Precolonial and Colonial American Literature: Puritans, Narratives, and Key Authors

What literary movements reflect the early struggles of settlers in America?

Precolonial and colonial American literary movements.

What genre of literature details settlers' maltreatment after being captured by Native Americans?

Captivity narratives.

What is the most notable captivity narrative from the colonial period?

A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (1682).

What was the purpose of captivity narratives?

To paint indigenous people in a negative light to prevent settlers from joining them.

What theological identity did the Puritans and Pilgrims share?

Both were aligned with Calvinist theology.

What did the Pilgrims want regarding the Church of England?

They wanted to separate totally from the Church of England.

What was the Puritans' stance on the Church of England?

They did not want to separate but sought to reform it.

What is the acronym used to describe the tenets of Calvinist theology?

T.U.L.I.P.

What does 'Total Depravity' mean in Calvinist theology?

Due to Original Sin, man is enslaved to his passions and desires.

What does 'Unconditional Election' refer to in Calvinism?

God has chosen those who will receive mercy and be saved from the beginning of eternity.

What is 'Limited Atonement' in Calvinist beliefs?

Jesus' death was sufficient for everyone's sins but intended only for the elect.

What does 'Irresistible Grace' imply?

If you are one of God's elect, you cannot help but accept His grace.

What does 'Perseverance of the Saints' mean?

Saints will remain faithful until death; if they fall away, they were never truly elect.

How are Puritans generally remembered?

For their severe theology and disdain for earthly pleasures.

Which notable works reference Puritan themes?

The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The Crucible (1953).

Who is considered one of the premiere poets of the New World?

Anne Bradstreet.

What themes are commonly found in Anne Bradstreet's poetry?

Devotion to her husband and Puritan theological tenets.

What is the title of one of Anne Bradstreet's notable poems?

Verses upon the Burning of our House, July 10th, 1666.

What is Jonathan Edwards known for?

Being a notable preacher and theologian during the Great Awakening.

What is the title of Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon?

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.

What rhetorical techniques did Edwards use in his sermons?

Allusions, vivid imagery, and repetition.

Who was John Winthrop?

A founding member of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a political leader.

What is the significance of Winthrop's speech 'A Model of Christian Charity'?

It describes the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a 'city upon a hill' and emphasizes Puritan values.

What historical event does Winthrop's speech reference?

The founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

What was a common expectation for a Puritan wife based on Bradstreet's poems?

To be devoted to her husband and uphold Puritan values.

What is the historical context of the captivity narratives?

They emerged during tensions and conflicts with indigenous tribes, such as King Philip's War.

What is the overall portrayal of Native Americans in captivity narratives?

Often depicted negatively, with occasional rare hospitable images.

Who is the author of The Scarlet Letter?

Nathaniel Hawthorne

When was Nathaniel Hawthorne born?

July 4, 1804

What was Nathaniel Hawthorne's job before becoming a novelist?

He worked in the Boston Custom House.

What was Hester Prynne's immediate punishment?

She was publicly shamed and forced to wear the scarlet letter 'A'.

How did the women of the town feel about Hester's punishment?

They felt it was too lenient and wanted harsher punishment.

How does Hester respond when asked to reveal her lover?

She refuses to reveal his identity.

Did Hester love her husband, Chillingworth?

No, her marriage was not based on love.

What does Chillingworth ask of Hester?

He asks her to keep his identity a secret.

How does Hester survive and take care of herself and Pearl?

She works as a seamstress and uses her skills to earn a living.

What is peculiar about Pearl, Hester's daughter?

Pearl is often described as wild and has an otherworldly quality.

Was Roger Chillingworth looking for Hester when he came into town?

Yes, he was searching for her.

Where do Roger Chillingworth and Dimmesdale live?

They live in the same town but have different social standings.

What do the townspeople think of Roger Chillingworth?

They view him as a learned and compassionate man.

What physical habit does Dimmesdale have?

He often places his hand over his heart.

How did time affect Hester's reputation?

Over time, she became more respected for her charity work.

What does Hester resolve to do at the end of the section?

She resolves to confront her past and seek redemption.

What is situational irony?

It occurs when an expected outcome is subverted.

What is verbal irony?

A statement where the speaker's words differ from their intended meaning.

What is dramatic irony?

It occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not.

What does Hester think about removing the scarlet letter?

She feels conflicted about its removal and what it represents.

What secret does Roger Chillingworth relish not telling Hester?

He knows the identity of Hester's lover, Dimmesdale.

Does Hester share her pain with Pearl? Why or why not?

No, she does not want to burden Pearl with her suffering.

What does Hester believe will make Pearl a better person?

She believes that understanding her past and the scarlet letter will help.

What does Pearl think is the reason for Dimmesdale's hand over his chest?

She thinks it is a sign of guilt or pain.

What is the relationship dynamic between Hester and Dimmesdale?

It is complex, marked by love, guilt, and societal pressure.