American Literature Terms.docVIP

Puritanism Puritanism is the practices and beliefs of puritans, English religious and political reformers who fled their native land in search of religious freedom, and settled and colonized New England in the 17th century. They at first wished to reform or “purify” their religious beliefs and practices. To them, religion should be a matter of personal faith rather than a ritual. Doctrines:- Predestination- Original sin and total depravity (human beings are basically evil.)- Limited atonement (or the Salvation of a selected few) Puritan values (creeds):Hard work, thrift, piety, sobriety, simple tastes.Puritans are more practical, tougher, and to be ever ready for any misfortune and tragic failure.They are optimistic. The Great Awakening (1730s—1740s) A series of religious revivals that swept over the American colonies about the middle of 18th century. It resulted in doctrinal changes and influenced social and political thought. In New England it was started by the rousing preaching of Jonathan Edwards. Enlightenment An 18th-century movement that focused on the ideals of good sense, benevolence, and a belief in liberty, justice, and equality as the natural rights of man. Spiritual life of the colonies—Enlightenment.Philosophical and intellectual movement.Advocated reason or rationality, the scientific method, equality and human beings’ability to perfect themselves and their society. Agreed on faith in human rationality and existence of discoverable and universally valid principles governing human beings, nature and society. Opposed intolerance, restraint, spiritual authority and revealed religion Romanticism Definition: romanticism rose in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In contrast to classicism, it is associated with imagination and creation of individuality. Romantic writers attach importance to the portrayal of features of distinctive characters. They reproduce life in their writings according to their ideal and prefer imaginative, even fantastic v