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Beginnings and The Colonial Period

American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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Page 1: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

American Literature:

Beginnings and The Colonial

Period

Page 2: 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

Page 3: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

Effect of Colonialism on Native Americans

Near 90 % died due to exposure to European diseases

Land wars

Oppression

Page 4: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 5: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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.

Page 6: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 7: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 8: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 9: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

Puritan Politics a covenant, or

contract, between God and humanity

Mayflower Compact outlined a contract of government

Little room for compromise

Page 10: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 11: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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

Page 12: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

Puritan Writing Purpose of Puritan writing is to

record the workings of God Allusions

Plain style

Diaries, Journals, etc.

Page 13: American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

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