1. 1000 – 1600s

2. European Expansion  Creative energy focused on Art Religion Politics Geography

3. Influences on the American Narrative Tradition  Writings of explorers who recorded their travels  Settlers’ accounts of life in a new land  Captivity narratives  Tales about interactions with Native Americans  Autobiographical writings by African slaves

4. Literature characteristics  Fascination with the wilderness  Devotion to fair government  Concern with practical affairs

5. Reports of Discovery  Tropical paradises  Menacing forests  Endless plains  Vast mountain ranges  Exotic Plants  Various new animals  Tremendous wealth Fur trading Gold

6. Explorers  Columbus – discovery of the Americas  Cabeza de Vaca – Spanish soldiers/missionaries - Southwest  Robert de La Salle – French – Miss. River Valley/Great Lakes

7. Literary terms – define in your notes.  Historical context  Plain style  Allusion  Satire  Historical narrative  Inference