against the great power of the king. During the time of King George’s reign, the original 13 colonies were barely taking shape. With all the the puritans, the patriots, and the loyalists the colonies were becoming more and more knowledgeable about how they wanted to govern themselves without being told what to do from a man overseas. These settlers could not just protest like we do today, so they expressed their ideas through writing, and this method let many future writers scream their thoughts out without opening their mouths. Along with all the settlers came the puritans or the pure ones, who were not allowed to sin.A man called Jonathan Edwards explained it in his book, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, and by the title it is associated with Pure people blaming the sinners for making god angry, they brought it upon themselves because they are the sinners.Why sin in the first place? Another book that became very important in many levels was written by Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels. This book can be interpreted many ways but one way that stands out is that Gulliver is the great power many are afraid of but the tiny people or settlers found out a way to make this giant be at their level. They stood up to this giant and while at it, found some weaknesses like the one that he is a giant and many times in legends and fairy tales they are portrayed as clumsy and dumb. These stories and many more have shaped the way people express their ideas when they cant seem to say them out loud and mostly when they do not agree with their way of being treated.

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  39. Merritt W.

    Merritt Walker
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 2
    03 December 2012

    In the early part of the Colonial Period a lot of the writing was based on religion, more specifically Puritan ideals. Many immigrants in the Americas came to the Americas to separate themselves from the Church of England; they became Protestants, in this case Puritans. A few authors in this time period were early settlers like John Smith, Mayflower traveler Edward Winslow, and political thinker Samuel Adams. Not all the writers and authors were white; there were Native American writers like Samson Occom, and they had African American writers like former slave Olaudah Equiano. These writers and many others wrote about religious disputes, Puritan poetry, conflicts with Native Americans, and political writing was introduced later in the Colonial Period. The important thing about this time period is that the Americans were just trying to find their way. Since people were coming from all different parts of the world they were greatly influenced by different groups.

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  40. Alicia Gonzales

    Alicia Gonzales
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11
    4 December 2012
    Through 1600’s to the 1800’s, I think that the Europeans had influenced American thinking by causing them to have some kind of beliefs. Not only beliefs, but common sense. Something for them to base their life on. Values, principles, rules, etc. It changed and developed over time starting from the Renaissance, to the Neoclassical Period, to Age of reason.

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  41. Sarai P.

    Sarai P.
    AP English
    Keeble
    4 December 2012

    Throughout the Colonial Period many influences can be observed within philosophy, art, lifestyle, and literature. During this time period revolutionary ideas were coming to light but even so, the Church played a great role in establishing its dominance over the period. Great thinkers were often forced to comply with strictly structured norms of thinking, otherwise they would be criticized, or even accused of bring Heretics. For this reason, works or writing were often restricted and tainted from the original notion that was set forth in their minds.
    As the time progressed however, focus was taken off the church, and refocused on saving the arts. Even though this occured, religion once again infiltrated supposed secular matters. Those who disagreed with the Church-mostly Puritans-hoped to withdraw by immigrating to the ‘New World.’ In this ‘New World,’ Puritans were free to play by their own rules being as they were no longer dictated by an imposing system. For this same exact reason, notions that had been preestablishes by great minds, were adopted, and later led to the establishment of a new form of thinking. This thinking was loosely based on religious attributes, and more on the rights that a person had.
    In conclusion, the Colonial Period was a constant battle between enlightened thinking, and religious morals. No matter who a person was, they were subjected to social norms which were rapidly evolving.

    *Yikes. Re-do.

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  42. Sarai P.

    Sarai P.
    AP English
    Keeble
    4 December 2012

    Throughout the Colonial Period many influences can be observed within philosophy, art, lifestyle, and literature. During this time period revolutionary ideas were coming to light; even so, the Church played a great role in establishing its dominance over the period. Great thinkers, were forced to comply with strictly structured norms of thinking, otherwise they would be criticized, or even accused of bring Heretics. Therefore, their works were often restricted and tainted from the complete notion that was set forward in their minds.
    As the time progressed however, focus was taken off the church and refocused on saving the arts. But, religion once again found its way back into supposed secular matters. Those who disagreed-mostly Puritans-hoped to withdraw from a set of standards set by the church, by immigrating to the supposed ‘New World.’ In this ‘New World,’ where Puritans were free to play by there own rules, and were no longer dictated by an imposing system. Previous notions from great minds, were adopted, and led to the establishment of a new form of thinking loosely based on religious attributes, and more on notions provided by the mind.
    In conclusion, the Colonial Period was a constant battle between enlightened thinking, and religious morals. No matter who a person was, they were subjected to social norms which were rapidly evolving.

