Prompt: This week, you have read a lot of literature that is foundational in forming the backbone of what it means to be "American" and to write with American sensibilities. Most of the writers this week are actively engaged in nationalistic or patriotic work, and you should be familiar with them as historical figures who are often referenced still. There is also quite a bit of dissenting opinion on the role of the Native American and the African slave, in regards to their humanity and status as "person." This week, I want you to answer two parts:

1) Compare and contrast the rhetoric of Paine and Jefferson as they both work in unique ways to convince their audiences of why separation from Britain was necessary. Be sure to identify who they are addressing and why they chose their rhetorical strategies.

2) Use Franklin's "The Savages of North America" as a way of reading Philip Freneau's poem "The Indian Burying Ground." How would Franklin respond to Freneau? Does Freneau see the native similarly or differently? How?

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The War of American Independence is only too often confused with the War for Independence As President of the United States noted in an exceedingly letter of 1815 to Chief Executive What can we mean b... View the full answer