As american colonists questioned british rule, public discussion focused on topics such as colonial independence and individual rights. in turn, literature from the american revolutionary period often reflected important political and social themes, including national independence, personal liberty, and individualism. how does the literature of this period influence future generations of american literature? where have you seen traces of these themes and how were they presented in the other literature you read?

Directions: in 2 - 3 paragraphs respond to mack's idea about the "interplay of life and literature" in lines 92 - 100 in " why read shakespeare". 1. explain what it means to say that finding meaning in shakespeare "is a sort of proving ground for finding beauty and meaning in life". provide reasons that support your claim. 2. explain which is more important - that literature teaches readers about life or that understanding life readers understand literature. identify examples from literature you have read. 3. summarize your view of the interplay between literature and your own lives, explaining whether you see a connection or not and why.