Literature of Colonial America 美国文学史课件.ppt

Literature of Colonial America American Puritanism Church restored to the state of purity of the 1st century church established by Jesus Christ. Religion was a matter of prime importance. They make it their chief business to see that men lived and thought and acted in a way which tended to the glory of God. They accepted the doctrines preached by the French theologian John Calvin. They accepted the doctrine of predestination, original sin and total depravity, limited atonement (or the salvation of a selected few) through a special infusion of grace from God. The influence of Puritanism on American life and American Literature Practical: a way of life pious idealism Metaphorical way---symbolism Style of Puritan Writing Concepts of ethics Two important figures Johnathan Edwards Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin Autobiography: God help those who help themselves. Freedom of man: Equality: success through self-reliance, hard work Self-improvement: 13 virtues listed in the book: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility * * *