📚American Literature – Before 1800 Unit 2 – Early Colonial American Literature

Key Themes and Concepts

• Exploration of the New World and its impact on literature
• Religious beliefs and their influence on colonial writings
  • Puritanism played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape
  • Authors often used their works to promote and reinforce religious values
• The concept of the "American Dream" and its early manifestations in literature
• The importance of personal narratives and autobiographical accounts
• Themes of survival, perseverance, and the challenges of colonial life
• The intersection of European and Native American cultures
• The role of literature in documenting and preserving early American history

Historical Context

• The Age of Exploration and the establishment of European colonies in the Americas
• The Puritan migration to New England in the early 17th century
• The development of distinct regional identities within the colonies
• The impact of the British colonial system on the social, economic, and political life of the colonies
• The growing tensions between the colonies and the British Empire
• The influence of the Enlightenment on colonial thought and literature
• The French and Indian War and its consequences for the colonies

Major Authors and Works

• Captain John Smith and his accounts of the Jamestown settlement (The Generall Historie of Virginia)
• William Bradford and his chronicle of the Pilgrims' journey (Of Plymouth Plantation)
• Anne Bradstreet, the first published female poet in the colonies (The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America)
• Edward Taylor and his devotional poetry (Preparatory Meditations)
• Mary Rowlandson and her captivity narrative (The Sovereignty and Goodness of God)
• Cotton Mather and his religious writings (Magnalia Christi Americana)
• Jonathan Edwards and his influential sermons (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God)

Literary Styles and Genres

• Puritan plain style, characterized by simple language and direct expression
• Captivity narratives, which recounted the experiences of colonists captured by Native Americans
  • These narratives often served as propaganda and reinforced cultural stereotypes
• Sermons and religious tracts, designed to instruct and inspire the faithful
• Personal journals and diaries, providing intimate glimpses into colonial life
• Political pamphlets and essays, reflecting the growing spirit of independence
• Poetry, ranging from devotional verse to elegies and love poems
• The emergence of the American epic, exemplified by Joel Barlow's The Vision of Columbus

Cultural and Religious Influences

• The pervasive influence of Puritan beliefs and values on colonial society
• The concept of predestination and its impact on Puritan worldview
• The importance of education and literacy in Puritan culture
• The role of the church in colonial life and its influence on literature
• The interaction between European settlers and Native American tribes
• The influence of Native American oral traditions on colonial literature
• The impact of the Great Awakening on religious thought and expression

Critical Analysis and Interpretation

• The use of typology and biblical allusions in Puritan literature
• The representation of gender roles and expectations in colonial writings
• The portrayal of Native Americans in captivity narratives and other works
• The tension between individual expression and communal conformity in Puritan society
• The emergence of a distinct American identity in colonial literature
• The role of literature in shaping public opinion and political discourse
• The influence of classical and European literary traditions on colonial authors

Legacy and Impact

• The lasting influence of Puritan values on American culture and literature
• The contribution of colonial writers to the development of a unique American literary voice
• The role of colonial literature in documenting the early history of the United States
• The influence of colonial themes and motifs on later American authors
• The ongoing relevance of colonial writings in understanding American identity and values
• The recognition of the diverse voices and experiences within colonial literature
• The continued study and appreciation of early American literature in academic and popular contexts

Key Takeaways

• Early colonial American literature was heavily influenced by religious beliefs, particularly Puritanism
• The literature of this period reflects the challenges and experiences of life in the New World
• Colonial authors contributed to the development of distinctly American literary genres and styles
• The interaction between European settlers and Native Americans had a significant impact on colonial literature
• Colonial writings played a crucial role in documenting the early history of the United States
• The legacy of colonial literature continues to shape American culture and identity
• Studying early colonial American literature provides valuable insights into the foundations of American society and thought