AGE OF EXPLORATION

1000 – 1600s

European Expansion

Creative energy focused on ArtReligionPolitics Geography

Influences on the American Narrative Tradition

Writings of explorers who recorded their travels

Settlers’ accounts of life in a new land Captivity narratives Tales about interactions with Native

Americans Autobiographical writings by African

slaves

Literature characteristics

Fascination with the wilderness Devotion to fair government Concern with practical affairs

Reports of Discovery Tropical paradises Menacing forests Endless plains Vast mountain

ranges

Exotic Plants Various new animals Tremendous wealth

Fur tradingGold

Explorers

Columbus – discovery of the Americas Cabeza de Vaca – Spanish

soldiers/missionaries - Southwest Robert de La Salle – French – Miss.

River Valley/Great Lakes

Literary terms – define in your notes. Historical context Plain style Allusion Satire Historical narrative Inference