Early American literature is a fascinating and foundational subject, tracing the development of writing in what would become the United States. This overview explores its diverse roots, key themes, influential authors, and historical context, providing a comprehensive guide for students.
American literature is the youngest national literature, with its origins deeply intertwined with Native American cultures, English literary traditions, religious beliefs, and the challenges of colonial life. Early American writing was profoundly shaped by Puritanism and the broader Protestant religion.
Understanding Early American Literature: Native American Oral Traditions
Before European arrival, Native Americans maintained a rich oral tradition, as they had no written literature. Stories, myths, legends, chants, songs, and rituals were passed down through generations. These narratives often explained the origins of people, animals, nature, and the entire universe.
Characteristics of Native American Myths
Myths are traditional, symbolic stories conveyed orally. They often feature:
- Supernatural elements
- Explanations for the origins of people, nature, animals, or the world
- Lack of historical factual basis
Traditional opening formulas like “When Coyote was a man…” or “In the ancient days…” signaled that a story took place in mythical times.
The Trickster Figure
A common character in Native American mythology is the trickster. This is a clever, rebellious, and often mischievous character, frequently an animal like coyote, raven, or mink. Tricksters cause trouble but are also intelligent and creative. For example, Coyote is said to have brought death into the world and created the Milky Way.
The Role of Chants
Chants are rhythmic words or songs used in ceremonies, rituals, prayers, and storytelling. They played a crucial role in helping Native Americans preserve their traditions and history across generations.
Colonial Literature: Genres and Puritan Influence
With the arrival of Europeans, American literature began to change dramatically. Colonists documented their experiences through various written forms:
- Travel books
- Diaries and journals
- Biographies
- Histories
- Poetry
- Religious writings
Puritan beliefs were central to much of this early colonial writing. Many Puritans saw America as the “Promised Land,” chosen by God for their religious experiment.
Pilgrims vs. Puritans: A Key Distinction
Understanding the difference between Pilgrims and Puritans is crucial for grasping early colonial history and literature.
Pilgrims
- Separatists: They completely left the Church of England.
- Arrived on the Mayflower in 1620.
- Founded Plymouth Colony.
- Sought religious freedom.
- Celebrated the first Thanksgiving.
- Faced high mortality during their first winter.
Puritans
- Wanted to purify the Church of England but stayed within it.
- Came later than the Pilgrims, in larger groups.
- Settled mainly in Massachusetts Bay Colony.
- Aimed for moral and religious reform.
- Strict Protestants, emphasizing hard work, discipline, education, and religion.
- Founded prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale.
Important Authors and Works in Early American Literature
Several figures stand out for their contributions to early American literature.
William Bradford (Pilgrim Leader)
- Life: A prominent Pilgrim leader and governor of Plymouth Colony for over 30 years. He arrived on the Mayflower.
- Work: Of Plymouth Plantation
- Literary Focus: A religious history describing the Pilgrims' journey, the Mayflower voyage, the first Thanksgiving, and early colonial struggles. It's an important example of religious history, adventure literature, and historical narrative.
John Smith (Jamestown Leader)
- Life: A key leader of the Jamestown colony who helped settlers survive. He also explored Virginia and created detailed maps.
- Work: The General History of Virginia
- Literary Focus: A Puritan work in a diary and chronicle style, detailing colonial life and exploration. It famously includes his account of Pocahontas.
Anne Bradstreet (America's First Female Poet)
- Life: The first important female poet in America, a Puritan woman living in Massachusetts.
- Work: Upon the Burning of Our House
- Literary Focus: Her work is characterized by spiritual and personal poetry, exploring themes of religion, family, love, and everyday life from a Puritan perspective.
Jonathan Edwards (Great Awakening Preacher)
- Life: A powerful Puritan preacher and a central figure during the Great Awakening, a period of religious revival.
- Work: Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
- Literary Focus: Known for his sermons and spiritual literature, focusing on themes of sin, the fear of God, and the path to salvation.
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Significant Historical Events Shaping Early American Literature
Events like the Salem Witch Trials and the Declaration of Independence left lasting impacts on the cultural and literary landscape.
The Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693)
These infamous trials occurred in Massachusetts. They were fueled by:
- Fear of the Devil
- Widespread superstition
- Strict Puritan beliefs
- Social tensions and paranoia
A group of young girls claimed demonic possession and accused local women of witchcraft, leading to widespread panic. More than 200 people were accused, 19 were hanged, one man was crushed to death, and several died in prison. Later, the trials were recognized as unfair, driven by fear and hysteria.
The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)
Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence officially declared the 13 American colonies' separation from Great Britain. Its main ideas include:
- All people are created equal.
- People possess natural, unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Governments must protect these rights.
This document was a turning point, marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation. George Washington, the leader of the American army during the Revolution, became the first U.S. President in 1789, earning the title “Father of His Country.”
FAQ: Common Questions About Early American Literature
What are the main characteristics of Early American Literature?
Early American literature is characterized by its strong religious influence (especially Puritanism), focus on colonial life, exploration, and the blending of European literary forms with Native American oral traditions. Genres include religious histories, sermons, personal journals, and early poetry.
How did Puritanism influence early American writing?
Puritanism deeply influenced early American writing by providing themes of sin, salvation, divine providence, and moral instruction. Authors like Jonathan Edwards and Anne Bradstreet explored these religious tenets in their sermons and poetry, often seeing America as a divinely chosen land.
Who are some key authors and their works from this period?
Key authors include William Bradford (Of Plymouth Plantation), John Smith (The General History of Virginia), Anne Bradstreet (Upon the Burning of Our House), and Jonathan Edwards (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God). These works offer invaluable insights into colonial life, religious beliefs, and the challenges faced by early settlers.
What role did Native American oral traditions play in this era?
Native American oral traditions, comprising myths, legends, chants, and songs, predated European arrival and explained the world's origins. While distinct from written colonial literature, they represent a fundamental, earlier form of storytelling in North America and often influenced early European perceptions of the land and its peoples.
What historical events are crucial for understanding Early American Literature?
Crucial historical events include the arrival of the Pilgrims and Puritans, the Salem Witch Trials (highlighting social tensions and religious fervor), and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, which articulated foundational American ideals of liberty and self-governance. These events provided context and often direct subject matter for the literature of the time.