"Oh, when will [our literature] breathe the spirit of our republican institutions? When will it be imbued with the God-like aspiration of
intellectual freedom-the elevating principle of equality? When will it assert
its national independence, and speak the soul—the heart of the American
people? Why cannot our literati (educated lovers of literature] comprehend
the matchless sublimity [awesomeness) of our position amongst the nations
of the world—our high destiny-and cease bending the knee to foreign
idolatry, false tastes, false doctrines, false principles? When will they be
inspired by the magnificent scenery of our world, imbibe the fresh
enthusiasm... and soar upon the expanded wings of truth and liberty? Is not
[our] nature as original-her truths as captivating ... as in that of the East?..
. Why, then, do our authors aim at no higher degree of merit than a successful
imitation of English writers of celebrity?"
a) Describe the point of view of the author in the excerpt
b) Explain how specific historical development contributed to ideas
c) Explain how one specific historical development during period 1800 to 1860