Philip Freneau Criticism
Philip Morin Freneau, often referred to as "the Poet of the Revolution," is a seminal figure in early American literature. His works are an intriguing blend of neoclassicism and pre-Romanticism, serving as historical records of the American Revolution and the nascent republic. Freneau's poetry and essays reflect the contentious political landscape of his time, particularly through his role as editor of the National Gazette, a platform he used to critique Federalist policies, as discussed in The Democratic Editor.
Born in 1752 to a family of Huguenot descent, Freneau was a Princeton student, where he co-authored A Poem, on the Rising Glory of America with Hugh Henry Brackenridge. His early work was infused with a sense of American identity, a sentiment that grew during his travels and experiences, including his capture by the British, which was a pivotal moment in his life, as noted by 'Learn What It Is to Go to Sea'. This period inspired The British Prison-Ship, marking a shift from youthful idealism to a more disillusioned perspective.
Freneau's literary output includes both satirical and romantic pieces, capturing the spirit of his era. His post-war writings, such as "The Wild Honey Suckle" and "The Indian Burying-Ground," are considered among his masterpieces, capturing personal and national themes, as examined in 'The Posture That We Give the Dead'. Despite initial acclaim, Freneau's style, which bridged the neoclassical and Romantic periods, became less fashionable, as observed by critics like Joseph Harrington, who noted that his political focus seemed outdated compared to the emerging Romantic ideals.
Critics have debated Freneau's place in American literature, with some, like Gilbert L. Gigliotti, emphasizing the classical influences in works like "The Hurricane." Others, such as Jane Donahue Eberwein, highlight his struggle to establish a distinct American literary voice against British cultural dominance. Freneau's enduring legacy lies in his ability to capture the complexities of his time, making him a crucial figure in the transition to American literary independence.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Freneau as an Author
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Austin provides examples of nineteenth-century criticism of Freneau's poetry.
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The Democratic Editor
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Forman discusses Freneau's position as editor of the National Gazette and the controversy that surrounded his work there.
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Nature and Deism
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Adkins explores the formation of Freneau's complex religious philosophy from his abandonment of the orthodoxy of his parents to his turn toward nature and deism.
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That Poet Freneau: A Study of the Imagistic Success of The Pictures of Columbus
(summary)
In the following essay, Kyle discusses Freneau's attempt to create an American myth in the form of an epic poem about Christopher Columbus.
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Prose: Newspapers and Essays
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Bowden surveys Freneau's prose writings from 1790 to 1800, including his newspaper articles and humorous essays.
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Philip Freneau (1752-1832)
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Eberwein discusses Freneau's life and career, suggesting that his various activities as editor, farmer, and sea captain influenced his writing in various ways.
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‘Learn What It Is to Go to Sea,’ 1780-1786
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Vitzthum suggests that Freneau's capture and subsequent imprisonment by the British marked a turning point in his personal philosophy and writing career.
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The Rising Glory of America and the Falling Price of Intellect: The Careers of Brackenridge and Freneau
(summary)
In the following essay, Lang examines the collaboration between Freneau and Hugh Henry Brackenridge on the 1772 Princeton commencement poem, The Rising Glory of America.
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‘The Posture That We Give the Dead’: Freneau's ‘Indian Burying Ground’ in Ethnohistorical Context
(summary)
In the following essay, Round explores Freneau's poem “Indian Burying Ground” in the context of both Christian and Native American mythology, focusing on Freneau's changing use of the figure of the Native American as an emblem of American culture.
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Off a ‘Strange, Uncoasted Strand’: Navigating the Ship of State through Freneau's Hurricane
(summary)
In the following essay, Gigliotti examines Freneau's “The Hurricane” as a ship of state poem that draws on classical tradition while making a case for the unique quality of the American experiment.
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Re-Birthing ‘America’: Philip Freneau, William Cullen Bryant, and the Invention of Modern Poetics
(summary)
In the following essay, Harrington discusses the shift in poetic sensibility between 1800 and 1830 described through the poetic differences between Freneau and Bryant.
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Freneau as an Author
(summary)
- Further Reading