US survey: A timeline of American literary history

Thèmes abordés

US survey, timeline, American literary history, oral history, legends, myths

Résumé du document

Native American literature:
- Based on chants, songs and oral history
- Legends and myths
- Characterized by cultural and linguistic diversity
- Resists classification
- Mother nature: central spiritual force

Extraits

[...] Sewall(1652-1730) 4. Cotton Mather (1663-1728) 5. [...]

[...] The puritans interpreted natural occurrences/ events as signs of God ‘intentions/religious significance was perceived in everyday events Strong work ethic/ hard work / sense of discipline lead to prosperity Nature of the puritans The most literate of all the English-speaking colonists Produced a lot of writing characterized by a religious aspect Unlike the pilgrims, the puritans were not separatist” they were pro-reform Amis and ambitions They wanted to spread the puritan ideals They were aware the sermons (speech about amoral/ religious subject usually delivered in church by a preacher / religious leader) alone would not help them fulfill their religious ambitions ,so they started producing works( which are nowadays considered as puritan literature) to encourage the members of the community to read about the puritan faith at home They are determined to make American their (see the puritans' portrayal of the Indians in their writing) Major features/characteristics of puritan literature: Although the major concern of the newly arrived puritan was survival, some writings were produced in an attempt to depict the hardships they endured and the risks they faced. Puritan literature refers to the body of historical accounts and diaries which were produced during the puritan period along with the most powerful sermons delivered at the time. [...]

[...] Puritan literature was therefore non –fictional .it had a rather realistic aspect and a didactic /interactive purpose Content: the experiences of the puritan in the new world / the significance of natural occurrences/ the spiritual quest of the puritan Themes: emphasis on hard work A preoccupation with guilt Discovery/ fear/ danger/ progress Good vs evil Humans vs the savages Style: the puritan's works were often first person narrative in which the writer- narrator recounts his personal experiences. Puritan writers used a plain style in order to be easily read and understood by the common reader. The simplicity of the style they adopted also reflected the humble lives the puritans led. According to them sophistical language was an obstacle to understanding the message of God . [...]

[...] Genres: Sermons Diaries Historical account poetry Prominent puritan figures: 1. John Winthrop (1588-1649) 2. William Bradford (1590-1675) 3. S. [...]