A Gathering of Voices:The Literature of Early America

(Beginnings to 1750)

Literature of the Period

Native American Tradition

• Native American literature viewed mainly as folklore

• Poetic and moving language where recorded• Skills at oration valued (Logan & Red Jacket)• Tales vary greatly by tribe• Common thread—deep respect for nature

Explorers’ Accounts

• Exploration voyages not well documented until the late 1400’s

• Christopher Columbus—Journal of the First Voyage to America– Wrote about his experiences but especially

emphasized the rich potential of the new world

Puritan Literature

• Dominated by religion (esp. sin & salvation)• Purpose of writing--spiritual insight and

instruction• Journals/diaries—serious self-examination• Fiction/drama—sinful• Poetry—allowed as a vehicle of spiritual

enlightenment• Literary style—plain style of writing (clear

statement is highest goal

Puritans & Education

• Strong belief in education for men & women• Founded Harvard to provide quality education

for the ministry• Set up first printing press in colonies– Bay Psalm Book– Increase & Cotton Mather

• Established free public schools in Massachusetts in 1647– The New England Primer

Southern Writers

• Few notable Southern writers prior to 1750• Most writing was practical in nature– The General History of Virginia by John Smith

• Did not oppose fiction or drama—1st theater in American opened in Virginia in 1716

• William Byrd– Kept a journal while surveying boundary between

VA and NC (published posthumously)