Colonial Period Early American Literature Native American Literature

Colonial Period Early American Literature

Native American Literature • The earliest American Literature was composed by Native Americans. • Much of Native American Literature was passed down orally. • Native American tales were often mythological and/or folktales, such as Trickster tales.

Exploration Literature • Once explorers began to travel to the New World, they chronicled their experiences in the form of diaries and letters home. • Often, the diaries and letters were propaganda designed to increase settlers’ interest in the land.

The Puritans The term “Puritan” was applied to two groups of people who believed that: – 1) They should separate themselves from the “corrupt” Church of England” or – 2) The Church of England needed reform

Puritan Beliefs • • Predestination Covenant of Works Covenant of Grace Covenant of Redemption

Predestination • G-d has chosen certain few of the “elect” for salvation. • Unlike other Christians, they believed faith alone was not enough. • Whether or not you were “saved” could be determined by your behavior—if you acted in a holy manner, it was assumed you were saved.

Covenant of Works • G-d promised Adam and his progeny eternal life if they obeyed moral law. • Adam broke this covenant.

Covenant of Grace • Once Adam broke the Covenant with G-d, He created a new covenant with Abraham. • Punishment for sins is considered a proper response to disobedience.

Covenant of Redemption • Puritans believed that Jesus freely offered himself as a sacrifice on behalf of all people. • G-d must accept Jesus’s sacrifice as a representative for all people.

What the Puritans Did • Established settlements in Massachusetts, including Plymouth and Boston. • Influenced America’s system of laws and morals. • Wrote in “plain style”—writing unadorned with figurative language.

Salem Witch Trials • In 1692, Salem, MA. experienced the witchcraft hysteria, which had been plaguing Europe for some time. • Before the Salem Witch Trials ended, 185 people would be accused of the sin of witchcraft. • Of those accused, 20 were executed. • Arthur Miller wrote an account of the trials called The Crucible. • To learn more about the Witch Trials and The Crucible, visit http: //www. huffenglish. com/ crucible/witchhunt. html.

Puritan Literature • Histories: William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation • Poetry: Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor • Sermons: Jonathan Edwards • Biographies: Mary Rowlandson’s kidnapping account • “Tracts”: Increase Mather, Cotton Mather

The Scarlet Letter • Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850. • Hawthorne descended from Salem Witch Trials judge John Hathorne (N. Hawthorne added the “w” for clarification in pronunciation). • A sense of guilt over the actions of his ancestors compelled him to write many times on Puritan themes. • The Scarlet Letter is set in the mid-1600’s, during the Puritan era in Boston.