Early American Literature Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts and themes in Early American Literature.

Themes in Early American Literature

Religion, survival, divine providence, hardship, moral instruction.

Puritan writing style

Simple, direct, and focused on religious purpose.

Providence (in early texts)

God's will or divine guidance in all events.

John Smith's contribution to Jamestown

Leadership, discipline, promoting the colony, trade with Natives.

Main idea of "The Author to Her Book"

The poet is ashamed of her imperfect work but still sees it as her creation.

Genre created by Mary Rowlandson

Captivity narrative.

Poor Richard's Almanack

A yearly almanac with advice and proverbs by Benjamin Franklin.

Hawthorne's family history

Ancestor was a Salem Witch Trials judge.

"Romance" according to Hawthorne

A story blending reality with supernatural or symbolic elements.

Rose outside the prison door

Hope and beauty in a harsh setting.

Pearl's name

Something precious born from suffering.

The scaffold

Public shame, confession, and judgment.

The letter “A” (Scarlet Letter)

Adultery, Able, and Angel-changing with perception.