American Literature Midterm Evaluation

Questions and Answers

Who occupied the land before European settlement and colonization?

Asians

European settlers

Indigenous people (correct)

African slaves

What did Native Americans lose due to European colonization?

Their land

The earliest American literature was composed by European settlers.

False

What was a significant reason for the Puritans fleeing to America?

To escape religious conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Which English monarch was reigning during the rise of Puritan philosophy?

King James I Signup and view all the answers

The Puritan work ethic emphasizes __________ and simple living.

hard work Signup and view all the answers

Puritan literature had a focus on extravagant and rhetorical writing.

False Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Christopher Columbus discover the American continent?

1492 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Puritanism = Religious movement seeking to purify the Church of England Native Americans = Indigenous people of North America Colonial period = Timeframe of English settlement from 1600-1800 Modernism = Literary period focusing on new forms and themes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evaluation Scheme

Midterm Examination: 30% weight divided into two parts (Part 1-2: 15%, Part 3: 15%)
CEPT Exam: 5%
Quizzes: 20% (includes Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4)
Group Presentation: 10%
Class Attendance: 5%
Final Examination: 30% weight in two parts (Part 1: 15%, Part 2: 15%)

Tentative Schedule

Native American Literature is covered in Part I (Week 9) alongside the Colonial Period and Puritanism.
Rationalism discussed in Part II (Week 10) highlighted alongside quizzes.
Romanticism and Transcendentalism form Part III (Weeks 11-12).
Realism and Modernism studied in Part IV (Week 13) and Part V (Weeks 14-16) respectively, concluding with the Harlem Renaissance and Postmodernism.

The Colonial Period

Native Americans occupied North America pre-1600, forming distinct tribes and bands.
Indigenous groups thrived until European colonization led to land loss and population decline due to disease.

Native American Literature

Originated in oral traditions, with themes of nature and sacredness of land.
Written literature emerged post-colonization, focusing on creation myths.

Puritanism Historical Background

Christopher Columbus “discovered” the New World in 1492; English colonization began with Jamestown in 1607 and the Mayflower in 1620.
By the 1760s, inhabitants began identifying as Americans.

Puritanism Context

Religious conflicts in England during the 17th century led to a movement against the Church of England, pushing Puritans to seek freedom in America.
Puritans aimed to purify the church, embrace strict religious practices, and reject corruption and extravagance.

Puritanism Literature

Emphasized faith, divine authority, human corruption, and the necessity of salvation.
Belief in a strong work ethic and simple living was central; literature reflected sincere and grounded principles.

Puritan Writing Style

Characterized by simplicity and directness with logical structure.
Utilized plain rhetoric, avoided ornate language, and focused on compact expression.
Relied on homely imagery and straightforward diction for clarity in communication.

Description

This quiz evaluates students on the key topics covered in American Literature, particularly focusing on Native American literature. It contributes to the overall grade structure, including quizzes and exams. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding through assessments that will enhance your academic performance.