American Literature Unit 3 A Growing Nation (1800-1870) Romanticism and Transcendentalism

Washington Irving first American writer to achieve international reputation The Devil and Tom Walker adaptation of a German folk tale about a man who sells his soul to the Devil for earthly gain. the Puritan belief of devoting one’s life to God was replaced by materialism and desire for personal gain in New England of 1720s.

Third person omniscient POV all-knowing narrator relates the events of the story Characteristics: Narrator stands outside the story Details about the thoughts and feelings of all the characters The narrator’s commentary about the events of the story

Characterization The author reveals the personality traits of his characters Direct characterization – the author tells the reader what the character is like Indirect characterization – personality traits are revealed through the words, thoughts, and actions of the characters.

Vocabulary Avarice – greed Usurers – money lenders who charge very high interest Extort – obtain by threat or violence Ostentation – boastful display Parsimony – stinginess Termagant – quarrelsome woman Wayfarer – traveler (on foot) Clamor – loud uproar

Vocabulary (cont.) Clapperclawing – clawing and scratching Askance – with mistrust or suspicion Rejoice – to be glad, take delight Celibacy – abstention from sexual relations Buccaneer – pirate Sullen – morose, gloomy