Warm-Up: Journal Reflect on the following prompts… What and who is an American? What is the American Dream? How has it evolved over time?

Early American Literature Beginnings to 1800

Native Americans Oral Tradition Creation Myths Revered Nature! (1) beliefs about the nature of the physical world and human’s relationship to it. (2) beliefs about social order and appropriate behavior; and (3) beliefs about human nature and the problem of good and evil. Revered Nature!

Colonization

The Southern vs. northern Colonies In 1607 the first permanent English colony within the present limits of the United States was planted at Jamestown in Virginia. The colony was founded for commercial reasons and expected large profits from the resources of the New World. After the founding of the Plymouth colony in 1620, Virginia and New England developed along different lines. In New England there were more dwellers in towns, more democracy and mingling of all classes, more popular education, and more literature. New England settlements were founded for religious reasons and focused on community survival. These were the Puritans. In Virginia, a wealthy class of landed gentry came to be an increasing power in the political history of the country.

Southern Authors John Smith (1580-1631) English Adventurer Best Known for his role in founding Jamestown, VA in 1607. Wrote General History of Virginia, a highly self-aggrandizing version of his adventures in Virginia. Most famous for his account of his relationship with Pocahontas.

Who were the Puritans? Group of Protestants that disagreed with the doctrine of the Church of England They came to America for religious freedom and settled in the New England area Unlike the earliest American settlers, who came for profit, Puritans came to America for their ideals and beliefs

Beliefs Wealth is a sign of God’s good Grace! Believed in predestination: God freely chose who He would save and those he would eternally damn Mankind is born in sin but God will save the chosen few Believed in Original Sin and the consequent sinfulness of all mankind Highly valued industriousness, self-reliance, and community Puritan Ethic = Hard work & Self-discipline accomplish good

Plain style - a way of writing that stresses simplicity and Puritan Literature Plain style - a way of writing that stresses simplicity and clarity of expression. The Bible was the primary book they read and referenced A few hymn/prayer books Children’s books were even religious in nature Did not produce fiction (seen as frivolous and, therefore, sinful. Produced public documents (tax records, farm inventories, etc.) Sermons Religious poems Interpretations of God’s doings on Earth through diaries and journals

Puritan Authors John Winthrop –Sermons/Histories Anne Bradstreet—Poet William Bradford— Of Plymouth Plantation Jonathon Edwards—”Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”

Traits Passed down from puritans a. The need for moral justification for private, public, and governmental acts. b. The Questing for Freedom - personal, political, economic, and social. c. The Puritan work ethic. d. The city upon the hill - concept of manifest destiny.

Rationalist/Revolutionary Period

Decline of Puritanism 1. A person's natural desire to do good - this works against predestination. 2. Change in economic conditions - growth of fishery, farms, etc. 3. Presence of the leaders of dissent 4. The presence of the frontier - concept of self-reliance, individualism, and optimism. 5. Growth of rationality - use of the mind to know God - less dependence on the Bible.

Rationalist Beliefs 1. Faith in the natural goodness of humans - a human is born without sin 2. Perfectibility of a human being - it is possible to improve situations of birth, economy, society, and religion. 3. The power of reason 4. Universal compassion - the attitude of helping everyone. 5. Outdated social institutions cause unsociable behavior - religious, social, economic, and political institutions, which have not modernized, force individuals into unacceptable behavior.

Other Characteristics Experimentation in science & Scientific curiosity Economic concept of laissez-faire (hands-off governance) Rise of Slavery Age of revolutions in America and in France (1789)

American Revolution

Causes of the Revolution Belief in Natural Rights (the Social Contract) Lack of Representation in British Government Restrictive Taxes and trade policies The Sugar Act The Stamp Act Quartering Act Tea Act Intolerable Acts

Rationalist/Revolutionary literature Still lacking fiction Writing Includes: Essays Pamphlets Speeches Poetry Personal/Non-Fiction Narratives Persuasive in nature

Authors of the Revolutionary period Thomas Jefferson Thomas Paine Benjamin Franklin Patrick Henry