1. Beginnings to 1800 (Elements, pp. 1-18)
American literature:
Beginnings to 1800 (Elements, pp. 1-18)

2. Origins: Tracing First Migrations
Known as the Clovis, earliest inhabitants migrated here around 11,000 years ago, as global warming continued to reduce the glaciers.

3. European Influence: 1450-1615 Columbus lands in Bahamas (1492)
Aztec Empire falls to Spaniards (1521)
Spanish language and culture introduced
Cabeza de Vaca explores areas we now call Florida, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona ( )
Spanish language & culture introduced.
Jamestown settlement (1607)
English language and culture introduced

4. Columbus: 1492

5. Aztec Empire Falls to Cortez (1521)

6. Jamestown Settled: 1607

7. More Migration:
First slave ships arrive in Virginia (1619)

8. Plymouth Settled: 1620 Mayflower lands at Plymouth (1620)
Puritan migration begins (1630)

9. Puritan Doctrine 1
Original Sin: we are all born sinners, originating from the Fall of Adam and Eve.

10. Puritan Doctrine 2
Election: God “elects” his chosen ones with his Grace.
Grant Wood’ s American Gothic

11. Puritan Virtues: Biblical Focus
Self-reliance
Do it yourself
Industriousness
Work hard
Temperance
Be moderate
Simplicity
Keep your affairs minimal

12. Puritan Literature Modeled after the Bible (Geneva Bible, 1599)
Actual life mirrored Biblical narrative.
Writing explores inner conflict.
Diaries and histories were common genres.
Plain style is the best writing.
A way of writing that expresses
simplicity and clarity of expression.

13. The Bible’s Importance to Puritans
Puritans considered it literal truth, and the source of perfect knowledge.
Education therefore was of utmost importance.
A personal relationship with the scriptures.
Harvard College founded in 1636 to train Puritan ministers.
Government was best founded on Biblical truths.
The compact or covenant between God and man became the foundation of our constitutional democracy.

14. The Age of Reason in America
The Enlightenment also influenced American culture as much as Puritanism
Rationalism taught that the mind could discover truth outside of religious authority.
God was a Great Watchmaker, not an active participant in the daily lives of men.
God could reveal himself to anyone, not just the ‘elect.’
This is called Deism, its most famous early American proponent being Thomas Jefferson.

15. Deism vs Puritanism Humans are born good.
Reason is the guide to happiness.
God wants us to be happy.
Universe is good.
God is always there for all of us.
Humans are born sinners.
Only the ‘elect’ can be saved by God’s grace.
God wants us to be humble.
Universe is in crisis.
God withholds his grace for a few.

16. The Rationalist Worldview
Truth is found through the use of reason.
God created the universe but does not interfere with its workings.
God made up the rules of the universe, but it is up to us to figure them out.
People are basically good, and perfectible.
Since God wants us to be happy, we do His work by helping others.
Human history is marked by progress toward a more perfect life.