Colonial Literature

1607 - 1750

New England – the Puritans – 1620 landed at Cape Cod

The Southern Colonies – farmers (cash crops) The Middle Colonies – Quakers – Ethnic and

culturally diverse

A broad term referring to a number of Protestant groups.Desired a simpler form of worshipReligion was a personal inner experienceClergy/government not an intermediary

between individual and GodPersecuted in England

“Elect” = Saved“Unregenerate” =

one of the damned

Definite separation between church and state

How do you know which category you fall into? You don’t

Self-reliance – Industriousness – Temperance – Simplicity – plain, black/white clothing

American Literature was shaped by Puritans and their MoralsEthicsReligious Convictions

Bible provided a model for Puritan writing Concept that each life was a journey to

salvationUsed writing to explore their inner and outer

lives for signs of the workings of God

Diaries and histories were the most common forms

Puritans favored a plain style – stressing clarity of expression and avoiding figures of speech

The belief that human beings can arrive at truth by using reason, rather than by relying on past authorities, religious faith, or intuition.

Started in Europe and made its way to the American Colonies

Cotton Mather, a Puritan minister is also interested in natural science and medicine.He implemented inoculations for the Smallpox

disease in 1721.

In contrast to Puritans – Deists believed:God was available at all timesPeople were inherently goodIndividuals had the gift to reason

Age of pamphletsLiterature was intended to serve a purpose of

practical or political ends.

New England Primer – textbookThe Day of Doom – poem about sinners who would

experience the torment of hell.The Selling of Joseph – anti-slavery tractBay Psalm Book – new translation of the PsalmsThe History of Plymouth PlantationCommon Sense – Thomas Paine

Cotton Mather – witchcraft trials

Jonathan Edwards – puritan theologian

Anne Bradstreet – Poetry

Phillis Wheatley – slave poet

Philip Freneau – patriotic poet

Benjamin Franklin – autobiography

Thomas Jefferson – Dec. Independence

Poor Richard’s Almanack

Determine the purpose of each work

Consult the biographies to determine the various backgrounds of writers.

Use the graphic aids.

Try to distinguish fact from opinion.

Understand that these narrative lay the groundwork for later Amer. Lit.

Look for parallels to modern life.