Early American literature is a fascinating and foundational subject, representing the youngest national literature in the world. Understanding its origins is crucial for students grappling with its complexities. This guide will help you navigate the key influences, major works, and historical contexts that shaped Early American Literature and Its Origins.
Unveiling the Roots of Early American Literature
The roots of American literature are a rich tapestry woven from diverse threads. These include Native American cultures, the long-standing tradition of English literature, the profound influence of religion, and the unique challenges and experiences of colonial life. Notably, early American literary output was heavily shaped by Puritanism and the Protestant religion, reflecting the beliefs and values of the early European settlers.
Before the arrival of Europeans, Native American societies thrived with their own sophisticated forms of expression. They had no written literature, so their stories, wisdom, and history were meticulously passed down orally from one generation to the next. This rich oral tradition included:
- myths
- legends
- chants
- songs
- rituals
These narratives often explained the profound mysteries of existence, such as the origin of people, animals, nature, and the universe itself. Traditional opening formulas like “When Coyote was a man…” or “In the ancient days…” signaled that a story was unfolding in mythical times.
The Shift with European Colonization
The arrival of Europeans fundamentally transformed the literary landscape. Colonists introduced written forms of expression, focusing on documenting their experiences, beliefs, and observations. Their writings encompassed a variety of genres:
- travel books
- diaries
- biographies
- journals
- histories
- poetry
- religious writings
A central belief among many Puritans was that America was a divinely chosen “Promised Land.” This conviction deeply influenced their writing and worldview.
Key Examples of Early American Literature
To grasp the breadth of this period, consider these foundational works and types:
- Native American myths and legends
- Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
- The General History of Virginia by John Smith
- Sermons by Jonathan Edwards, such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"
- Poetry by Anne Bradstreet, like "Upon the burning of our house"
Exploring Native American Oral Traditions: Myths and Chants
Native American literature, primarily oral, centered around myths and chants that served vital cultural functions. A myth is a traditional, symbolic story transmitted orally across generations. These stories often feature supernatural elements and explain the origins of people, nature, animals, or the world, rather than being based on historical facts. For instance, Native American myths often explained how Earth, humans, or death were created.
A significant character in many Native American myths is the trickster. This figure is often an animal (like coyote, raven, or mink) characterized by cleverness, rebelliousness, and mischievousness. While causing trouble, the trickster is also a creative and intelligent force. For example, Coyote is sometimes depicted bringing death into the world or creating the Milky Way by throwing stars into the sky.
Chants are repeated rhythmic words or songs crucial to Native American cultures. They were used during ceremonies, rituals, prayers, and storytelling, playing a key role in preserving traditions and history.
Pilgrims vs. Puritans: A Crucial Distinction
Understanding the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans is essential for studying early American history and literature. While both were strict Protestants seeking religious reform, their approaches differed significantly.
| Feature | Pilgrims | Puritans |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Stance | Separatists – left the Church of England completely | Wanted to purify the Church of England, but stayed within it |
| Arrival | Came on the Mayflower in 1620 | Came later in larger groups |
| Settlement | Founded Plymouth Colony | Settled mainly in Massachusetts |
| Motivation | Wanted religious freedom | Wanted moral and religious reform |
| Characteristics | Celebrated the first Thanksgiving; many died during the first winter | Hardworking, disciplined; emphasized education and religion; founded schools like Harvard and Yale |
The Dark Chapter: The Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials represent a chilling period in early American history, occurring in Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. This dark episode was fueled by a complex interplay of factors:
- Fear of the Devil: A prevalent belief in the power and presence of evil.
- Superstition: Widespread acceptance of supernatural explanations for misfortune.
- Strict Puritan Beliefs: The rigid moral code and religious fervor of the community.
- Social Tensions and Paranoia: Underlying societal anxieties that contributed to a climate of suspicion.
The events began when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the Devil and accused local women of witchcraft. Panic quickly spread through the town, leading to the arrest and trial of many innocent individuals. The tragic results included:
- More than 200 people accused.
- 19 people hanged.
- 1 man crushed to death.
- Several people died in prison.
Later, society recognized the trials as unjust, driven by fear and mass hysteria.
Important Puritan Authors and Their Contributions
Several authors stand out during this period, offering unique insights into colonial life, religious thought, and the challenges of the new world.
