When the Europeans arrived, there were more than 300
different Native American cultures in North American
with differing customs and 200 different languages
spoken.
Literary Style-Oral tradition-passed
through memory
• Creative stories
• Explanation of
the universe
• Explanation of
humans
• Morals and
human
characteristics
• Legends, songs,
visions
First of writings were journals
and letters from Columbus & Cabeza deVaca
• Recounted 4 voyagesdisappointed didn’t find
the cities of gold-didn’t
see his historical
importance
La Relacion: Description of
land and people in
Florida, Tx, & Mexico on
8 yr. expedition. One of
four survivors out of 600.
1588 Thomas Harriot: A Brief and True Report of the New
Found Land of Virginia. Captures area’s resources, way of
Native American life and potential for building a successful
colony.
Captain John Smith
• As colonies began,
writing began to focus
less on description and
more of the growth of
colonies. Embroidered
accounts of history of
Virginia and New
England. Created early
life in colonies and
helped in attracting
settlers to Virginia.
Powhatan Indian Village
Replicas of ships in Jamestown
Who were these Puritans?
Puritan is a broad
term referring to a
number of Protestant
groups who sought
to “purify” the Church
of England which
had been closely
connected to
its government.
Who were these Puritans?
Puritans wished to
return to a simpler
form of worship and
church organization
described in the New
Testament.
Governors William Bradford and John
Winthrop reflect on their role in God’s plan for
a better society
Slave Narratives: Olaudah Equiano
and Mary Rowlandson
Poets: Ann Bradstreet
and Edward Taylor view poetry as a means to explore
relationship between the individual and God
Puritan poetry uses vivid images from nature
and from everyday life as a way to help readers
grasp the spiritual world beyond.
Plain Style: writing should be a tool to help
readers understand the Bible and guide them
in their daily lives. Logic, clarity and order were
prized more than adornment.
Jonathan Edwards and Cotton Mather
include histories of the colonies and
sermons on the dangers of sinful ways
• Jonathan Edwards
• Cotton Mather
Characteristics of Puritan Writing
• The Bible provided a model
for Puritan writing – each
individual life was a journey
to salvation. Humans exist for
the glory of God. Belief in
predestination
• They saw a direct connection
between Biblical events
(allusions) and their own
lives.
Characteristics of Puritan Writing
• They used writing to explore the inner and outer
lives for signs of the workings of God. Search soul
for signs of grace
• Must accomplish good through hard work and selfdiscipline. Can’t take election for granted
• Diaries and histories were the most common types
of literature.
• They favored a “plain style” similar to that of the
Geneva Bible and stressed clear expressions over
complicated figures of speech.
Southern Planters
•
•
•
•
•
Differ due to climate
Social standing (aristocrat)
Religion (Church of England)
Large plantations – slaves (1000)
Interest in the outside
world/literature/music/politics