Transcript A Gathering of Voices: The Literature of Early America

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)