John Smith
Life: John Smith was a pivotal leader of the Jamestown colony. He played a crucial role in helping settlers survive the harsh early years, exploring Virginia, and meticulously creating maps of the territory. His stories, including the famous account of Pocahontas, contributed significantly to the colonial narrative.
Works: His most notable work is The General History of Virginia. This book provides a detailed account of Jamestown, describes colonial life, and highlights the spirit of exploration. Smith's writing style reflects Puritan influences, often presented as a diary or chronicle.
Literary Focus: Puritan writing, diary and chronicle style, adventure literature, travel writing, historical narrative.
William Bradford
Life: A prominent Pilgrim leader, William Bradford served as the governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years. He was among those who arrived on the historic Mayflower voyage.
Works: Bradford's magnum opus, Of Plymouth Plantation, recounts the Pilgrims' arduous journey, the Mayflower voyage itself, the celebration of the first Thanksgiving, and the numerous struggles faced by the early colonists.
Literary Focus: Religious history, chronicle of early colonial struggles.
Jonathan Edwards
Life: Jonathan Edwards was an influential Puritan preacher and a central figure during the religious revival known as the Great Awakening.
Works: His most famous work is the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." This powerful piece exemplifies spiritual literature, exploring themes of sin, the fear of God, and the path to salvation.
Literary Focus: Sermons, spiritual literature, themes of sin, fear of God, salvation.
Anne Bradstreet
Life: Anne Bradstreet holds the distinction of being the first important female poet in America. She was a Puritan woman living in Massachusetts, whose personal experiences and faith deeply informed her work.
Works: Her notable poems include "Upon the burning of our house." Her poetry is characterized by its spiritual and personal nature, delving into themes of religion, family, love, and everyday life.
Literary Focus: Spiritual poetry, personal poetry, themes of religion, family, love, everyday life.
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The Road to Independence: The Declaration of Independence
While not strictly "literature" in the same vein as poetry or novels, the United States Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone document that profoundly shaped the nation's identity and future literary output. Dated July 4, 1776, it officially declared the 13 American colonies independent from Great Britain.
Its main ideas are revolutionary and enduring:
- All people are created equal.
- People possess natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Governments are established to protect these rights.
Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration marked the official birth of the United States as an independent nation. Following this, George Washington, the leader of the American army during the Revolution and often called the “Father of His Country,” became the first president of the USA in 1789.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early American Literature
Students often have specific questions when studying this rich period. Here are some common inquiries.
What are the main characteristics of Early American Literature?
Early American literature is characterized by its strong religious influence (especially Puritanism), focus on historical documentation (diaries, journals, chronicles), exploration of the natural world, and themes of survival, faith, and the establishment of a new society. It often reflects a utilitarian purpose rather than pure entertainment, seeking to instruct, inform, or inspire religious devotion.
Who are some key authors and their works from the Early American period?
Key authors include William Bradford (Of Plymouth Plantation), John Smith (The General History of Virginia), Jonathan Edwards ("Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"), and Anne Bradstreet ("Upon the burning of our house"). These authors represent different facets of the early American experience, from historical accounts to deeply personal spiritual reflections.
How did Native American oral traditions influence later American literature?
While distinct from written European traditions, Native American oral traditions provided foundational myths, legends, and storytelling patterns that later influenced American authors. Concepts like the trickster figure, explanations for natural phenomena, and a deep connection to the land are recurring motifs that have resonated through various periods of American literature, sometimes through direct inspiration, sometimes through the collective consciousness of a continent. For instance, the works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and James Fenimore Cooper, though problematic in their portrayals, attempted to draw from these earlier narratives.
What was the significance of the Great Awakening in Early American Literature?
The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that emphasized personal religious experience and fervent preaching. Figures like Jonathan Edwards, with his fiery sermons, represent a pinnacle of this movement in literature. It led to a surge in spiritual writings, sermons, and personal narratives of conversion, reinforcing the religious underpinnings of society and literature while also challenging established religious authority.
What is the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans, and why is it important for understanding literature?
The distinction is crucial because it highlights different motivations and settlement patterns that shaped distinct literary outputs. Pilgrims were Separatists who sought complete religious freedom and chronicled their perilous journey and settlement in works like Of Plymouth Plantation. Puritans, though reformers, aimed to purify the Church of England from within and settled in larger, more organized communities in Massachusetts. Their literature, as seen in the sermons of Edwards or poetry of Bradstreet, often focused on moral reform, education, and the strict adherence to religious doctrine, creating a distinct intellectual and spiritual landscape.