Early American Literature. An Era of Change

Transcription

1 Early American Literature An Era of Change

2 Early American Literature Time Period: Historical Context: First "American" colonies were established Religion dominated life and was a focus of their writings American character/patriotism grew which led to the American Revolution

3 Genre/Style Puritanism ( ) Sermons, Most Very diaries, personal narratives writing sought to express the connections between God and their everyday lives plain writing style Rationalism/Reason ( ) Political Highly pamphlets, essays, travel writing, speeches ornate writing style

4 Puritan Themes The role of the NATION The role of the CHRISTIAN

5 Theme: The Role of the NATION America = idealistic leader & practical innovator: Puritans set high goals and means for reaching them Gov. John Winthrop - "We shall be a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people...upon us." Prophetic words because the rest of the world continues to watch America's political, religious, and social developments.

6 Theme: The Role of the CHRISTIAN The world is alluring and hostile, and will try to destroy your testimony Christians should be in the world, but not of the world. (Think: Separatists) God s providential care was a major theme for the writers of Early American Lit (Puritanism)

7 Early American writers were affected by changes in 3 areas: 1. Population - changed from immigrant to American 2. Principles - changed from primarily religious to secular and materialistic 3. Political System - changed from dependence on England to proud independence as the USA Puritanism Rationalism/Reason

8 European to American: the social change A little history: first English settlement began in Jamestown (thank you, Capt. John Smith) settlers arrived in New England. Of 102 colonists aboard the Mayflower, only half survived the first winter 1630's - wealthy, influential Puritans formed Massachusetts Bay Colony in what's known as the Great Migration (20,000 people)

9 European to American: the social change Religious reasons for immigration - religious persecution for the Pilgrims desire to form a theocratic government (governed by God) gov't of Israel was their model!

10 European to American: the social change Not everyone immigrated for religious reasons! Secular reasons for immigration: Adventure Wealth "The American Dream" (many even sold themselves as indentured servants in order to gain their passage!) As more and more Europeans flocked to the New World, the population lost its "English" identity and became distinctively "American"

11 Puritanism to Deism: the religious change As materialism increased, religious values decreased People like Jonathan Edward and George Whitefield called for national revival: a return to religious roots. (1 st Great Awakening 1740s; 2 nd Great Awakening 1790s) Despite the revivals of the 18th century, religious values were declining with the rise of Deism.

12 Deist beliefs: 1. God does not personally intervene in the world 2. Man is not fallen; he can please God through his own effort 3. Good would be rewarded & evil punished, but no firm belief in heaven or hell 4. Through education, man can eradicate evil from the world 5. Distrust systems/institutes of religion Deism shifted the focus from God s providential care to man s inherent rights and ability to bring change through education and reason.

13 Colonies to Nation: the political change England wanted to restrict the colonies, which eventually led to the Revolutionary War. Early colonists believed that all political authority comes from GOD, not from a King America announced her independence, and began the process of transitioning from a colony into a nation. By 1820, the United States was recognized as a world power.

14 Imitation to Maturity: the literary change Early American literature "imitated" English literature It was not until after the Revolutionary War that the first "American" voices began to speak through literature.

15 Imitation to Maturity: the literary change Early American literature initially focused on areas of settlement: the threatening features of the environment; the hostility of the wilderness; attacks by Indians and transitioned to a primarily religious focus as the settlements became more secure. Early literature had a decidedly plain style. A more ornate style didn t become popular until the end of the 1700s into the early Romantic Era.

16 Changes in Literary Style Form: Imitation of English writers Distinct American voice Subject matter: Suffering/challenges religious subject matter revolutionary attitudes secular interests Purpose: Religious instruction secular instruction entertainment Style: Plain style ornate style

17 Annotation Hints: Look for the following: Dates, Possible Religious Plain Literary events, people Themes: Role of Nation, Role of Religion, Materialism, Patriotism, Secularism instruction? Secular instruction? Entertainment? or ornate style? Elements