America’s First Writers
In order to really understand people, you must understand the time in which they lived.
Questions you should answer: 1. Why did people explore and then settle America? 2. What 2 groups did the early settlers fall into and what characterizes each group? 3. What were the basic Puritan beliefs? 4. What was the typical Southern gentleman like? 5. What are the differences between the literature of the South and the North?
Why did people explore and then settle America? Religious freedom Adventure Financial gain _____________?
What could make you leave your homeland?
Should a place of worship be fancy or plain? WHY?
Religious freedom, WHY? King Henry VIII split w/Catholic church and formed the Church of England a.k.a. Anglican Church— WHY? Some Anglican church people thought the Church was still too much like the Catholic church
Puritans—Who are they? Called themselves “Saints” Others called them “Separatists” They thought the Church of England was still too much like Catholic church and needed reforming—no stained glass, fancy robes, etc. They didn’t like attending the Church of England
King James I Attend Church of England or Jail
What would you do?
Puritans Left England Went 1 st to Holland 1620 Headed for New England on Mayflower
Mayflower ½ full of Saints (Pilgrims) ½ full of “Strangers” non-Pilgrams mainly out for adventure or financial gain.
Why care about the Puritans? Virtually all early American literature significantly influenced by Puritanism Puritan beliefs still reflected in modern American society
Puritan Beliefs Plainness—simplicity is better than fanciness Divine Mission—God was calling them to make a heaven on earth in New England Grace—look for God’s grace in your life
Are humans basically good or basically evil?
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt Total depravity: Through Adam’s fall we sinned all. Every human is born sinful. A.K.A. “original sin.”
Is life after death possible? If so, how?
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt The Doctrine of Election: God freely chooses those He saves and those He damns eternally.
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt Predestination: Only a few are selected for salvation.
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt Limited atonement: Jesus died for the chosen only, not for everyone.
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt Irresistible grace: God’s grace is freely given. It can’t be earned or denied.
Puritanism: Sin and Guilt 101 6. Perseverance of the “Saints”: Those elected by God have full power to interpret the will of God. Puritans freely told other how to live their lives.
Which of these Puritan beliefs are still prevalent in today’s society?
Puritan Writings Sermons Religious poems Religious tracts Interpretations of God’s doings on earth Diaries and journals about religious experiences
Anne Bradstreet’s Poems
Who is Anne Bradstreet? Devoted –Wife –Mother –Grandmother
Who is Anne Bradstreet? Came to America at age 18 with her husband Mother of 8
Significant Because: 1 st Volume of American Poetry Published in England One of the 1 st volumes of English poetry written by a woman.
Significant Because: (cont) It won her modest acclaim
What is your poetry about?
Bradstreet’s Poetry is about: Love Home life Thoughts/feelings about God
To My Dear and Loving Husband Written in iambic couplets WHAT’S THAT?
Iambic Couplet Couplet- 2 lines that rhyme Iambic pentameter- unstressed followed by a stressed syllable
Edward Taylor’s Poetry 1645?-1729
Who is E. Taylor? Man of Conservative religious beliefs Teacher in England Minister in America
Who is E. Taylor? (cont.) Best American poet of 17 th century
Unpublished during his lifetime.
When was he published?
About 200 years after his death. Over 200 of his poems have been found in some old books.
His poems are mystical—focused on his religious beliefs.
Huswifery A Conceit—a type of metaphor comparing 2 things in a surprising way
Is this a conceit? Comparing crying to rain falling
NO It’s a rather predictable metaphor
Is this a conceit? Comparing crying to traffic flow.
YES It’s both unexpected and complex.
What 2 things is Taylor comparing in “Huswifery”?
A complex comparison between cloth making and God’s grace
Which of the 3 basic Puritan beliefs does Taylor focus on in “Huswifery”?
GRACE
Read “Huswifery” and Answer What images does Taylor use in the poem? How can the images be categorized? Any repetition? If so, what? Why?
Read “Huswifery” and Answer What is the main point of each poem? How is God portrayed in the poetry?
See “Literature and Your Life” on p. 97
Jonathan Edwards
Who is Jonathan Edwards? Born in Conneticut Went to Yale Married Sarah Became a preacher in Mass.
Who is Jonathan Edwards? Well known preacher during the “Great Awakening” –revival from Call to return to conservitive ways of past
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” More harsh than Edward’s typical sermons. Excellent example of persuasive writing techniques
Persuasive Writing Techniques in “Sinners” Logical arguments Appeal to past traditions & authorities * Emotional appeal*