Carnival Post on 1700-1820

Some of America's most exciting and difficult times were during the period of 1700-1820. The Revolutionary War, Great Awakening, Age of Reason, and founding fathers all can be linked to this time period. The literature during this time period depicted the difficulties for settlers and slaves alike.

When looking through my classmates, I was able to find several similarities and disagreements with interpretations of the assigned literature. To begin with, Jonathan Edwards seemed to stir many of my classmates' ideas of him. Esther, Andrew, and Nicole all mentioned their discomforts with the preaching techniques and ideas of Edwards. Though they agreed that he had some valid points, they wondered just what it was that Edwards wanted to prove. On the other hand, Hannah, Tanisha, and Lindsey appreciated the honesty and urgency of Edwards message.

Another popular topic among bloggers dealt with slavery and African American's early influences in American Literature. Phillis Wheatley's work was appreciated by almost every blogger I came across. Her desire to express her love for God and education must've been a staple for many African Americans during the time period. She undoubtably was a leader in the African American community. A

Along with Wheatley, Olaudah Equiano used his ability to write well to captivate readers and share his adventurous life story. Esther mentioned his strong faith and how impressed she was that he would sacrifice his freedom in order to keep his faith. Another interesting dynamic to his story, as Nicole mentions in her blog, was that he came to be a Christian through his captors. Equiano would begin to question the morality of slavery in America and he would do it well with his well-educated background. As Andrew mentioned, Equiano's vocabulary and ability to pick up English was extraordinary.

Finally, another favorite topic was the exchanges of letters between John and Abigail Adams. Both Tanisha and Julia mentioned the power of a letter as opposed to our technological ways in which we communicate today. The idea of having to communicate through constantly writing letters is unbelievable. I have a hard enough time containing exciting news when I want to wait to tell it in person. Imagine hearing about the signing of the Declaration of Independence days after it happened. It would be unheard of in our social savvy world. The Adams family reminds us to appreciate the things we have in today's society. Communication is very easily taken for granted these days.

This exciting time period slowly set America up for it's real struggles and changes during the 19th century. A Civil War that would tear a nation apart and the freedom of many slaves.