Historian+and+Biographer+of+Dwight's+Greenfield+Hill

Shakespeare Timothy Dwight    One of America’s most noted men, Timothy Dwight wrote one of the first American utopias  ,   __Greenfield Hill __//. // Brought up in a privileged family, Dwight had the resources to strive to be a great writer. Accepted into Yale at a young age, Dwight began his journey to success. Timothy Dwight’s poem, __Greenfield Hill __ was greatly influenced by his life at Greenfield Hill and the world around him.  After five years running two farms, preaching, sitting in the Massachusetts Legislature, and founding a coeducational academy in 1779, to teach modern subjects as well as Latin and Greek, Timothy Dwight left Northampton, Connecticut, to live and preach in Greenfield Hill, Connecticut. On July 20, 1783, he established another school in Greenfield Hill. Shortly after, Dwight returned to the writing that had earned him prominence among the Connecticut Wits, a prestigious society which included Joel Barlow and John Trumbull. Dwight wanted to depict the beauty and intimacy of the society in Greenfield Hill, Connecticut, and its potential as a utopia. In 1795, Dwight wrote __Greenfield Hill__, a seven part poem.

Some historians speculate that Dwight wrote __Greenfield Hill__ to describe an ideal place, a refuge away from the hardships of the 1790s. During this period of time there were numerous events such as the Battle of Fallen Timbers and battles with Great Britain that would call for Dwight’s longing for a safe and beautiful place. The battle of Fallen Timbers was a confrontation between the American Indians of north west America and American soldiers. This battle was over land and ended gruesomely, bringing hardships to all of the inhabitants of America-- Indians and citizens alike. Dwight had to find someway to escape the sadness of the time, thus his writing of __Greenfield Hill__. Previous to the completion __Greenfield Hill__, America was not in good standings with Great Britain, causing minor disputes with Great Britain leading on to battles, claiming the lives of American citizens. Thankfully in 1795, the Treaty of Jay was signed. This treaty established peace between America and Great Britain, outlawing any form of battle or physical attacks. It can be inferred that Dwight’s __Greenfield Hill__ was a place without dispute or disagreement that many Americans wanted America to be, a place of beauty and peace, where all men and women are equal and do not have to worry about hardship and altercations.

Through Timothy Dwight’s years of study, teaching, and preaching, he became and will always remain as one of America’s most well known writers and intellectual men. Dwight has such an amazing way of illustrating his idealistic utopia __Greenfield Hill__//,// and does so beautifully and eloquently. Dwight’s accomplishments and influence has made a difference in America and will do so forever.