1. American Literature Unit 3
A Growing Nation ( )
Romanticism and Transcendentalism

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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