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American Literature:
Beginnings and The Colonial
Period
Native Americans
Oral tradition
Explored common themes, such as reverence for nature and the worship of many gods
Rich and diverse folklore
Effect of Colonialism on Native Americans
Near 90 % died due to exposure to European diseases
Land wars
Oppression
Literature of the Explorersletters, journals, and
books emphasizing America’s abundant resources, the hospitality of the inhabitants, and the promise of unlimited wealth & gold Wanted to increase
expeditions and funding
The Puritans Arrive First group arrived in 1620—
led by William Bradford
**In many respects, American character has been shaped by the moral, ethical, and religious convictions of the Puritans.
What is a Puritan? Puritan refers to a
number of Protestant groups that sought to “purify” the Church of England
Came to America because they suffered persecution in England—jailed, whipped, noses and ears cut
The Puritan Purpose wished to return to
simpler forms of worship and church organization
religion was a personal inner experience
did not believe that clergy or government should act as intermediary between the individual and God
Puritan Beliefs: Sinners All?
Strong belief in Original Sin & the resulting damnation
Believed outward behavior indicated inner soul & its capacity to be saved
**Puritan Values Self-reliance Industriousness Temperance Simplicity
Puritan Politics a covenant, or
contract, between God and humanity
Mayflower Compact outlined a contract of government
Little room for compromise
Salem Witchcraft Trials 1691-1692
all started with daughter and niece of Rev. Parris—the two girls dabbled in witchcraft and became ill—blamed many people in town—150 were imprisoned, 19 killed
Mass hysteria and paranoia
The Bible in Puritan America
Trained to see life as a pilgrimage to salvation
Believed the Bible was the literal word of God
Great emphasis on education…to better read the Bible
Puritan Writing Purpose of Puritan writing is to
record the workings of God Allusions
Plain style
Diaries, Journals, etc.
Our Objectives To understand the impact of Puritan
beliefs on our modern culture
To understand Puritan writing as the origins of American literature
To analyze how personal beliefs impact the voice and purpose of a piece of literature
To examine elements of language that are manipulated for an audience