Transcript American Literature: The Colonial Period

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
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Rich and diverse
folklore
Effect of Colonialism on
Native Americans
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Near 90 % died
due to exposure to
European diseases

Land wars
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Oppression
Literature of the Explorers
letters, journals, and
books emphasizing
America’s abundant
resources, the
hospitality of the
inhabitants, and the
promise of unlimited
wealth & gold
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Wanted to increase
expeditions and
funding
The Puritans Arrive
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First group arrived in 1620—
led by William Bradford
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**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
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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



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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
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Allusions

Plain style
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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