Brother Jonathan was a fictional character created to personify the entire United States, in the early days of the country's existence.
In editorial cartoons and patriotic posters, Brother Jonathan was usually depicted as a typical American revolutionary, with tri-cornered hat and long military jacket. Originally, from 1776 to 1783, "Brother Jonathan" was a mildly derisive term used by the Loyalists to describe the Patriots.
Famous quotes containing the words brother and/or jonathan:
“So the brother in black offers to these United States the source of courage that endures, and laughter.”
—Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)
“I have no plans to call on you, Clarice. The world’s more interesting with you.”
—Ted Tally, U.S. screenwriter, and Jonathan Demme. Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins)