Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which characteristic describes the Native American oral traditions?
Which characteristic describes the Native American oral traditions?
What subject matter is commonly associated with European writings about Native Americans?
What subject matter is commonly associated with European writings about Native Americans?
Which key figure is noted for being the first published poet in the New World?
Which key figure is noted for being the first published poet in the New World?
What philosophical approach characterized the Age of Reason and Revolution?
What philosophical approach characterized the Age of Reason and Revolution?
Signup and view all the answers
Which author is associated with dark romanticism?
Which author is associated with dark romanticism?
Signup and view all the answers
What concept is central to transcendentalism?
What concept is central to transcendentalism?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following was NOT a subject matter of early American literature?
Which of the following was NOT a subject matter of early American literature?
Signup and view all the answers
Which literary characteristic is associated with romanticism?
Which literary characteristic is associated with romanticism?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Pre-Settlement to 1620
- Native American oral traditions existed, including myths, songs, chants, poems, and hero legends/trickster tales.
- These traditions conveyed moral lessons, cultural information, and practical knowledge about the natural world.
- A harmonious worldview, connecting humans, animals, and plants, characterized their perspective, emphasizing respect for nature, community, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
- The sacred and secular were not divided.
- European accounts (journals, letters, essays, logs, reports, maps) documented exploration, survival, fortune hunting, and interactions with Native Americans.
- Key figures to know include those involved in the accounts of exploration and the interactions with Native Americans. Works authored during this era like King Phillip's speech. Columbus letters and John Smith.
Puritanism + Colonialism (1620-1750)
- Early American literature focused on settlement concerns, hardships, daily life, and religious themes.
- The Enlightenment, emphasizing scientific inquiry, natural rights, and reason, became prevalent.
- Key figures include Anne Bradstreet (first published female poet in the New World) and Edward Taylor.
Age of Reason and Revolution (1750-1820)
- This era emphasized ideals of freedom and human potential alongside rational thought and logic.
- Truth was sought through reason, science, philosophy, and logic (Neoclassicism).
- Key characteristics included reason, scientific argument, wit, and neoclassicism (influenced by ancient Greek ideals).
- Types included political documents, philosophical writings, and structured poetry.
- Key figures include Phillis Wheatley and Washington Irving (a transitional figure towards Romanticism).
American Renaissance (1830-1870, Romanticism)
- Romanticism emphasized the beauty of nature, the supernatural, emotion over reason, and individual expression.
- Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne (dark romanticism) explored the supernatural.
- Walt Whitman exemplified straightforward romanticism.
- Key characteristics of Romanticism include intense appreciation of nature's beauty, reliance on emotion over reason for inspiration, and the prioritization of strong individual expression.
Transcendentalism (1830s-1850s)
- An offshoot of Romanticism, Transcendentalism emphasized the unity of creation, individualism, and self-reliance.
- Key figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson, known for his writings on nature.
- Emily Dickinson exemplified this through reimagined poetry, hymn-like themes, and was influenced by transcendentalism.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the rich traditions and early literature of America in this quiz. From Native American oral traditions to the impact of European explorers and the emergence of Puritanism, understand how these elements shaped early American culture and literature. Key figures and their contributions will also be highlighted.
