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Literary
March 12, 1811
The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
In Letter XI to the Rhode-Island American, dated March 8th, the writer satirically praises the extraordinary critical acumen of a few locals, claiming their insights will renovate nature, though doubting their broader talents. Quotes a local paper's description of rural surroundings near town.
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FOR THE RHODE-ISLAND AMERICAN.
LETTER XI.
March. 8th.
I mentioned to you that we were about
to witness wonders; that by the extraor-
dinary illumination of the minds of two or
three persons in this place, the whole sys-
tem of nature is soon to be renovated. But
though the whole is to be renovated, it is
principally in one department that they
have as yet given particular proofs of their
astonishing acumen. This department is
criticism ; and in this their feats are truly
wonderful. - Indeed so omnipotent are they
in this art, that it is seriously doubted by
many whether other spheres can be filled
by them with equal splendour, It is thought
that the display of such gigantick energies
in criticism, pre-supposes so complete a
concentration of mental powers as abso-
lutely precludes the possibility of general
excellence. But this opinion I think is in-
correct. It is, however) mere conjecture
Time must determine.
It was by a late incident that the world
was first informed of their superiority in
criticism. A short communication appear-
ed in a paper of this place, in which were
these remarkable words. "At a few rods'
distance from the centre of the town you
find orchards, pastures, and fields of grain."
LETTER XI.
March. 8th.
I mentioned to you that we were about
to witness wonders; that by the extraor-
dinary illumination of the minds of two or
three persons in this place, the whole sys-
tem of nature is soon to be renovated. But
though the whole is to be renovated, it is
principally in one department that they
have as yet given particular proofs of their
astonishing acumen. This department is
criticism ; and in this their feats are truly
wonderful. - Indeed so omnipotent are they
in this art, that it is seriously doubted by
many whether other spheres can be filled
by them with equal splendour, It is thought
that the display of such gigantick energies
in criticism, pre-supposes so complete a
concentration of mental powers as abso-
lutely precludes the possibility of general
excellence. But this opinion I think is in-
correct. It is, however) mere conjecture
Time must determine.
It was by a late incident that the world
was first informed of their superiority in
criticism. A short communication appear-
ed in a paper of this place, in which were
these remarkable words. "At a few rods'
distance from the centre of the town you
find orchards, pastures, and fields of grain."
What sub-type of article is it?
Epistolary
Essay
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Political
What keywords are associated?
Satirical Letter
Criticism
Rhode Island
Intellectual Satire
Local Commentary
Literary Details
Title
Letter Xi.
Key Lines
I Mentioned To You That We Were About To Witness Wonders; That By The Extraordinary Illumination Of The Minds Of Two Or Three Persons In This Place, The Whole System Of Nature Is Soon To Be Renovated.
It Is Seriously Doubted By Many Whether Other Spheres Can Be Filled By Them With Equal Splendour.
A Short Communication Appeared In A Paper Of This Place, In Which Were These Remarkable Words. "At A Few Rods' Distance From The Centre Of The Town You Find Orchards, Pastures, And Fields Of Grain."