February 8 2007

Mercy Otis Warren's use of British satire as a method of mocking the British was effective for her audience of colonial revolutionaries. When read in the context of the time and climate of the American colonies. Her play would have been een as propaganda in support of independence from Great Britain, and not as simply as a form of artistic expression. I find it interesting that she personfies the negative characteristics of the Tories in the female form, and the positive qualities of the patriots as a man. In one of the last speeches of Meagre's, her brother is compared to Brutus for his bravery and willingness to stand against his "oppressors" (18). Those fighting for the rightly cause of independence and liberty were called man throughout the play. The evil and oppressive nature of the British and the Tories is compared to that Claudia, a historical figure that was capable of murder and deceit towards her husband.
Warren's method of classifying traits as either male or female can be attributed to the time period in which she grew up. While she was allowed schooling, it was unofficial because she only took the place of her brother, and she wasn't allowed to attend college. She was, however, able to break the social norms and become one the few leading political activists of her time. This position she is in is still discredited by her peers because she was put in her position only after the beating of her brother. Had her brother not been incapacitated, she probably would not have been granted the opportunity to have her works published in newspapers, and affect those around her. From this work, there is no formal call to action for her fellow patriots. Warren makes a mockery of the Tories, but does not suggest any plan of retaliation. Her play serves as inspiration to patriot, and reminds them at victory and liberty are within their grasp.