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  43. Efrain E

    Efrain E
    Period 1
    AP English 11

    During the Neoclassical period, British, French, and American writers dominated literature. Jean Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire were two important French writers, while Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. On the American continents, Jonathan Edwards was a well known author. The literature of the Neoclassical period can be remembered for the effect it had on the politics of the time. These five authors are best known for their political pieces and their stance on morality in their writings. It was a time of political change and personal empowerment, and these writers led the charge. The literary period following the Neoclassical, the Age of Reason, was focused primarily on American writers. As the name of this period implies, this time was of reason and common sense. Writers that dominated the period include Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and Patrick Henry. They wrote pieces that were very political as well, and they encouraged the idea of a new government for the thirteen colonies.

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  44. Rachael B.

    Rachael B.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP English 11, Period 2
    3 December 2012

    The American Colonial Period was most likely the first era of literature in the United States as it began forming into a country. This literature was strongly inspired by religion and the works of many European writers, mostly of England. These writings were influenced by the American surrounding, environment, and happenings as well. Those most notable of their works in the Colonial Period are Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, William Blake, Edgar Allen Poe and much more. They were writers and poets who created many inspirational works that had dramatic effects. These effects had also guided the people’s lives such as the influence towards the American Revolution and the formation of a republic through the works of Jefferson, Paine, and others. Not only did Colonial Period literature attach itself to real world problems, but it also reflected the emotions and personal thoughts that the people felt and related to when they faced problems that the country or even that of their own intimate lives blindly presented upon them. These multitudes of feelings were shown through the familiar writings of poets like Poe. Struggle and emotion to find individuality in the world as a new country and as people gave the beginning of its literature, Colonial literature, its uniqueness as the laying foundation to express oneself and have the freedom to do so.

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  45. Natasha R.

    Natasha Ramirez
    Keeble
    Ap English
    Period 5
    3 December, 2012

    In the beginng of the colonial period when English immigrants arrived in America, they cam with stron religious backgrounds.Some came as Puratins, Angelicans, and Quakers. As these people came into the new land their beliefs made a great influence in what has created our nation, especially in literature. An example of how these works of literature would be Sinners in the Hands of an Angery God, by Johnathan Edwards explains to fellow Puritans all the punishments and how hell is like if they don’t follow the word of God. Also, another imporatant piece of work that has greatly impacted the United States is the Decleration of Independence. This document is basically based from religious views that say that that god has given men the right that all men are created equally.Finally even today’s laws are still based on religion like, gay marrige rights. This is issue is a big controversy, because the U.S has it’s roots based on religious.
    Our society is revolved around religious views and practices since the day the immigrants have set foot, and built this country. These morals that have grounded themselves into this nation and will continue to be practiced into the future.

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  46. Jashleen Singh

    Jashleen Singh
    Ms.Keeble
    AP English 11, Per 2
    12/2/12

    The Neoclassical Period was a movement involving painting, and other visual arts. It was influenced by archaeological discoveries due to exploration. Neoclassical artists incorporated significance into their art and projects by including as much historical evidence as possible. Neoclassical paintings tend to show Romantic tendencies, and vice versa.

    The Age of Reason was a start to a society in which individuals could obtain and pursue personal happiness. It was a liberating time period. The idea of rationality and enlightenment were now being thought of and worshiped as Gods. The Age of Reason led to the Scientific Revolution and the development of education.

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  47. Valeria Diaz

    Valeria Diaz
    3 December 2012
    5th period
    The Neoclassical Period,The Age of Reason (America) and The Romantic period was where most of the authors were British, French, and German. The Romantic period lasted longer in the Americas because it fasinated most of the citizens their. Think of it as a theme park. If every state has a theme park, one state would stand out because they have the most thrilling rollercoaster out of the rest of the theme parks. People from other states travel just to experience it. For some reaso, books are the same because they are not published everywhere unless it is extrordenary. These Literary Periods are like the theme parks, each give individual different stories at a time but in time they don’t start to be popular because some other subject was better. That is why threy have periods. It ends and a new period begins either because more genious writters have arrived or because society changed.

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  48. Jessica A

    Jessica A.
    Ms. Keeble
    AP Lang. and Composition, Per. 5
    3 December 2012

    During the 1660’s- 1785, many great thinkers synthesized their thoughts into books. These books were predominantly about maintaining conformity, and building a world of Enlightenment. This Enlightenment brought on the “American Age of Reason.” Our society runs on principles of sheer enlightenment and democracy adapted from European thinkers. For example, In Baron de Montesquieu’s The Spirit of Laws, he wrote to establish a system of checks and balances, and a system in which no monarch would bear total control over their country. During the Age of Reason, this idea was incorporated into creating the three branches of government- Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. Similarly, Thomas Jefferson embedded the ideas of John Locke- an enlightenment thinker who urged for men to have natural rights- into the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson wrote, “all men are created equal; that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These inalienable rights are the same natural rights that Locke pushed for. The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau also aims to define a conformity amongst the individuals of the countries, rather than forming ties with the ruler. This was yet another step towards democracy that was adapted by Americans during the Age of Reason. These few thinkers and writers were the founders of The Neoclassical Period which brought on an Age of Reason in America- a time when Americans were in need of reform and foundations that essentially aided Americans into a time of greater thinking and reasoning, hence the name, Age of Reason.

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