American Literature Overview

The Pilgrims, led by William Bradford, journeyed to the New World, facing hardships and challenges along the way.

The Pilgrims believed that their good fortune was a result of God's grace and mercy, not their own efforts.

Edwards' sermons were characterized by a sense of urgency and fear, stressing the potential consequences of sin and the wrath of God.

Fortunato, a character in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Cask of Amontillado', has offended Montresor in an unspecified way.

Fortunato, lured by Montresor's promises of a rare wine, is led deep into the catacombs beneath Montresor's palazzo.

Montresor is motivated by a desire for revenge against Fortunato, who has wronged him, though the specific offense remains unclear.

Anne Bradstreet, in her poem 'To My Dear and Loving Husband', expresses her deep love and appreciation for her husband, valuing it more than material possessions.

The final line of Bradstreet's poem, 'that when we live no more, we may live ever,' suggests a belief in an everlasting love that transcends death.

The start of a new season, often associated with new beginnings and growth.

Describes a person's love or appreciation for someone or something.

The act of reading a book

The act of creating something new, usually with divine power.

A feeling of sadness, disappointment, or regret.

A strong desire for something, often material possessions.

A literary device where a writer exaggerates something for emphasis.

The tone or feeling of the poem, often described as spooky or unsettling.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that cannot be taken away, according to the Declaration of Independence.

A government should get its power from the people it rules, or the governed.

The summer session at Devon is a time of carefree peace, filled with fun and friendship.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the commitment to the ideals of liberty and freedom.

Gene feels a mix of guilt and darkness, reflecting on his actions and the consequences of his choices.

Gene realizes that true peace comes from accepting responsibility and forgiving others.

Leper's military experience leads to a mental breakdown, causing him to leave the army.

Brinker's actions are driven by a need for justice and accountability, leading him to organize a mock trial for Gene.

A state of complete and utter peace, devoid of any negative emotions, such as jealousy or hatred.

Finny's ability to use his charm and charisma to manipulate others, often for his own benefit.

Gene's realization that Finny was unable to understand or acknowledge the darker aspects of human nature, like jealousy and hatred.

Gene's act of sabotaging Finny's jump from the tree, leading to his fall and subsequent injury.

The intense rivalry and competition between Gene and Finny that drives much of the conflict in the story.

The setting of the novel, a prestigious all-boys boarding school where the story takes place.

The central theme of the novel that explores the consequences of war and suggests that it stems from human ignorance and naivety.

A movement that emphasized a personal experience of salvation through Christ and sought to purify the Church of England.