Lecture 1 Introduction to American Literature in Colonial and Revolutionary Periods.pptVIP

1. Historical Background 1) Colonization of America In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America; In 1607, Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement; In 1620, a group of Puritans sailed to North America and founded a settlement, which they called Plymouth. 1607-1733, English colonists established 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast of America. The War of Independence The Literature of Colonial America Characteristics Form: diaries, travel books, letters, journals, sermons, histories etc. Content: the voyage, the new land, unfamiliar climates and crops, dealing with Indians The Writing Style The writing style of this period is fresh, simple and direct; the rhetoric is plain and honest, with touch of nobility often traceable to the direct influence of the Bible. All this left an obvious imprint on American writing. American Literatuer of Revolutionary Period Characteristic of literary works Political Many political pamphlets appeared. Patriotism is one of the main themes of this period. Include less Puritan elements The literary works include less puritan elements compared with those works of colonial American period. 2) Puritanism Puritans - to reform the Church of England - to avoid religious persecution -to seek a new Garden of Eden The principles and practices of puritans were popularly known as puritanism. The Puritan Values hard work (diligence) thrift节俭 piety虔诚 sobriety节制 The impact of Puritanism on American literature Optimism characterised early American literature. Puritans’ perception left symbolism as one chief feature of American literature. The puritan style of writing is characterised by simplicity, which left an indelible imprint on American writing. Homework: Read p1-p9 Try to answer the following questions: 1. Who was Benjamin Franklin? How do you about his life, works and contributions? 2. General introduction to Autobiography? 3. How would you describe Franklin’s writing sty