Culture and Language at Crossed Purposes

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Exploring the impact of colonial treaty-making on American literature, Jerome McGann reveals how classic texts reflect a haunting awareness of betrayal and failure. He analyzes significant works by authors such as John Winthrop, William Bradford, and Benjamin Franklin, highlighting their engagement with Enlightenment ideals amid challenging realities. McGann emphasizes the tension between ambition and the unsettled nature of their contexts, urging readers to recognize the vital role of truth and memory in understanding both literature and history.