Early American Literature Review guide Voice from the Beginning-1750

The Groups who Contributed to the Earliest American Writings Native Americans -(Origin/creation myths, oral and written folklore and songs). Puritans-(Theological writing, histories, hymns, biographies, and autobiographies). Pilgrims-(Same as Puritans and eventually taken over by the Puritans living in the Massachusetts Bay Colony).

What is an Origin/Creation Myth? The need to explain how life began gave birth to myths and traditional stories that were passed down from generation to generation. Myths explain phenomena, including: customs, institutions, the creation of the world, religious rites; natural landmarks such as great mountains; events beyond people’s control. Native American origin myths were a primary focus throughout the unit; concurrently, origin myths are the basis for much Greek and Roman mythology.

Examples of Origin Myths The Earth on Turtle’s Back exemplifies the characteristics of an origin myth because it tells about how the earth was created. The Onodaga tribe (who places a large emphasis on the natural world/animals) tells of how animals rescued the great spirit chief’s wife who fell from Skyland. The focus on the natural world (the tree being uprooted, the water, the animals, and the Sky Woman “ [dropping] those seeds the trees and grass sprang up. Life on earth began” (20) show us how the Onodaga tribe used what they valued most to understand how the world in which they lived was created.

Origin Myths continued… When Grizzlies Walked Upright by the Modoc tribe also illustrates the characteristics of an origin myth by using the character of the Sky Spirit to come down from the above and use his powers to create the earth. Specific examples include: how the Sky Spirit created the fish and animals (throwing pieces of sticks into the river) and making a fire at the center of a mountain where he decided his family would move (a volcano). This story provides the tribe with an explanation for a phenomena that was otherwise inexplicable.

Three Identifying Features of Early Americans Native Americans: Stories were mainly related by the oral tradition, traditionally viewed as folklore, deeply respected nature, tales and chants celebrated their interconnectedness with the natural world. Pilgrims: Arrived in Plymouth, MA in 1620. Religious reformers who gave up trying to "purify” the Church of England and withdrew completely. Earned the name the “Separatists.” Their form of government was a theocracy “governed by God.” Religion was the most important aspect of their lives. Their lifestyles are identical to the Puritans.

Identifying Features Continued… Puritans of Massachusetts Bay: Identical religious beliefs and lifestyles as the Pilgrims; however, they intended to reform the Church of England from within. Like the Pilgrims, they modeled their community on all aspects of the Bible, regarded fictional and dramatic writing as sinful, only wrote theological works, hymns, histories, and poetry (but only as a means to be closer to God). Puritans only felt they could accomplish good by continual hard work and self-discipline. This is know as “The Puritan Ethic.”

Stories we read… The Earth on Turtle’s Back: Characters: The ancient sky chief, the sky woman, the duck, the loon, turtle, swan, beaver, and the muskrat. Central focus: An origin myth about the creation of the world through natural means. When Grizzlies Walked Upright: Characters: Chief of the sky spirits, Chief’s daughter, mother grizzly, the grizzly bear family, the wind spirit. Central focus: An origin myth explaining phenomena like landscape, the creation of the earth, man inhabiting the earth, and creation of the natural world (animals, fish, landforms).

Stories we read… Museum Indians: Characters: Susan Powers and her mother. Central Focus: Powers grows up torn between two cultures (the city life, which is all she knows, and her Native American roots). Powers’ story focuses on how she differs from her mother, (“I am her small shadow and witness. I am the timid daughter who can rage only on paper” 36), but how she is also captivated by her mother and their culture. The focus of the story sheds light on the connection mother and daughter have to storytelling, and how different generations and settings can impact worldviews.

Stories we read… From the Journal of the First Voyage to America: Characters: Christopher Columbus and natives. Central Focus: A first-hand account, travel narrative designed to document Spain’s exploration. The purpose of the text is for Columbus to share his journey with those who financed him and show them that their exploration will be monetarily valuable. The focus also gives us insight to who Columbus was as a person and what was important to him when he scouted a new land.

Types of Narrative Accounts: Exploration Narrative: Records information about the writer’s own travels to an unfamiliar place. Journal: Records daily events and personal observations. Historical Narrative: Records major historical events that the writer may or may not have experienced firsthand. Captivity Narrative: Records events and personal feelings during the writer’s captivity. Slave Narrative: Records the injustices of slavery and often tells how the writer escaped or was freed.