Thomas Jefferson's 'Essay on the Anglo-Saxon Language' in context: A study of Jefferson's analytical method

This dissertation shapes a context for Thomas Jefferson's "Essay on the Anglo-Saxon Language," in which he made radical propositions for the simplification of Old English grammar, in order to better understand the results of his analysis of the language. Central to the study is the concept of "utility," an important element of Jefferson's philosophy which is crucial to understanding his approach to scholarship. Jefferson preferred areas of study with clear utilitarian value, as his love of invention demonstrates, and so the dissertation first addresses how Old English met the criterion of utility. As a believer in the "Anglo-Saxon Myth" (which describes the Saxons as democrats fiercely committed to freedom), Jefferson saw in the Saxons an important example for the United States. He also believed the study of Old English would strengthen Modern English by elucidating the meanings of its words and promote neology by restoring the practice of forming new words by the combination of existing words and roots. Utility also affect the methods by which Jefferson analyzed the language: Jefferson borrowed from the techniques of natural classification, which had been designed to render knowledge of nature more useful to the natural historian. Since his own purpose was to ease the acquisition of Old English, and so render it more useful, the selection, tabulation and comparison of traits, the methodology of Linnaeus, suited him well. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of utility as it applies to Jefferson's scholarship, and explores the utility of history and education (both factors in his study of Old English). Possible influences on Jefferson's linguistic theory are also examined, and his methods of scholarship explicated. Chapter 2 explores the importance of language---and particularly of English---to republican society. Returning to the subject of history, Chapter 3 describes the evolution of the Anglo-Saxon myth and its use in the American colonies, and Chapter 4 describes Jefferson's own understanding of Anglo-Saxon history. Chapter 5 concludes the dissertation with a detailed discussion of the "Essay" itself, revealing how the context explored in previous chapters sheds light on Jefferson's understanding of Old English and its place in his thought.