Revolutionary-era poetry and political satire played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution. Writers like Philip Freneau, John Trumbull, and Mercy Otis Warren used their wit and creativity to criticize British policies and rally support for independence.

These poets employed various techniques, including allegory, irony, and parody, to convey their messages. Their works, ranging from patriotic ballads to satirical epics, reflected the political tensions of the time and helped forge a distinct American literary identity.

Revolutionary-era Poets

Philip Freneau

• Considered the "Poet of the American Revolution" for his patriotic and satirical poems supporting the American cause
• Wrote poems criticizing British policies and celebrating American heroes and victories, such as "The British Prison Ship" and "The Wild Honey Suckle"
• Employed various poetic forms, including elegies, odes, and ballads, to convey his political messages and evoke emotional responses from readers
• Influenced by neoclassical and romantic literary styles, incorporating themes of nature, liberty, and nationalism in his works ("The Rising Glory of America")

John Trumbull

• American lawyer, poet, and judge who wrote satirical poetry mocking British colonial policies and Loyalist sentiments
• Best known for his mock-epic poem "M'Fingal," which ridicules Loyalist Squire M'Fingal and his arguments against the American Revolution
• Utilized heroic couplets and elevated language to parody epic poetry conventions and emphasize the absurdity of Loyalist positions
• Drew inspiration from contemporary political events and figures, such as the Stamp Act and General Gage, to create a humorous and biting critique of British rule

Mercy Otis Warren

• Political activist, playwright, and poet who advocated for American independence and women's rights
• Wrote satirical plays and poems criticizing British colonial policies, corruption, and the oppression of women in society
• Notable works include "The Adulateur," a play satirizing Massachusetts Governor Thomas Hutchinson, and "Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous," a collection of political poems
• Employed wit, irony, and allegorical characters to expose the flaws of British rule and argue for the principles of liberty and equality

Political Allegiances in Literature

Loyalist Literature

• Written by authors who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, defending British policies and criticizing the Patriot cause
• Emphasized the benefits of British rule, such as protection, stability, and economic prosperity, while warning against the dangers of rebellion and chaos
• Utilized various literary forms, including essays, poems, and pamphlets, to persuade readers to support the Loyalist position ("The Congress Canvassed" by A.W. Farmer)
• Often portrayed Patriots as misguided, radical, or self-interested, questioning their motives and the legitimacy of their grievances

Patriot Literature

• Produced by writers who supported the American Revolution and the fight for independence from British rule
• Argued for the principles of liberty, self-governance, and natural rights, drawing on Enlightenment ideas and colonial experiences of oppression
• Employed rhetorical strategies, such as emotional appeals, logical arguments, and historical examples, to justify the Patriot cause and inspire resistance against British tyranny
• Celebrated American heroes, victories, and values, fostering a sense of national identity and unity among colonists ("The Crisis" by Thomas Paine)

Propaganda Poetry

• Poems written with the explicit purpose of promoting a particular political ideology or cause, often using exaggeration, emotion, and persuasive techniques
• Loyalist propaganda poetry aimed to discredit the Patriot movement, portraying rebels as lawless, ungrateful, and dangerous, while praising British rule and loyalist sacrifices
• Patriot propaganda poetry sought to rally support for the American Revolution, demonizing British officials, glorifying Patriot leaders and martyrs, and appealing to shared values of freedom and justice
• Circulated through newspapers, broadsides, and pamphlets to reach a wide audience and shape public opinion on the political conflict

Satirical Techniques and Forms

Ballads and Broadsides

• Ballads: narrative poems or songs that tell a story, often featuring simple language, rhyme schemes, and repetition to make them easy to remember and recite
• Broadsides: single-sheet publications featuring poems, songs, or illustrations, designed for quick and cheap distribution to a mass audience
• Revolutionary-era ballads and broadsides often used humor, satire, and popular melodies to mock political figures, spread propaganda, and comment on current events
• Examples include "The Liberty Song" by John Dickinson, which promotes Patriot ideals, and "The Taxation of America" by a Loyalist poet, which defends British policies

Allegory and Irony

• Allegory: a literary device in which characters, events, or symbols represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, often used to convey political or social commentary
• Revolutionary-era poets employed allegory to critique British rule, represent the conflict between liberty and tyranny, or personify the American colonies and their struggle for independence
• Irony: the use of words or situations to convey a meaning opposite to their literal interpretation, often for humorous or satirical effect
• Satirical poems of the period frequently used verbal irony to mock or undermine political opponents, exposing the gap between their words and actions or the absurdity of their arguments

Parody

• A literary technique that imitates the style, form, or content of another work to create a humorous or critical effect
• Revolutionary-era poets parodied various literary genres, such as epic poetry, elegies, and odes, to subvert their conventions and adapt them for political satire
• By mimicking the language, tone, and structure of well-known works or genres, parodies drew attention to the political issues at hand and invited readers to see them in a new, often comical light
• John Trumbull's "M'Fingal," for example, parodies the epic form to ridicule Loyalist arguments and celebrate the Patriot cause