Early Periods of American Literature PDF

Early Periods of American Literature Pre-colonial: Native American Literature Exploration of predestination and divine (18th -19th Century) providence Journals and diaries a...

Early Periods of American Literature Pre-colonial: Native American Literature Exploration of predestination and divine (18th -19th Century) providence Journals and diaries as popular forms of Name Origin: Refers to literature produced by self-examination indigenous peoples before European colonization Sermons as a significant literary form Characteristics: Allegory used to convey spiritual messages Oral tradition: stories, songs, and poetry Popular Works: passed down generations "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Strong connection to nature and the Bradford spiritual world "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Emphasis on community and tribal identity Jonathan Edwards Use of symbolism and metaphor derived from natural phenomena Notable Authors: Incorporation of myths and legends to Anne Bradstreet explain natural events Cotton Mather Presence of trickster figures in many stories Interesting Fact: Rhythmic and poetic language, often tied to music and dance Puritan literature often included "captivity Focus on harmony between humans and narratives," accounts of colonists captured nature by Native Americans, which were popular and influential. Popular Works: Colonial Literature (1607 – 1775) Creation myths (e.g., "The Earth on Turtle's Back") Name Origin: Covers the period of early European Trickster tales (e.g., stories of Coyote or settlement and colonization Raven) Characteristics: Notable Authors: Detailed accounts of exploration and While mostly anonymous, some later recorded by: settlement Blend of fact and fiction in travel narratives Black Elk (Oglala Lakota) Political writings focusing on governance Zitkala-Ša (Yankton Dakota) and rights Religious texts, including sermons and Interesting Fact: theological treatises Many Native American stories were not written Early emergence of American identity in down until the 19th century, preserving centuries- writings old oral traditions. Pragmatic approach to literature, often serving practical purposes Puritan Literature (1620 – 1750) Rise of newspapers and almanacs as Name Origin: Reflects the religious beliefs of the popular forms Puritan settlers Increasing secularization of literature over time Characteristics: Popular Works: Strong focus on religious themes and moral instruction "A Description of New England" by John Plain style with direct, unadorned language Smith Emphasis on personal spiritual "The Bay Psalm Book" (first book printed in experiences and conversion narratives British North America) Use of typology, interpreting events as signs from God Notable Authors: The Early National Period (1775 – 1830) Benjamin Franklin Name Origin: Marks the early years of the United Phillis Wheatley States as a nation Interesting Fact: Characteristics: Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Emergence of distinctly American themes Almanack" was one of the most popular and styles and influential works of the colonial period, Rise of the American novel and short story blending practical advice with humor and Exploration of national identity and frontier wit. life Romanticization of Native American culture The Revolutionary Age (1775 –1783) Gothic elements in American settings Name Origin: Coincides with the American Use of American vernacular in literature Revolution and fight for independence Examination of moral and social issues unique to America Characteristics: Beginnings of transcendentalist thought Persuasive political writings and pamphlets Popular Works: Patriotic poetry and songs celebrating American ideals "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Focus on concepts of liberty, democracy, Fenimore Cooper and national identity "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving Use of satire and allegory to critique British Notable Authors: rule Emergence of a distinct American voice in Washington Irving literature William Cullen Bryant Emphasis on reason and logic in argumentative texts Interesting Fact: Blend of Enlightenment philosophy with Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy revolutionary ideals Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle" were among Development of a uniquely American form the first American short stories to gain of oratory international acclaim. Popular Works: In Summary… "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine These early periods of American literature laid the "The Declaration of Independence" by foundation for a rich and diverse literary tradition. Thomas Jefferson From the oral storytelling of Native Americans to the political fervor of the Revolutionary Age, each Notable Authors: period reflected the evolving American experience. Thomas Jefferson The transition from colonial dependence to Alexander Hamilton national identity is clearly traced through these literary movements, showcasing the power of Interesting Fact: literature to shape and reflect a nation's history and The Federalist Papers, written by culture. As America grew and changed, so did its Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and literature, setting the stage for the great American John Jay, played a crucial role in ratifying writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. the U.S. Constitution and remain important in constitutional interpretation.