Mania for Freedom

Description:

"In this study of literature in antebellum America, John Mac Kilgore argues that a distinct rhetorical tradition of enthusiasm emerged as a form of political dissent. This was literature written to confront normative values, to respond to critical injustice, and to incite revolt, if not broad change. Literary enthusiasm came to signify a particular form of protest among marginalized groups, including commoners, slaves, immigrants, Native Americans, women, and abolitionists. These dissenting voices, these enthusiasts, fought against what they viewed as tyranny while using their writings to forge international or anti-nationalistic political affiliations"--

subjects: American literature, history and criticism, revolutionary period, 1775-1783,  American literature, history and criticism, 1783-1850,  American literature, history and criticism, 19th century,  Enthusiasm in literature,  American Protest literature,  History and criticism,  American literature,  Revolutionary period (United States)