1. English III American Literature

2. Why does history matter? This is English class. American literature is: -written by Americans -written from an American perspective -about American society, direct result of American lifestyles, history, culture, etc

3. In the beginning… Migrants to America came over the Bering Strait – land bridge that linked Alaska and Russia Native Americans

4. Shared basic beliefs – The land is sacred, a living entity (thing) – The land should be treated with respect – No one can own land – Cycles of nature are more important than past, present, or future – Verbal traditions = storytelling

5. Europe Crusades Medieval times The Inquisition The Reformation The Restoration The Renaissance The Victorians

6. European Expansion Explorers “found” new lands. England – America, India, and more Spain – all over France – America, islands, Africa, Vietnam Started in 1400s and continued…

7. Meaning??? Brought all parts of the world into meaningful contact with one another for the first time in history.

8. Colonists Jamestown, VA : 1607, 32/105 survived Plymouth, MA: 1620, Pilgrims – Puritans

9. Indentured Servants Passage, food, clothing, shelter Typically males 15 – 25 Starting in 1630, more than ½ population came as indentured servants Dutch German Scottish Irish Africans – enslaved 1/5 population

10. Justice Death by hanging - burglary - counterfeiting - murder -piracy - rape - treason

11. Whipped Adultery Gossip Slander Petty theft Drunkenness Disturbing the peace

12. Jail Only for those awaiting trial or debtors Pillory - wooden frame for hands and head Stocks – legs and hands

13. Public Shaming Pillory Stocks Ridicule Embarrassment Rotten eggs/vegetables Public disgrace

14. Toys Balls Marbles Kites Dolls

15. Literature Fliers Pamphlets Religious books – Bible 1611 – St. James Version: first Bible in English – Bible is still top seller

16. Freedom of the Press 1647 John Peter Zenger was arrested, jailed 10 months, protected a source who criticized the governor His release – 1 st victory for the freedom of the press Continues today

17. Literary Trends Plain style Simplicity in writings as in furnishings, clothes, religious practices, etc Communicates ideas easily Not an opportunity to demonstrate cleverness

18. Dates 1635 – 1 st secondary school 1636 – Harvard 1647 – MA first public school 1690 – schoolbook is publish in the colonies

19. Language Early 1600s – Each region of New England had its own dialect VA – western England MA – eastern England Boston and middle colonies - Irish

20. How does this info help us? The stories – About the colonists – The Crucible – play We will better understand the stories if we reflect on the times in which they were written, the times in which these people lived. Our time, our culture is extremely different. Even though we are Americans, times have changed.