1. American Literature: Beginnings and The Colonial Period

3. Native Americans  Oral tradition  Explored common themes, such as reverence for nature and the worship of many gods  Rich and diverse folklore

4. Effect of Colonialism on Native Americans  Near 90 % died due to exposure to European diseases  Land wars  Oppression

5. Major World Events 1607: Jamestown, VA founded as first English settlement 1610: Henry IV of France assassinated 1620: Mayflower lands at New Plymouth, Massachusetts 1624: England declares war on Spain 1624: Dona Ana Nzinga becomes queen of Central African state of Ndongo 1631: Mt. Vesuvius erupts 1644: Ming Dynasty in China ends

6. Sir Isaac Newton

7. More World Events 1768: Boston citizens refuse to quarter British troops 1770: Boston Massacre 1773: Boston Tea party 1775: American Revolution begins 1776: American Declaration of Independence 1789: French Revolution and G. Washington first American president 1793: Louis XIV executed in Paris; Reign of Terror begins

8. Essential Questions  How does language both shape and reveal what we know about the world and about ourselves?  Why is tradition important?

9. 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 Wanted to increase expeditions and funding

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Signing of the Mayflower Compact

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Puritan Writing  Purpose of Puritan writing is to record the workings of God Allusions  Plain style  Diaries, Journals, etc.

18. Language and Knowledge  Early settlers were largely influenced by the language of the Bible and their religious leaders.

19. John Winthrop  “… for we must consider that we shall be as a City upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us…”