Hello to the blogging world!
This is my first post on Blogger, but, as cliche as it is, there is a first time for everything. Needless to say, I now understand what it means to be part of a blogging community! I am creating this blog is part of my Fall 2011 English 3204- 18th Century Poetry and Prose. Throughout the next several weeks, I will be commenting, reviewing, or analyzing the rich literary period that is the 18th Century.
For my first posting, I wish to examine an excerpt on slavery from John Locke's An Essay concerning the True Original, Extent and End of Civil Goverment (1690). Having witnessed the events of the Bloodless Revolution, Locke was very critical of and opposed to the theory of divine right. In chapter 4 of An Essay, he states that the "natural Liberty of Man" is to submit to the Law of Nature but to remain free from legislative authority of superior powers (262). Citing Sir Robert Filmer, Locke points out that every man has the liberty to do whatsover that pleases him, and no one should endure the arbitary rule of someone else. He argues Man cannot hold, grant, or take power over other human beings. Describing the practice of slavery as "between a lawful Conqueror, and a Captive", he states that a person cannot receive power over the life of another (263).
Although slavery in Britin would not be condemned until 1722, the anti-slavery movement was started by philosophers and writers, such as Locke, who supported the natural rights and liberty of man. This way of thinking marked the rise of liberal ideals in Europe during the 18th Century.
Actually, as we will see, the abolition movement in the UK began much earlier than we in North America generally think. It was abolished in Britain in 1772, the trade was outlawed in 1807, and it was abolished throughout (much of) the British empire in 1833 (it ended in the U.S. in 1865). We will be talking about this in more detail in class.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting! I had no idea John Locke was an advocate for freedom. I suppose I'm not exactly surprised by this fact, however I AM surprised that Locke was so public about his views through the writing of his essay. Was his opinion ill-received? Do you know if it was extremely controversial for Locke to think this way at the time, or did he have a lot of supporters? I'm just curious. I'm doing my presentation on the history of the slave trade. Maybe I can slip in a slide about known/famous people during the 18th century and before that about who supported it and who was against it. I think that might be appealing. Anyway, yours is the first blog I have posted on! Feel special. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm aware that abolition began in Britain during the 18th Century. My original posting was focused on the writings and ideals of John Locke.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the second comment, Locke was well-received by many supporters of the Whig movement. His views against absolute monarchy were quite radical for a man of his time (born 1632 and died 1704). Interesting to note that he did flee England after suspicions were raised about his supposed role in the Rye House Plot, but there is no historical evidence to suggest any involvement.