Majmaah University College of Sciences and Humanities Lecturer / Rehab Farouk

Colonial Literature 1620 Pilgrims land at Plymouth

European Renaissance ( )

Major influences of the Renaissance n Expansion of trade and growth of the middle class n Agrarian revolution, decay of unions, development of the capitalist system n Creation of modern nation-states n Birth and development of the individual n Geographic discoveries

Characterized by: n The rebirth of learning n Development of the concept of the free individual n Throwing off of traditional restraints of medieval learning and authority

Motives for English coming to the New World n The assertion of British national pride and honor against the Spanish, French, and Dutch n Economic Considerations – Colonialism was a way to relieve England of some social problems n Propaganda about the New World as a glorious place – Free land, free from social ills n Desire to start an ideal Christian society – “Zion on the Hill”

Colonial America

Before a distinctive American Literature could be written, three conditions had to be met: n Colonist had to be free from their survival needs to have time to think and write n They had to develop a sense of themselves as Americans n They had to develop a way to publish and distribute American writing to American readers

Early American Literature was UTILITARIAN –Stressing practical usefulness rather than style or beauty

Earlier colonial writing took the form of : n Narratives n Descriptions n Observations n Reports n Journals and histories

Later colonial writing the emphasis shifts to: n Sermons n Poetry

The Puritans n Basic tenets of 17th century Puritanism n God’ absolute authority and sovereignty – The scriptures as the basis of truth and the guide to life n Predestination – The belief that through God’s decree certain people are destined to be saved n The universal sinfulness of man n The election and salvation of some by God’s grace

Characteristics of Puritan Literature n Strenuous and serious n Attempts to represent life truly n Every event represents a double reality – The event as a natural occurrence – The event as a significant message from God

Puritan Influences on American Thought and Culture n Emphasis on hard work n A belief in democracy n The drive toward affluence n Emphasis on the value of education and science n A preoccupation with guilt n The notion of progress

Early Writing in New England n More that the southern colonies, the circumstances in early New England favored literary development. The Puritans had a determined and disciplined way of life.

Characteristics of the Puritan group who settled Plymouth Plantation and the Massachusetts Bay Colony area: n More compact settlements n High degree of industry n Disciplined enterprise n A community conscious of experience and purpose n Determined to make America their home

Firsts in America n Facilities for literature were first provided in Massachusetts – First college, Harvard, 1636 – First printing press, Cambridge, 1638’ – First commercial press, Boston, 1674 – First successful newspaper, The Boston News--Letter, 1704

Harvard College

The Planters and the Puritans n Two contrasting value systems

Planters n Region: Virginia n Founded: Jamestown,1607 n Literary Figures: John Smith, William Byrd n Early Government: control by landed aristocracy n Motive: money and social position n Culture shaped by tobacco and by the plantation way of life

Puritans n Region: Massachusetts n Founded: Plymouth, 1620 n Literary Figures: William Bradford, Cotton Mather, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Jonathan Edwards n Early Government: Theocracy n Motive: religious freedom n Culture shaped by religion

Cultural Characteristics : n Planters – a desire to continue the English traditions of landed aristocracy – Based on slavery – Economic inequality – Conspicuous consumption – Scattered population with few towns – Assumption that life was to be enjoyed (dancing, horseback riding, gambling, drinking,music) – Division into upper and lower classes

Cultural Characteristics : n Puritans – A cluster of small towns – Much interchange of ideas – Rough economic equality – Emphasis on education and hard work – Economy based on small trades and crafts, sea industry, and farming – Development of the town-meeting system – Development of a majority of middle class

Whipping a Quaker in Boston