The Revolutionary Period of American Literature spans a very short time period, basically just a few years on either side of the American Revolution. This period is also known as the Age of Reason and Rationalism. Basically, thinkers were interested in logical thought, which has clearly contributed to American Government.
Tenets of Rationalism:
 | Imagination had to be restrained by reason and common sense.
(Franklin, Henry, Paine) |
| The common good was more important than individual concerns. (Jefferson's
"Declaration of Independence") |
| Clarity, order, and balance is desired in writing. |
During the Age of Reason, the most common topics were government, ethics, and science.
Major writers of this period:
| Benjamin Franklin |
| Patrick Henry |
| Thomas Paine |
| Thomas Jefferson |
