Writer

Women were not considered to be great intellectuals in colonial society. Their thoughts and opinions were rarely acknowledged. However, there were many women who voiced their beliefs, particularly about the war, in the form of writing.

 

Mercy Otis Warren

Mercy Warren is not known as one of our country’s famous writers. But she was, in fact, a great writer of her time. She chronicled the events of the war and the development of the new nation in three volumes entitled History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution. She also wrote a poem titled "The Squabble of the Sea Nymphs," which satirized the British military. Mercy wrote several satiric plays as well.

Phillis Wheatley

As a slave, Phillis Wheatley had no rights and few privileges. She was a house slave for Susannah Wheatley who taught her English. Susannah also helped Phillis learn to read and write Latin, literature, and poetry. At the age of fourteen, Phillis wrote the poem "On the Arrival of the Ships of War, and Landing of the Troops." Her poems were collected and published by her friend and mentor, Susannah. Phillis was released from slavery after Susannah’s death. She continued to write poetry about the war, new nation, and African heritage throughout her life.

 

Author's Assignment

Imagine that you are a writer or poet living during the American Revolution. Take on the persona of a male or female of any age and any rank (upper class, middle class, lower class, or slave). Write a short paragraph or poem about any aspect of the war. These questions may help you formulate your writing.

Are you a man or a woman?

What is your social class?

Are you a Loyalist or a Patriot?

Are you directly involved in the war?

What are some of the tasks you do on a daily basis?

How does your involvement or lack of involvement in the war make you feel?

 

 

Acknowledged – To be recognized as important; To be accepted.

Chronicled – To provide details about an event; To write a narrative report.

Satirized – To exaggerate or poke fun at; To attack the weakness or mistakes of people.

Persona – A role that one assumes or plays; A character that one pretends to be.

Loyalists – People who remained loyal to the British government during the American Revolution.

Patriots – People who loved, supported, and defended their land and fought for their rights to become an independent country.