Problem
Literary critical scholars debate which one of the following writers should be honored as America's first poet: Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Phillis Wheatley, Philip Freneau, or Michael Wigglesworth. Most agree, however, the poetry created by the person given this distinction should embody the beliefs, values, and/or attitudes of the burgeoning republic and its people. Who do you think is the "first" American poet? Explain your response.