Early American Writing

DISCLAIMER Neither Mrs. Larsen nor Staunton High School is pushing any type of religious belief or practice on you. We are reading literature with religious undertones in class because they are important in history and the literature we read. WE ARE READING THE STORIES PURELY FOR THE LITERARY VALUE.

Who owns the land? What makes an explorer? Are people basically good? Who has the right to rule?

1. Historical Context A. early settlers found America so different from what they were used to that they wrote a lot about it. B. they used diaries, letters, and reports home to record when the world of Europeans first intersected with that of Native Americans. C. millions of people lived in America when Europeans arrived.

William Wood: Native Americans “took the first ship they saw for a walking island, the mast to be a tree, the sail white clouds.” William Bradford: “ A hideous and desolate wilderness full of wild beasts and wild men.” How do these quotes illustrate the clash of cultures that occurred when the two groups first met?

D. first permanent colony was established @ Jamestown in 1607. colonies became self-reliant Practiced local self-rule E. first colonists stayed loyal to England by exporting and importing goods. In turn, Britain protected its territory. French and Indian War 1759-1763 France allied with a number of Native American groups to drive British from North America. Great Britain won and claimed all of North America, east of Mississippi River.

The colonists rebelled. F. Great Britain tried to tax the colonists to make up for the money that was put into the war. The colonists rebelled. 1776 – colonists declared themselves to be “free and independent” Constitution was approved in 1788, and America was born.

2. Cultural Influences A. Puritans were people who sought to purify the church. Human struggle was seen as the sign of mission. They valued hard work, thrift, and responsibility. Were inflexible. (Salem Witch Trials)

3. Ideas of the Age A. The Enlightenment Burst of intellectual energy People began to question previously accepted truths about who should hold power in the government. Government by the people Enlightenment ideals prompted action and gave colonists a philosophical footing for their revolution

B. The Great Awakening Many people feared Puritan beliefs were being lost New wave of religious enthusiasm began to rise People began to feel joined in the belief that a higher power was helping them Enlightenment (reason) vs. Great Awakening (emotionalism) Both questioned authority, leading colonists to break from Britain’s control

4. Early American Literature A. Native Americans had no set written language B. they told stories and passed them through generations orally

C. picture page 22 Raven and the First Man Natural world plays a vital role in the world of humans. People have a close, respectful relationship with nature.

D. creation stories are found in every culture E. most stories did not survive as Native Americans died. F. Early settlers Journals and letters; first hand accounts Writings helped English readers form a clear picture of North America As colonies grew, writings shifted from descriptions to accounts of growth These were used to attract settlers to colonies

H. Writers of the Revolution G. Puritans Writing should be useful. It should be a tool to help understand the Bible. Used plain, powerful language Poetry explored relationship with God H. Writers of the Revolution Pamphlets and propaganda (ideas, opinions, or information used to further a cause) Women writers