1. American Literature Beginnings through 1750

2. Timeline of Events
1492- Native American groups first encounter explorers. At this time there are several hundred Native American tribes.
1492- Christopher Columbus lands in the Bahamas
1500’s- Exploration of the new land, colonists arrive and settle in the late 1500’s
1607- First permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia
1619- First black slaves brought to Virginia
1620- Pilgrims land at Plymouth, Massachusetts

3. Unit One- Beginnings through 1750
Blend of Native American Literature, Puritan Literature, and Southern Plantation Owners Writings
Myths, speeches, nonfiction, poetry
Some famous authors during this time period are: Navajo, Iroquois, and Onondaga tribes, Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, John Smith, and William Bradford.

4. Native Americans Tribes are scattered all over
They differ greatly in language, government, social organizations, customs, and housing.
Example: A Southwestern tribe would differ greatly from a Northern tribe.

5. Native Americans continued…
Not much is known about this time period. What we do know is that some Native Americans were friendly and helpful to the new settlers.
Most settlers would not have survived without Native American assistance.

6. Puritans (Early Settlers)
Mayflower pilgrims were Puritans
They were religious reformers that wanted to purify the church. They withdrew from the church and are commonly called Separatists.
Most of that sector was encompassed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony (they wanted to reform the church from within)

7. Puritans are Religious Reformers
They believed that human beings exist for the glory of God and the bible is the sole expression of God’s will.
They also believe in predestination (God decides who will be saved and who will not be saved)
They are constantly “checking” themselves

8. Puritan Ideals Hardwork Frugality Self-improvement Self-reliance
“Good is only achieved thorough hard work and self discipline.”

9. Puritans continued…
The Puritan religion began to see a decline in the early 1700’s. However, it was revived by “The Great Awakening”.
“The Great Awakening” was a series of religious revivals by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield.
However, by 1750 the Puritan movement had mostly ended.

10. Southern Colonies These colonies were wealthy and prosperous.
The climate, crops, social organizations, and religion differs greatly from the Puritans.
Busy social lives
Plantation owners

11. Mixing Pot
It is the combination of Native American folklore and tradition, Puritan preoccupation with sin and salvation, and Southern Planters busy social lives that form the basis of American Literature.

12. Native American Tradition
Native American Literature is mostly folklore.
The stories were sung as long songs.
Usually they were about hero tales, migration legends, or creation myths.
Most of the literature was oral. Therefore, there are no fixed versions. The story would change with every speaker.

13. Native American Folklore continued…
Some stories were captured in writing.
Often the language is poetic and moving.
Famous orators of Native American stories of this time period are Logan and Red Jacket.

14. Puritans “In Adam’s Fall/We Sinned All”
Religion dominated their lives.
It also dominated the literature.
Most of the writings were theological studies, hymns, histories, biographies, and autobiographies.
By modern standards most of these writings would not be considered literary works.

15. Puritan Literature
The purpose of the literature was to provide spiritual insight and instruction.
Neither fiction nor drama was produced. Both were considered sinful.
Poetry was acceptable, but only for spiritual enlightenment. (Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor)

16. Puritan Beliefs continued…
There was a strong belief in education for both men and women.
In 1636, Harvard College was founded. Its purpose was to create a well educated ministry.
Two years later, the first printing press was established. One of the first books to be published was entitled the Bay Psalm Book.
In 1647, the concept of schools started to emerge.

17. Literary Style The style of writing is plain.
The goal is to have a clear statement.
If the writing was ornate or clever it was considered a sign of vanity.

18. Southern Voices
Very few notable Southern writers appeared prior to 1750
Those who were educated produced a substantial amount of the writings
They wrote for practical reasons
Fiction and drama was enjoyed
The first theater in America was in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1716.

19. Unit One-Beginnings to 1750
“The writers whose work appears in this unit are not the great names in American literature. They are the founders, the men and women who laid the groundwork for the towering achievements that followed.”