American Literature
One of the most persistent qualities of the American character has its origins in our earliest writers. The Puritan habit of introspection and selfevaluation, the sermons of the Great Awakening, the pragmatism of Ben
Franklin, and the ideals of responsibility and freedom of Jefferson appear in the newest titles in bookstores all over the nation today.
As you read these authors—William Bradford, Mary Rowlandson, Anne
Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas
Paine, and Patrick Henry, think of the qualities in their writing, reflecting this American character.
Essay: Choose three of the colonial writers studied in class and interpret* how their pieces reflect the qualities of the American character.
Rough Draft Due: Wednesday, October 28th.
Interpret*
Translate, explain by example, solve, or comment upon the subject and give your judgment or reaction
Include proper use of the following:
Verb tense - present
3rd person point of view
Commas
Organization
Spelling, especially author’s names
2 pages maximum: TYPED, double spaced, size 12 font, Times
New Roman, 1 inch margin
Standards:
A.12.2.a,b,d; A.12.4c; B.12.1b,c;B.12.2a,c;B.12.3 b,d,g; F.12.1h

Pre-write – It is important to know what one will be writing about before beginning.
Author
Bradford
Rowlandson
Bradstreet
Taylor
Edwards
Franklin
Paine
Jefferson
Emerson date title American characteristic early 1600s Of Plymouth Puritan work ethic mid 1600s The Captivity Puritan faith — moral mid 1600s “ The Burning ” Puritan faith — inner strength early 1700s “ Huswifery ” Puritan — self-examination mid 1700s “ Sinners …” Puritan motivational FEAR
1700s
1700s
1700s
1800s
“ On Moral …” pragmatism/practical/rational thought
“ Crisis #1 ” patriotism/fiery persuasion/logical/emotional
“ Declaration freedoms/responsibility
“ Self Reliance ” Self-reliance

1st Paragraph


Introduction-3-4 sentences of general broad information



Which writers and the name of their respective pieces?
Consider the time period
Begin broad and general in 1 st sentence and become more specific by the last.
Thesis statement-last sentence is specific information
 Which writers/characteristics will the paper explain?
 In one sentence, you explain what the entire paper is about
2nd, 3rd, 4th Paragraph


Topic sentence, mentioning author and the characteristic
Example from the author ’ s writing
 Smooth transition into quote or paraphrase
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
Analysis
Concluding Sentence - wrap up
5 th Paragraph


Conclusion- 3-4 sentences
Not a summary


Quotation from outside source
Link these qualities to today

Examples: 1 st paragraph
Introduction:
Start broad and become more narrow. You should mention the authors you will be writing about. Consider mentioning the time in history or the titles of the works.
You will be writing about literary works, so use the present tense throughout.
Thesis Statement:
Tell what the paper is about in
1 sentence
.
In this instance, it is the
American character and which of those characteristics you will be writing about.

Examples: 1 st paragraph
As the first settlers and authors like William Bradford, Anne
Bradstreet, and Benjamin Franklin arrive in America, they bring their ideas, morals, and ethics with them. It is only through their writing though that these authors are able to tell of their ideals. Over time, these characteristics evolve and influence the many aspects of the
American character, including the inexhaustible work ethic, indomitable inner strength, and continual self-improvement through their journals, poems, and lists.

nd
rd
Follow the
thesis statement.
st
sentence: Mention the
, the
and the
writing about.
you ’ re
nd
from the author ’ s writing
 Smooth transition into quote or paraphrase
rd
th
of the author ’ s writing

the characteristic, according to the author! Stick to your topic, don ’ t get on a tangent.


the example
the entire piece
(no play by plays of what happened)

nd
rd
One of America ’ s earliest literary pieces
“ Of Plymouth Plantation ” by Bradford in 1620 illustrates the Puritans ’ constant hard work .
For instance , Bradford portrays the Puritans as having to work seven days a week just to survive and when everyone but “ 6 or 7 sound persons ” (Bradford 125) become ill, the healthy settlers tend to the whole village.
Bradford objectively creates a vivid picture of the hardships the Puritans endure, but he also tells of the Puritans ’ work ethic that allows them to persevere though these and any hardships. He demonstrates through his piece how the Puritans could easily give up at any time, but that they realize that the religious settlement that they are building is worth the hard work and is more important then the luxuries of England. Without the hard work that is so common in the Puritans ’ daily lives, they would not have a chance to survive in the harsh new world and develop a country and its character.

nd
rd
Anne Bradstreet ’ s poem “ Upon the Burning of
Our House ” illustrates Bradstreet ’ s strong character regarding inner strength.
For example, Bradstreet writes about looking through the ashes at her things after the fire.
She inscribes, “ In silence ever shall thou lie,
Adieu, Adieu, all ’ s vanity ” (Bradstreet 126). It is at this point Bradstreet realizes that her possessions were just things. She need not worry whether or not she has belongings.
Because she is a Puritan, she knows God will provide her with new things if she needs them.
She realizes He gives and takes, so she need not worry or complain. Instead, she says farewell to her possessions and thus her pride in owning superficial items. Bradstreet recognizes she must rely on herself and God to provide. Without inner strength, Bradstreet would not survive the tragedies she faces.

5 th Paragraph


Conclusion- 3-4 sentences
Not a summary
 Quotation from outside source
 Link these qualities to today
 Do NOT bring up anything new or quotes from the authors you wrote about.
Helen Keller accurately describes the development of the American character when she states that “ character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved ” The trials and sufferings of early Americans and of Bradford, Bradstreet, and Franklin demonstrate the developing of character and traits that continue to shape America.
Josiah G. Holland, an American novelist, says, “ Character must stand behind and back up everything – the sermon, the poem, the picture, the play. None of them is worth a straw without it.
”
Essentially, character is what makes up literature of the developing country. Accordingly, when one reads the writings of a nation, one learns of the character of that nation. Therefore, through the works of Bradstreet, Edwards, Taylor, and Franklin, people ascertain several qualities of the American character.