The Group By Mercy Otis Warren

Mercy Otis Warren wrote this wonderful play called “The Group”. Her depiction of the people in this play was extremely positive of those loyal to the revolution and negative of those opposed to it. The revolutionists were all lovers of freedom and defenders of the natural rights people should have. She drew parallels between these Patriots with those of Britons when they were throwing off Roman rule. Those loyal to the crown had a mixture of personalities; some wanted everyone to die in battle and to leave the country in ruin while others thought that they had no chance of ever defeating the “honorable revolutionaries.” Those who were American and supported the crown were seen as traitors and having fallen under the spell of no good Rapatio.

These of course were the feelings of many Americans at the time, but the way she was able to set up the play was quite ingenious. It has a very epic or heroic quality to it with the constant allusions to ancient Rome. George Washington is seen as a Brutus who killed Caesar so that the senate could rule. Those who fought for freedom fought with the gods on their side:

“No all is over unless the sword decides,
Which cuts down Kings, and kingdoms often divides.
By that appeal I think we can't prevail,
Their valor's great, and justice holds the scale.
They fight for freedom, while we stab the breast
Of every man, who is her friend professed.
They fight in virtue's ever sacred cause,
While we tread on divine and human laws.
Glory and victory, and lasting fame,
Will crown their arms and bless each Hero's name!”

This epic of the 18^th century praised the valor of the Patriotic and condemned the actions of many more. Loyalty to the crown was always promoted by vice (such as bribery or maintaining a high position) where as loyalty to America is result of virtue. Like Hector or Achilles who died as heroes, so would many American men but their blood would anoint the ground as holy and even more deserving of being free. With this play she condemned Tories and extolled patriotic sentiment to encourage the continuing battle against tyranny.