14. EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE, WAR AND VIOLENCE AND AMERICAN LITERATURE

What is the starting point for American literature?

American literature begins before there were “Americans” and consists of writings by Englishmen describing exploration and colonization.

Who is Thomas Hariot, and why is he important?

Thomas Hariot wrote Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia (1588), considered the first of many works that mixed facts with fantasy.

What were the significant differences between Southern and New England colonies?

n the South, plantations used slave labor for tobacco, while New England settlers, particularly Puritans, aimed to create a society based on strict Christian beliefs.

What is Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford about?

It describes the Puritans' relations with the Indians and the harsh conditions they faced, written in the plain style admired by Puritans.

Who was John Winthrop, and what did he write?

John Winthrop was the first governor of Massachusetts Bay, and his writings, such as The History of New England, are known for their plain and cold style.

What is the significance of Roger Williams and his work Bloudy Tenent?

Roger Williams advocated for religious freedom in Bloudy Tenent (1644), which became an important statement for religious liberty.

What are some works by Cotton Mather?

Magnalia Christi Americana, Death Made Easy and Happy, and The Best of Living, which is to Die Daily are some of Mather's works, written in a complex style.

What are Anne Bradstreet's contributions to American literature?

Anne Bradstreet, the first real New England poet, wrote Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up In America, offering insight into the life of a 17th-century American woman.

What role did Benjamin Franklin play in American literature?

Franklin’s writings, such as Poor Richard’s Almanac and Autobiography, reflect the Enlightenment spirit in America, with practical purposes and modern style.

What is the significance of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?

Common Sense was a pamphlet that significantly influenced the American Revolution, advocating for independence from Britain.

What was Thomas Jefferson's contribution to American literature?

As the chief author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s writing reflects Enlightenment ideals, particularly in his Notes on the State of Virginia.

Who was Philip Freneau, and what were his major works?

Freneau, known for his patriotic and nature poetry, wrote Pictures of Columbus, British Prison Ship, and The Wild Honey Suckle.

What was the role of the Connecticut Wits in early American poetry?

The Connecticut Wits, a poetic group, were Federalists who criticized the democratic philosophy and political ideas of figures like Paine and Jefferson.

What was America's first professional theatre play?

Prince of Parthia by Thomas Godfrey is considered the first American play to be professionally produced

Who was William Dunlap?

William Dunlap was the most active playwright after the American Revolution, known for works like The Father and André.

What is the significance of Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises?

Hemingway's novel portrays the Lost Generation, showing how war affects individuals' spiritual and emotional states.

What is John Dos Passos known for?

Dos Passos’ Three Soldiers presents a historical view of WWI, focusing on how war destroys individuals and operates as a machine.

What themes does Norman Mailer explore in The Naked and the Dead?

Mailer’s novel is a realistic portrayal of WWII, highlighting the futility of heroism and the meaningless deaths of soldiers.

How does Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five deal with the war?

Slaughterhouse-Five uses a non-linear narrative to explore the bombing of Dresden, mixing science fiction and real war experiences.

What is the focus of Philip Caputo’s A Rumor of War?

Caputo’s memoir focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the Vietnam War on soldiers.

What kind of writing style was common in early American exploration literature?

Early exploration literature, such as Thomas Hariot's Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia, often mixed factual accounts with imaginative or fantastical elements, creating a blend of adventure and idealization of the New World.

How did Captain John Smith’s writing contribute to the settlement narrative?

Captain John Smith’s works, such as True Relation of Virginia and Description of New England, not only chronicled the colonies but also functioned as promotional texts aimed at attracting settlers to the New World, often exaggerating the opportunities for wealth and land.

What is meant by the "plain style" in Puritan literature?

The "plain style" was a simple, direct writing style used by Puritan writers. It avoided ornate language and was used to convey religious and moral messages clearly. This style is seen in the writings of William Bradford and John Winthrop.

How did the Enlightenment influence early American writers?

Enlightenment thinkers believed in reason, science, and self-improvement, which influenced early American writers like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine. They were optimistic about mankind's ability to create a just society based on rational principles.

How did pamphlet writing serve the American Revolution?

Pamphlet writing became a crucial form of political expression during the American Revolution, especially for figures like Thomas Paine. His pamphlet Common Sense (1776) galvanized public sentiment for independence, framing the colonial struggle as both morally just and practically necessary.

Who were the Connecticut Wits, and how did they influence early American literature?

The Connecticut Wits were a group of early American poets, such as John Trumbull, Timothy Dwight, and Joel Barlow. They wrote in the neoclassical style and critiqued democracy and the emerging American political system, often promoting Federalist views.

How did World War I influence American literature?

World War I led to the emergence of the Lost Generation, a group of American writers, such as Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, who were deeply disillusioned by the war. Their works reflect themes of disillusionment, the destruction of innocence, and the emptiness of post-war life.

What is A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway about?

A Farewell to Arms is a semi-autobiographical novel about a love affair between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse during World War I. The novel’s anti-war sentiment highlights the futility of war, with nature as a recurring symbol of life and hope

Enlightenment Ideals in Early American Literature

The Enlightenment emphasis on reason, logic, and self-improvement influenced both the Founding Fathers and early American writers. Writers like Franklin and Jefferson represented a shift from the religious focus of Puritans to more rational and individualistic ideals

How did the Founding Fathers contribute to American literature?

The Founding Fathers played a crucial role in shaping American literature, not through fiction but through political writings, pamphlets, and public speeches that reflected Enlightenment ideals. Their works focused on freedom, independence, and the creation of a new republic based on reason and justice.

What are some key works of Benjamin Franklin and what do they reflect?

Benjamin Franklin’s works, such as Poor Richard’s Almanack and his Autobiography, reflect the ideals of self-improvement, practical wisdom, and a strong work ethic. Franklin is often seen as the embodiment of the Enlightenment spirit in America.

What is the significance of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?

Common Sense (1776) is one of the most important pamphlets in American history. Paine argues for American independence from Britain in simple, persuasive language. It rallied public opinion for independence and was a significant influence in the Revolution.

What role did Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence play in American literature and history?

Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence (1776) is a cornerstone of American political philosophy. Written in clear and elegant language, it justified the colonies’ break from Britain, emphasizing natural rights and the concept of self-government, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.

What is the contribution of Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers (1787-1788), written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, were a series of 85 essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These essays remain a foundational source for understanding American democracy, the balance of power, and the protection of individual rights.

How did the Enlightenment influence the Founding Fathers' writings?

The Founding Fathers were deeply influenced by Enlightenment principles, which emphasized reason, scientific thought, and the idea that governments should serve the people. They believed in the power of the individual and the importance of creating a society based on freedom, equality, and justice.

What impact did the Founding Fathers' political writings have on American literature?

Their writings laid the groundwork for a distinctly American literary tradition. Their works moved away from the European literary traditions, focusing on practical issues like governance, rights, and the nature of the new American identity. Their language and ideals would later influence generations of American writers, particularly during the 19th century.